Online gambling has exploded in popularity in recent years. With so many options for real money games and sports betting available on the internet, it’s easier than ever for people to get in on the action. However, with the convenience of being able to gamble from your phone or computer comes increased risks to your Rocket Play account security.
Losing access to your online gambling accounts could mean forfeiting any winnings you’ve accumulated. Even worse, having your personal and financial data fall into the wrong hands opens you up to fraud and identity theft. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lock down your accounts and keep the cyber criminals at bay.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
The first line of defense for any online account is a strong password. Using the same simple password across multiple accounts is asking for trouble. Make a unique, complex password for your gambling accounts.
Here are some tips for creating a strong password:
- Use at least 12 characters, mixing upper and lower case letters.
- Incorporate numbers and symbols.
- Avoid predictable patterns or personal information.
- Consider using a password generator or manager app to handle passwords.
Avoid obvious choices like your birthday, name, or “Password123”. The longer and more random your password, the harder it will be to crack. Change it every few months just to be extra secure.
Enable Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security beyond your password. It means you need to provide two forms of identity verification to log in.
With 2FA enabled, you may need to enter a one-time code sent to your phone or email. Or the site may send a notification to an authenticator app requiring your approval. It makes it much harder for a stranger to access your account, even if they have your password.
Most gambling sites offer 2FA as an option upon sign-up or under user account settings. Take a minute to turn this on for enhanced protection. Some sites also support multi-factor authentication with even more steps required to log in.
Use a VPN for Added Anonymity
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address. Using a VPN prevents your gambling activity from being tracked back to your location or identity. It provides an added layer of anonymity.
VPNs essentially let you gamble through a virtual tunnel. All the sites see is the IP address of the VPN server you’re connected through, not your actual network. Going through a VPN adds latency, but many good services optimize gaming connections.
Do research to find a reputable VPN provider who doesn’t keep usage logs and allows P2P connections. TunnelBear, NordVPN, and Surfshark are good options.
Only Use Secured Wi-Fi Connections
Never access your gambling accounts on public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks. Connecting through an unencrypted hotspot leaves you vulnerable to snooping by hackers also using that network. They can steal your login credentials and other personal data.
Instead, only log into your gambling sites when connected to a password-protected home or work Wi-Fi. Better yet, stick to cellular data on your smartphone. Avoid that temptation to squeeze in a few minutes of poker or slots while connected to the coffee shop Wi-Fi.
Avoid Phishing Attempts
Cyber criminals use phishing emails and fake websites to trick users into handing over account credentials. Be wary of any emails or texts asking you to verify account details or reset your password. Use bookmarks to access gambling sites directly instead of clicking mysterious links.
Realize reputable companies will never message asking for your password or account number. Delete any sketchy requests for personal information without responding. And double check web addresses for extra characters or misspellings before entering any login information.
Staying alert helps avoid having your credentials stolen through phishing. Report any suspicious activity directly to your gambling site’s customer support right away as well.
Use a Complicated Backup Question
Many gambling sites have backup security questions in case you forget your password or get locked out. Pick a question that has an answer nobody else could possibly guess. Avoid simple questions like your mother’s maiden name or the city you were born in.
Come up with a complex question only you know the answer to. For example, “What was the first car you ever drove?” or “What elementary school did you attend in 3rd grade?”. The more obscure, the better for a secure yet memorable backup.
Just be sure to actually remember your made up question and answer. Write it down somewhere secure if needed. This adds protection against getting locked out by forgetting credentials.
Check Account Activity Frequently
Make it a habit to regularly check up on your online gambling accounts. Look for any suspicious transactions or activity that could indicate fraud. Most sites allow you to view your recent play history and account statements.
Staying on top of your account activity helps spot unauthorized access attempts quickly. If anything looks fishy, change your password immediately and contact customer support. Take action quickly in order to limit losses due to hacking.
Consider setting alerts through your gambling site as well. You can get notifications by email or text of important account actions, like password changes or withdrawals. Enabling alerts helps monitor for problems in real-time.
Use e-Wallets or Prepaid Cards to Make Deposits
Linking gambling accounts directly to your bank account or credit card opens up more avenues for hackers to steal your financial information. For an added buffer, use an online wallet or prepaid card to deposit funds.
Services like PayPal, Neteller, and Entropay allow you to load a balance, then transfer money to gambling sites from there. The gambling operators never see your real banking details. This limits the impact if your gambling account is compromised.
Just be aware that some banks and credit cards block transactions to online wallets or prepaid cards related to gambling. Shop around to find the most compatible option.
Avoid Account Sharing
As convenient as it might seem, avoid sharing access to your online gambling accounts. Letting a friend or family member use your login to place a few bets seems harmless. But it also gives them the keys to take money or change credentials.
Likewise, be wary of any offers to use someone else’s account to gamble with their bankroll or winnings. Account sharing is nearly always prohibited by gambling sites for this exact reason. At best, it risks account closure. At worst, you lose control of your money.
Keep your accounts private and solo. Only provide login details to customer service if requested for support purposes. Change the password immediately after any authorized access is granted.
Protect Your Bankroll with Proper Cyber Security
Gambling online puts your funds just a few clicks away. But it also requires diligently safeguarding your account information. Putting these security precautions into practice reduces the risk of issues:
- Strong, unique passwords
- Two-factor authentication
- VPN for anonymity
- Secured Wi-Fi only
- Avoid phishing scams
- Complex security questions
- Monitor account activity
- Use e-wallets or prepaid cards
- Never share account access
While nothing is 100% foolproof, taking these steps makes you an elusive target. Implementing a few simple habits keeps the hackers away and your bankroll secure. Now you can enjoy those slots and sports bets stress-free, knowing your gambling accounts and identity stay protected.
