Online gaming is one of those industries that thrived during the pandemic and even though most of us are back to work full-time, it shows no signs of slowing down. In 2022, it was recorded that over a quarter of UK adults played some form of online game and that the value of PS5 games in the industry was over £147 million.
But with more people joining the online world, the responsibility to stay safe while gaming digitally has never been greater. Whether you prefer to gamble or delve into multiplayer fantasy games, here are some tips to ensure you have a secure and enjoyable gaming experience.
Be Careful With Personal Information
Your personal information is just as valuable as actual money these days and in light of several shocking data breaches across the UK, protecting it should be a main priority. First things first, be mindful of what you share about yourself with other players. This includes your last name, home address or anything else that could be used to identify you.
This applies across all online platforms, not just to other gamers. Resist the urge to share too much on your in-game profile and gaming forums.
Security is Key
You can deter would-be hackers and phishers by using different passwords for your gaming accounts and avoiding anything you would use for your banking or email.
Before you even make an account, you should check that the site you have chosen to play on is safe. Does the address bar at the top of the site have a green lock symbol or ‘https’? If so, this means that your connection is secure, so hackers can’t get your payment information.
Take Breaks and Recharge
Just like any other hobby or game, taking a break from gambling is important. Set time limits for your play sessions and stick to them. Gambling should be a fun activity, not something that consumes all your time and energy.
It’s important to be honest with yourself when gaming, especially regarding games that involve the transaction of real-world money like with online bingo apps.
Look for Spend and Withdrawal Restrictions
The ease and convenience of gaming online can make it easy to go slightly overboard and lose track of your spending. It’s important to set clear boundaries and consider enabling spending and withdrawal restrictions on your accounts to limit potential overspending.