eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) was established in 2003, and is an independent UK based self-regulatory and compliance and advisory services organisation specialised in the field of online gambling regulation. Almost 100 leading operators and software suppliers are now reviewed by eCOGRA.
eCOGRA has approved almost 150 sites, using software from over 25 leading software providers. These include many of the Microgaming casinos and poker rooms, bwin, PartyGaming, Expekt, Unibet, and 888. They have also certified various Sportsbooks, Online Bingo Halls, Mobile Game sites and Software Suppliers.[1]. eCOGRA is entirely self-funded from its compliance and advisory services carried out by its professional team which includes 10 Chartered Accountants and IT professionals.
Approved online sportsbooks, casinos, bingo and poker rooms display the group's Safe and Fair seal, and are subject to the group's player dispute mediation service. Complaints about all eCOGRA approved sites can be officially filed through the dispute form on their website[2]. According to the organization over 4,000 disputes have been addressed, in most cases ruling in favour of the player.
In August 2011 Betclic was the latest to join the group of 146 online gambling sites that have demonstrated a practical commitment to higher standards of operational conduct, fair gaming, integrity and player service[3].
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 Gaming Board for Great Britain) and Michael Hirst OBE (formerly Chairman and CEO of Hilton International hotel group). The independent directors are solely responsible for determining which sites may be awarded the Safe and Fair seal[4][5].