In order to understand eCOGRA and its influence on the online casino industry, it is first important to know all there is to know about the company, where it came from and how such an influence came about.

eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance, or eCOGRA, is a testing agency, as well as a player protection and standards organisation that has been internationally approved. Established in 2003, this London-based company was the first to introduce a formal self-regulation program to the world of online gaming.

eCOGRA also specialises online gaming software and systems certification as one of the world’s leading testing agencies. In order to consider a casino safe, trustworthy and reliable they will need to have a seal of approval from eCOGRA.

eCOGRA and Regulated Markets

It is vital to have a decent understanding of regulated market in order to truly grasp the importance of eCOGRA and its influence on the online casino industry. Due to the fact that regulations in online gambling have become substantially widespread, this company essentially provided regulatory compliance services that ultimately pushed focus away from self-regulation.

This essentially means that players can trust the systems that are in place, due to the fact that they are tested and approved on an international level, with casinos in Spain, Italy, UK and much more using eGOGRA to promise player protection.

As of January 2016, this leading organisation has obtained 60 clients, with some of them being the likes of Microgaming, Unibet, 888, Net Entertainment, bet365 and many more.

eGAP

Another aspect that proves important to have an understanding of when learning about eCOGRA and its influence on the online casino industry is the eGAP, or eCOGRA Generally Accepted Practices.

This regime has specified requirements that ensures there is a great deal of emphasis on fair, safe and responsible gambling that are actually enforced through constant monitoring and online reviews. From the eCOGRA Safe and Fair Seal to the eCOGRA Certified Software Seal, the eGAP requirements are an essential part of eCOGRA and its influence on the online casino industry.

eCOGRA Safe and Fair Seal

eCOGRA will award a Safe and Fair Seal to all online gaming operators that fulfil the eGAP requirements that cover player protection, responsible operator behaviour and all-round fair gaming.

In order to maintain this seal of approval, applicants will need to ensure that they continue to comply with all eGAP requirements as they are assessed on a yearly basis by eCOGRA compliance specialists.

eCOGRA Certified Software Seal

In spite of the fact that the eCOGRA Certified Software Seal is only awarded to software suppliers that are able to demonstrate compliance with the relevant eGAP requirements, the seal is just as important when understanding eCOGRA and its influence on the online casino industry.

In this case, software developers and platform providers are annually assessed against software supplier requirements that specialise and focus on internal controls, development process and controls governance, security environment and IT internal control. eCORGA’s reach is wide and has left an indelible mark on any online casino, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or any other region around the world has on offer today.

Subsequently, the company introduced the eCOGRA Affiliate Trust Seal due to the increasing demand from affiliate programs. This is obviously awarded to affiliate programs that comply with the applicable eGAP requirements.