29/10/2009, Definitions
eCOGRA, e-Commerce Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance, is a non-profit organization which was established in 2002 by Microgaming and 888.com.
Although it was created by Microgaming and 888.com, it has preserved an independent character.
eCOGRA is an independent non-profit association which was created to protect online players from illegal casinos. This organization ensures players that all the eCOGRA certified casinos offer safe and fair games.

The organization also supervises timely and efficient payouts to players, fast dispute resolution, random games, or responsible and fair gaming activities provided by online casino and poker room operators.
Its primary mission is to make the online gaming environment safer for every player, to develop, monitor and implement standards in the gaming industry.
eCOGRA regularly publishes reports, studies and information so that players could know their rights.
This organization monitors online casinos and sets standards in order to offer the most secure gaming experience and to prevent minors from approaching online games.

There are three “general accepted practices”:
- the players protection ensures that the players are paid when necessarily. Online casinos should use a clear and transparent way of paying their players. The results of the games should be completely random and unpredictable.
- to provide all required information. The terms and conditions of bonus withdrawals require further details.
- the fair play. Online casinos are not allowed to manipulate the software and they must ensure adequate conditions in order to maintain connectivity to the server. eCOGRA also verifies if the online casinos put in place mechanisms for recovery systems in case of technical problems.
Online casino also need to ensure players that they have total control in preventing money laundering.

The online casinos which fulfill these conditions are less likely to have disputes with their players and they will provide an atmosphere of fun and secure game.
You should always check for the eCOGRA “Play It Safe” logo before gambling if you want to avoid any risk. eCOGRA helps you to identify what are the best places for you to play in.
There are over 100 online casinos and over 20 poker rooms which have received the eCOGRA's approval.

The group's board of directors is currently composed of:
- CEO - Andrew Beveridge;
- Independent Directors - Frank Catania (ex-director of New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement), Bill Galston OBE (formerly Chief Inspector of the Gambling Board of Great Britain), Bill Henbrey (ex-head of gaming services at BDO accountancy), Michael Hirst OBE (formerly of Ladbrokes);
- Non Executive Directors - John Anderson of 888.com, Chris Hobbs of Microgaming Software Systems and Oliver Eckel of Bwin Interactive Entertainment AG.