INTERVIEW: CHRISTOFFER ØDEGÅRDEN DISCUSSES ONLINE CASINO SAFETY MEASURES

How safe are online casinos targeting UK players, and how can we discern good from bad? Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Christoffer Ødegården, one of the top experts on the British gambling market, currently serving as Head of Casino at the popular comparison site Bojoko.com.

In this interview, we will explore how Brits can navigate the maze of online casinos while ensuring they are choosing a safe and secure platform. Ødegården will share his tips to ensure player safety at all times, highlight the dangers of non-UKGC casinos, and explain why staying informed and aware is always important.

To kick things off, could you provide a brief overview of Bojoko and what you do to help British players?

Bojoko is an online comparison site covering casinos, sportsbooks, and bingo sites. We provide players with a comprehensive platform to discover, compare, and review online casinos. More importantly, we aim to be different from our competitors by putting the players first and giving them the power to make informed choices. 

While we curate lists of everything from the best bonuses to the casinos with the fastest withdrawals, our main feature is our quick filters, which let our readers trim down and reorganise every list on our website until they are left with the casinos that match their wishlist.

Safety and security are paramount in the online gambling industry. What measures does Bojoko undertake to ensure players are directed to safe and secure online casinos?

At Bojoko, we place a great deal of importance on player safety. That’s why we have stringent criteria in place for the casinos listed on our platform. 

We have a great team of casino experts who diligently test and vet every brand we list. In their reviews, you will find everything you need to know about each gambling site, with no stones unturned, and an easy breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses.

Of course, we only list online casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which is renowned for its rigorous regulatory standards. This means that any brand you sign up to from Bojoko.com is accountable to Britain and must follow its guidelines and regulations.

We have even gone further and created a page listing what we believe to be the safest online casinos in the UK. This list is based on our assessment of everything from brand reputation to responsible gaming policies, terms and conditions, and more.

Could you elaborate on why it’s crucial for players to choose UKGC-licensed casinos?

The UKGC is one of the most reputable regulatory bodies globally, and casinos licensed by them are held to the highest standards of integrity and player protection. 

Choosing a UKGC-licensed casino provides players with assurance that the operator has undergone stringent vetting processes, including checks on their financial stability, integrity, and commitment to responsible gambling practices. 

This significantly reduces the risk of encountering unscrupulous operators and ensures a safer gaming environment for players.

It is also essential to understand that if you play at a casino that the UKGC does not license, they are not accountable to Britain, nor any British laws or regulations. Your recourse, should anything happen, will be significantly decreased.

Compliance with regulations and responsible gambling practices is essential for any reputable online casino. How does Bojoko ensure that the casinos listed on its platform are compliant and promote responsible gambling?

Compliance and responsible gambling are non-negotiable aspects for us at Bojoko. Before listing a casino on our platform, we thoroughly assess its adherence to regulatory requirements, including KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling tools. 

We also pay attention to whether or not brands offer responsible gambling features, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to support organisations for players who may be experiencing gambling-related harm. 

By promoting responsible gambling practices, we aim to foster a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience for all players.

How would you advise players to ensure their safety when choosing an online casino?

I advise players to avoid being lured in by tempting bonuses and always prioritise safety and security when selecting an online casino. If you are in Britain, only look for casinos licensed by the UKGC, as this provides a strong indication of their trustworthiness. Also, be sure to read the reviews at sites like Bojoko to get a clear picture of the brand you will be signing up to.

Lastly, remember to gamble responsibly and utilise the available responsible gambling tools to maintain control over your gaming habits. By following these guidelines, players can enjoy a safe and enjoyable online gambling experience.