For many of us, online games are a great way to relax and unwind. They can be a lot cheaper than many other hobbies; you can play on multiple different platforms; the games you can play on a laptop, tablet or mobile phone are ultra-portable; and they allow us to totally escape the stresses of the day. However, figuring out how to stay absolutely safe whilst playing the games you love should be high on everybody’s list of priorities. Whilst most games are just there to entertain, some can be a little more sinister. Here’s how to distinguish between the trustworthy and those which aren’t.
Playing online games – Online Casinos
One of the areas where some people feel a little concerned about online safety is when playing at an online casino. Thanks to watertight gambling laws they are probably one of the safest places to play online, yet many people still wonder: are video slots safe? People could be used to playing crank handle machines at a brick and mortar casino, but then wonder if a video slot game is ‘fixed’. By law, your online casino must be verified to ensure that all of their slot machines use a random number generator, ensuring that your win ratio is fair and safe. You’ll also find that most online casino games will show you a number called ‘RTP’; this stands for Return to Player and is the percentage that a player is most likely to get back from their initial stake. If you’re concerned about getting maximum bang for your buck, then look for an RTP that’s close to 100.
Expansion packs
If you’re playing largely online console games, then the chances are you’ll have come across an expansion pack or two that you’d really like to get your hands on. You could be getting new characters, game modifications, new items, any number of things. You’ll have to use your Steam, EA, Xbox or Playstation Online account to purchase one usually and to do so you might be prompted to put in some card details, or use a fingerprint or face scanner. However, there are certain expansions that you can purchase immediately in-game. The ability to do this can be turned off if you want to have greater control of your in-game purchasing. This can be a good way to ensure that your money is always kept safe, especially if you share your account. If money saving is your top priority, then as well as turning off in-game purchasing you can also sign up to newsletters to be notified of sales and browse Amazon or eBay for discount expansions.
Micro Transactions
Most of our favourite mobile games make money in ways other than advertising. There are the odd couple of gems that, for the cost of viewing an advert or two, will let you play indefinitely and never tempt you to spend your money on upgrades or progressions. However, if your game does offer you the chance to progress or upgrade for a small amount of money then this is called a microtransaction. This method of charging gamers for content means that whilst one large console game could cost $50 or so, a small mobile game could cost one hundred transactions of 50 cents each. For some people, this way of gaming is preferable, but for others it can unintentionally rack up quite a lot of money. If you’re worried about microtransactions then there are ways to block your account from accepting them, but generally the best way to avoid unexpected bills is to stop sharing your account with anyone.
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