eCOGRA Helps Poker Players Play It Safe

Poker players across the world will now find the familiar eCOGRA "Play It Safe" seal on 7 more quality Internet poker sites belonging to some of the most successful and reliable online gaming groups in the business.

Bringing to 76 the number of online casinos and poker rooms committed to the international standards of eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA), the new seal-holders have successfully passed stiff probity, game fairness and operational efficiency tests and will undergo continuous monitoring. As a result, players can be assured that some of their favorite online poker sites meet the highest standards on the Internet today.

Presenting 2 of the new seals to the award-winning Fortune Lounge Group for its 7Sultans Online Poker (http://www.7sultanspoker.com/default.asp?btag=MS_519200_584850_055050) and Royal Vegas Poker (http://www.royalvegaspoker.com/default.asp?btag=MS_519200_584850_055050) brands, the CEO of eCOGRA, Andrew Beveridge said that the group had made a major commitment to player safety by successfully achieving "Play It Safe" seal status.

"The Fortune Lounge Group is among the most successful and professional online gambling companies on the Internet, and has already accredited 10 of its online casinos with eCOGRA," he said. "That is a solid affirmation of the importance this group places on top quality operational practice and player protection, and this now continues into the online poker sector."

"Committing to the best business practice and player-sensitive standards on the Internet is a major undertaking requiring integrity, application and effort, but one that has its rewards for those companies that are successful in achieving the seal," he said. "Displaying the 'Play It Safe' seal not only assures players of the best treatment, but brings with it additional business. It imparts to management a confidence that the business and operational systems being used have been independently and expertly judged and are to high international standards."

Beveridge says that each operation underwent extensive independent testing and inspection by professional teams from an international business services and auditing group. "This is to ensure compliance with the standards and requirements of eCOGRA concerning operational efficiency, fair and responsible gaming and player protection," he said.

In terms of its specifically constructed poker standards, eCOGRA requires that poker seal holders are financially stable and have adequate reserves. The probity of poker room management is scrutinized, together with player protection measures, payout times and financial facilities, games fairness, responsive support and general operational efficiency.

Policies have to be in place for communicating with clients and dealing with any player complaints, together with satisfactory technical capabilities and anti money-laundering systems.

"We expect to make further announcements in the near future as our '100 Play It Safe Seals by 2006' campaign unfolds," he said. "Interest in the eCOGRA standards is growing from players, casinos, leading poker rooms and software providers alike, and membership continues to be open to any software provider that is prepared to commit to our goals and principles."

———————————————————-
About eCOGRA
eCOGRA, the independent standards authority for the online gaming industry, is committed to protecting online casino and poker players around the world. The non-profit organization addresses the most important issues to players: fast payouts, fair gaming, responsive and efficient service and responsible operator conduct.

eCOGRA provides an international framework of best operational and player practice requirements enforced through inspections, reviews, and continuous monitoring by independent global audit companies. To date, 76 sites comply with these requirements and have been awarded the coveted "Play It Safe" Seal that identifies to players the safest online gaming sites on the Web. For more information on how eCOGRA is constantly improving standards in online gaming for players everywhere, go to www.ecogra.org.

In the unlikely event of disagreements between players and "Play It Safe" sealed sites, eCOGRA's Fair Gaming Advocate serves as the player's advocate to rapidly resolve disputes. In 2005, player disputes were resolved on average by eCOGRA in less than 48 hours, an industry benchmark that remains unmatched. eCOGRA ensures that its rulings are respected, and was the proud recipient of Gambling Online Magazine's 2006 Watchdog of the Year Award.


* Fortune Lounge Group won the Gambling Online Magazine Gold Award for Top Casino Group 2005, as awarded by players. It is one of the oldest online casino groups and comprises 9 online casino brands and 3 online poker rooms.