eCOGRA Laboratory

eCOGRA Certification and Audit: Structure and Key Features

eCOGRA is an international independent organisation specialising in the testing, inspection and certification of online gaming software, casinos and bookmakers. Established in 2003 and headquartered in London, it is recognised in more than 45 jurisdictions worldwide.

Its certificates are used by over 100 well known operators and software providers, including 888, Kindred Group, Microgaming and bet365. The organisation is accredited by UKAS and was the first testing organisation to obtain ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 certification, the standard for information security and operational control auditing.

Types of Certification and Audit Stages

eCOGRA issues certificates and conducts audits in the following areas: the eGAP Seal (Generally Accepted Practices), regular software audits (RNG integrity, payouts and fairness), platform certification, compliance oversight with AML and KYC standards, Responsible Gambling audits, as well as ISO certifications.

• eGAP is an internal standards framework of eCOGRA, reflecting the best global practices in fairness and player protection.
• AML (Anti Money Laundering) refers to measures designed to prevent money laundering.
• KYC (Know Your Customer) covers mandatory customer identification procedures.
• RNG (Random Number Generator) is the software that randomly determines game outcomes.
• Payout (RTP) is a percentage of the amount of money that has been wagered that will, theoretically, be paid back to players over the long term.
• Responsible Gambling focuses on player protection, including limits on time, deposits and bets, self exclusion tools and support for gambling related harm.

Each operator is required to go through several stages of review:

1. Submission of a documentation
2. Integration of internal security and fairness policies
3. Software audit
4. Analysis of payout protocols and customer service procedures
5. Independent review of responsible gambling measures

Stages and Details of Obtaining Certification

The platform or operator submits an application and provides the passports of its founders, internal documentation, security policies, proof of existing licenses, corporate structure details, AML/KYC methodologies and service standards. After reviewing the materials, eCOGRA conducts an audit that includes:

• Software testing,
• Assessment of RNG fairness and payout protocols,
• Review of Responsible Gambling mechanisms,
• Analysis of AML/KYC procedures.

If all of the documentation and processes meet the required standards, the company is awarded the eGAP Seal and/or the eCOGRA Certified Seal, which are recognised by leading regulators worldwide, including those in the UK, the EU, the US, Canada, Scandinavia and Australia. For standard products, the process typically takes between 4 and 10 weeks.

Market economy, statistics and trends

By 2025, more than 100 operators and providers had been certified by eCOGRA, and over 1,200 online casinos and platforms have been inspected. The company’s global market share is considered to be the largest among private auditing laboratories: eCOGRA operates in the United States, Europe, Australia, Africa, and key markets in Latin America. The company tests not only casinos, but also live studios, bookmakers, automated platforms for developers, and interactive solutions.

The company’s key areas of development are digitalisation, the integration of biometrics, and automated verification. Platforms are actively introducing new responsible gambling tools:

• Self-exclusion
• Time control
• Instant identity verification

eCOGRA works closely with regulators, provides audit support for the implementation of new regulations, and addresses issues of data compatibility and transparency.

Security and Player Protection Requirements

eCOGRA certification involves the verification of:

• Game fairness
• Timely withdrawal of money
• The quality of customer support
• The publication of all terms and conditions for payouts and promotions

The main focus is placed on data protection, audits of payment systems, monitoring of refunds, and on identifying the signs of gambling addiction or fraud.

eCOGRA also:

• Reviews the performance of technical support
• Publishes RTP statistics and RNG fairness results
• Implements gambling addiction prevention measures
• Oversees player support hotlines.

All customers of platforms certified by eCOGRA can quickly submit a complaint, track its status, and receive online consultations.

Advertisement and Recognition

Operators that hold an eCOGRA certificate are required to comply with strict standards governing the accuracy of advertising, promotional terms, and ethical marketing practices. eCOGRA also provides staff training, develops new industry standards, reviews public feedback, and oversees operator interactions with users. The organisation regularly updates the eGAP framework; in 2024–2025, additional criteria related to responsible gambling and data protection were introduced.

The certification is recognised by leading regulators. An operator that is awarded the eCOGRA Seal can operate in more than 45 jurisdictions, while platform accreditation by eCOGRA significantly simplifies market entry and the integration of payment solutions.

eCOGRA’s Updated Standards for Player Protection

In 2025, eCOGRA significantly elevated its requirements for gaming platforms:

• All players must undergo mandatory age and identity verification.
• Limits have been introduced: maximum deposit, maximum loss, and time restrictions can be set.
• A self-exclusion feature allows players to voluntarily block access to games.
• Operators are required to monitor player behaviour, identify signs of addiction, and provide risk warnings.
• Return-to-Player percentages (RTP) and game fairness data are now published openly.
• All winnings must be paid quickly and transparently.
• Players’ personal data is protected in accordance with GDPR standards.
• AML and fraud prevention have been reinforced — the source of funds and player identity (KYC) are verified.
• Operators are prohibited from using aggressive or misleading advertising; all promotions and bonuses must be clearly and honestly described.
• An online complaints and customer support services are available to assist players in difficult situations.
• Staff receive training on identifying gambling addiction and supporting responsible play.

All these measures help to protect players from abuse, build trust, reduce the risk of gambling addiction, and ensure fair play on certified platforms.

Conclusion

eCOGRA is an international benchmark for verifying the fairness, security, and transparency of casinos and gaming platforms. Certification by eCOGRA helps to regulate market practices, protect players from fraud, gambling addiction, and delayed payouts. Operators that hold this certification guarantee fair play, access to independent oversight, and reliable customer support.