In recent years, the online gaming industry has boomed with more people than ever opting to play games online, no matter their age or country they live in. While in 2021, the market size was estimated to be worth $56 billion US dollars, by 2030 it is forecast to be $132 billion US dollars.

This sharp curve of growth can be attributed to a rise in the availability and affordability of technology across the world, enabling people to play video games with ease from anyplace and at any time. Today, the most loved traditional casino games can be played online at top online casinos like Monopoly Casino. Yet while today’s online games are so accessible, gamers need to be aware of how to stay safe while online.
Below, we’ll take a look at the top ways to stay safe when gaming online.
Take regular breaks
When we talk about safety while playing games online, it not only encompasses cyber crime aspects but also your physical and mental health. Experts recommend taking a break from the screen every 45-60 minutes for at least 5 minutes at a time.
During this time, it’s important to get up and stretch your legs so that you get the blood flowing around your body again. Perhaps head outside for a breath of fresh air and some daylight exposure if possible, or do some gentle stretches in the room you are in.
Use a strong password
It’s one of the most basic rules when it comes to online safety but is underestimated by many. Having a strong password that is different for every account you use is essential in keeping your online accounts and personal details safe.
In order to create a strong password, be sure to use a password generation tool that uses complex characters that cannot be guessed. Having a long password may seem unnecessary but passwords can easily be worked out by cyber criminals in a process called hashing.
In addition to this, it’s best to turn on two-factor authentication to keep your accounts extra secure. Two-factor authentication means you will need to confirm your login on another device or by accessing a link in your emails, adding an extra layer of protection to your account.
Be sure it’s legal
When it comes to online casinos, there are many quality sites out there. However, there are also many illegal sites that are not licensed by their local authority. As such, if you use one of these unlicensed casinos then you will not be protected by the law. Many of these casinos do not follow strict regulations for handling people’s personal data and financial details which leaves you as the player in danger of being a victim of cyber crime.
A reputable casino should display their license on the front page of their website, in the website footer, or on the ‘About Us’ page. Look for this license before signing up to any online casino site.
Stay in control
If you’re struggling with impulse control when playing an online game, it’s nothing to be ashamed of as it’s a natural human experience. However, managing that impulse control is essential and you must be able to determine when it’s time to stop playing.
Some signs that you should stop playing include:
- You haven’t taken a break for hours and have skipped meals
- You’re getting frustrated with the game
- You keep losing but play over and over, putting more and more money into the game
- You don’t have enough funds in your account to cover the gameplay
- You become tired, achy or experience migraines from being at the screen for too long.
Use a VPN
If you’re playing an online game in a public space like a cafe or on public transport, your personal information could become exposed through the wifi. In this case, it is essential to use a VPN in order to mask your identity and protect your personal details from spying eyes.
Today’s top VPNs can also be applied across your mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, in which they are worth investing in.
Research your games
There are so many games available online and many of which are advertised. However, just because a game is heavily advertised or appears as the top game on the app store, it doesn’t mean it’s safe or reputable.
Be sure to read reviews from other players and do your research before downloading any game you see,
Ensure you do updates on your device
Updates on your device sure can be annoying when you’re in the middle of something. However, it is essential to do updates on your device in order to keep it safe from cyber attacks. Updates contain important bug fixes and patches that stop the latest cyber criminals from accessing your information or harming your device.
While it may interrupt your gameplay, make it a habit to install updates regularly.
Overall, the world of online gaming is a great place with so many quality games available at your fingertips. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg and the dark web also unfortunately exists, meaning it is essential to stay safe when playing games online.