IGC - Code of Conduct

From CasinoArticles.com

Online Gambling
IGC - Code of Conduct
By Kelly Reynolds
Apr 5, 2002, 19:51

Internet gambling allows individuals from all over the world to place wagers at online casinos and sportsbooks with software designed especially for internet gambling sites. The casino games featured at internet gambling casinos offer the same odds one would find at a traditional brick and mortar casino establishment. Any software that is provided to an online casino for purposes of gambling on the internet is subject to testing by the federal government’s gaming regulations board. In addition to software testing, all online casinos must operate according to a Code of Conduct which was enacted by the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC).

The purpose of the IGC is to “…establish fair and responsible trade guidelines and practices that enhance consumer confidence in interactive gaming products and services.” The IGC also hopes to provide a forum for those who are interested in discussing the different aspects of internet gambling, and to serve as the gaming industry’s advocate. In order to receive a seal of approval with respect to internet gambling, online casinos must adhere to the ten rules of the Code of Conduct. These ten rules include regulatory compliance, accountability, consumer privacy and data protection, truth in advertising, dispute resolution and audit trails, limiting access by minors, controlling compulsive gambling, banking and transaction processing, prize payouts, and corporate citizenship. If members of the internet gambling community do not meet any one of these requirements, the IGC seal of approval will be removed until such time as all of the rules are followed.

Because internet gambling encompasses thousands of online casinos and sportsbooks, software testing and the IGC Code of Conduct set standards for those involved with running gambling on the internet. Without these rules and regulations to mandate internet gambling, consumers would have no basis on which to judge online casinos and sportsbooks.