eCOGRA stands for eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance, it is a non-profit making body – established for the purpose of improvement of integrity, security, fair gaming advocacy and setting industry standards for online gambling. It also enforces established standards and resolves disputes. eCOGRA was established in 2003 by Microgaming Software Systems and Virtual Holdings… competing gaming companies. Virtual Holdings no longer exists, this is now 888 Holdings.
Although it seems strange that a non-profit concern established to resolve disputes between players and online gambling sites should change hands, it is actually not that odd. As the organization was founded by rival gambling firms it was seen by players as possibly being partisan; even though controlled by four directors who had no direct ties to these firms. It is understandable that players might have seen it as an elaborate marketing ploy to establish integrity. The buy-out should change these ideas as it becomes completely independent.
Chief Executive, Andrew Beveridge; led the buy-out initiative which was approved by the founding members. They employ accountants and IT professionals who perform audits, monitoring and systems testing; and an eCOGRA certification is considered to be valuable at any online gambling site – they have to meet the criteria.
The change in ownership is significant because while eCOGRA has always professed independence, many players have remained skeptical since it was founded by gaming companies. Not a great deal will change in terms of systems and operations however, the change of hands does show good faith. Obviously for this operation to run on a professional level, and with integrity in terms of the online bingo and gambling industry, they do need highly experienced and respected business leaders at the helm. They have this in Michael Hirst as Chairman of the Board, then, Bill Galston, Bill Henbrey, Frank Catania, and Beveridge as independent directors.
Add a Comment