In the past few years, more focus has gotten placed on internet privacy, and with good reason. Most people nowadays live a semi-digital existence where they willingly or unwillingly put a vast amount of personal data on the Web. For many, online privacy is non-existent via the rise of social media. In general, the internet has made billions share their info voluntarily and somewhat sneakily, making them unaware of what they are precisely giving up in exchange for using free/paid services.
Today, data is money, and companies keep a watchful eye on all possible methods they can utilize to attain information that will help them better target their clientele. The same applies to popular betting sites that don’t ask for your SSN. Yes, the gambling industry is not immune to snagging as much info as available. Yet, it is not only operators that gamblers should worry about, as more dangers loom from third parties trying to get a glimpse of who is doing what at internet casinos and sportsbooks. That is why it is paramount for many to hide gambling winnings and learn all there is to know about online gambling privacy issues.
The digital realm is almost infinitely large, but that does not mean that precautions don’t exist that one can take to lower their footprint when partaking in various hobbies on the Web, including testing their luck on games of chance and sporting events. We explain how to do just that below.
Utilize VPN to Hide Your IP
Source: cyberchasse.com
VPN is an acronym for a virtual private network. That is a service that funnels the data a user shares online through a proxy server, making it appear that he is in a location different from his actual one. VPN usage has dramatically grown in popularity post-2018, with various studies showing that around 31% of individuals worldwide browsing the internet have at some point implemented a VPN service, with men being more likely to use it.
Most gambling sites frown upon VPN usage because this technology allows gamblers to circumvent geo-restrictions and abuse bonuses. Hence, many online casinos/sportsbooks outright forbid data funneling, stating that the discovery of such a practice can lead to account closure. Though, that is not true across the board.
VPN use for gambling entertainment has its advantages on the gambler side. But it is highly crucial that users continuously use the same spoofed IP address because multiple logins from varied locations in a short period will instantly draw operator suspicion.
Gamble With Cryptos
The answer to the question – of how to hide gambling transactions from financial institutions at sportsbooks that do not require SSN is to bet with digital coins.
Bitcoin is the most established choice, but alternatives, such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, and Ripple, are making substantial waves in the blockchain sphere. The last mentioned cryptocurrency, Ripple, is a pick many gamblers have come to fancy because it delivers transaction speeds of a few seconds. That is considerably faster than Bitcoin’s average of ten minutes.
Even though many crypto betting operators now implement KYC procedures that ask site users to verify their identity before withdrawals, that is not mandatory at all online gambling platforms. Some still allow their virtual patrons to gamble in total secrecy. And even with these policies in play, site representatives may know who their bettor base is and how much they are wagering. But they will only provide this information to authorities upon a legal request. They will not disclose this data to other third parties freely.
Use Tor Or Play/Bet in Incognito Mode
Source: howtogeek.com
Called The Dark Net’s browser, the Onion Router, better known as Tor, is an open-source browser that enables anonymous communication. It directs internet traffic through a volunteer overlay network, working similarly to VPN. It makes it super difficult for anyone to trace a user’s Web activity, and best of all, every time someone opens it, it is cookie-free. The latter is something also applicable to incognito mode in Chrome and Mozilla. The advantage to browsing cookie-free is that gambling websites cannot track your activity and jot down what you are doing in specific scenarios. That deprives them of the data they so desperately crave.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is more than just a fancy term; it’s a critical tool for bolstering online security, especially in realms like online gambling and that realm you can visit here. When you use 2FA, logging into your account isn’t just about inputting your password. It demands a second verification, typically in the form of a code sent to your mobile device. Picture this: even if a hacker manages to snag your password, 2FA ensures they’re at a dead-end without that code.
Regular Password Updates
Now, let’s talk about another crucial habit: regular password updates. Think of it as seasonal cleaning for your online safety. Just as you wouldn’t wear the same outfit every day, avoid clinging to one password for too long. Regularly refreshing your passwords decreases the chances of unauthorized snoops breaking in. And here’s a pro tip: ensure each password is not only strong but also unique to each account. Remember, diversity is key – a breach in one account shouldn’t mean a free pass to all your others.
Be Warry of Gambling Apps
In the pre-2015 era, almost all high-end online gambling platforms sought to invest in developing dedicated mobile software. Even back then, close to 50% of all Web traffic stemmed from remote devices, so it should be no surprise that this was a priority.
This is no longer the case, as HTML5 technology has made apps virtually obsolete. Despite that, nefarious individuals try to trick newcomers to this sphere by advertising bogus software as legit through Google ads and social media, promising it will deliver a seamless gambling experience. While the provided program may allow access to the targeted hub, it will probably attempt to squeeze out as much info as feasible.
In general, it is better to stick to web usage for several security reasons outside the scope of this article.
Avoid Depositing Via Credit/Debit Cards
Source: cfp-software.co.uk
According to TransUnion, in Q1 of 2024, 196 million Americans used credit cards. That is a new high. What is more interesting is that this figure represented a 60% annual growth that brings the total number of cards in circulation to more than 485 million.
While credit/debit cards are the most accessible transaction option for sports betting, bettors should avoid using them because card info can get easily stolen. In 2024, 377,203 identity theft reports got filed in the US, many of which derived from credit card fraud.
Sticking with e-wallets and cryptos is not only a safer but a faster choice for all.
Monitor Your Login History
Most credible online casinos and sportsbooks available for no-SSN gambling have an interface tab on every user’s profile page that shows a detailed record of that person’s login and transaction history.
Everyone must activate this function now and again, checking to see for any unaccounted activity. Trust us. It is an invaluable privacy tool that monitors account usage. If an operator provides it at its sites, all users would be wise to take advantage of it.
