Online Gambling Two-Factor Authentication
Keep your online gambling account safe by setting up a two factor authentication secure login. Here, we will explain why 2FA is useful for securing your online sports betting or casino account and show you how to set it up.
Online Gambling Security
Online gambling platforms offer two-factor authentication as an extra layer of security to ensure only the account owner has access to the account. For users who feel a password isn’t enough protection, two-factor authentication, sometimes referred to as multi-factor authentication or 2FA, is a great way to reduce the risk of hacking, fraud, or other unauthorized logins to your account by requiring a six-digit code.
Whether you’re already familiar with the two-factor authentication process or hearing about it for the first time, we’ve got you covered. Below we break down everything you need to know about two-factor authentication, including where it’s required, what authenticator apps to consider, and how to enable it.
Why Gambling Sites Offer Two-Factor Authentication
Licensed online casinos and sportsbooks take industry-leading precautions when it comes to protecting accounts and sensitive user data, but it never hurts to take some of your own.
Assuming you already have a sportsbook, DFS, or casino account, enabling two-factor authentication takes just a few minutes to complete. Users can link an authentication app to their online gambling account or receive verification codes via SMS text message.
Once two-factor authentication is enabled, users will need to take a second step when signing into their accounts by entering a six-digit code that’s generated using an authenticator app or sent through a text message. As a result, no one can log into your gambling account without having access to your phone.
A text message is the easiest option to authenticate your account, but you can’t change the phone number once entered, without downloading an authentication app and jumping through some hoops to get back in. Make sure this is a phone number you will always have access to. Your online casino or sportsbook will text a verification code to the phone number provided to link with your account.
Which States Require 2FA Login Protection?
Regulations in some states require operators to implement two-factor authentication on all customer accounts. If you live in one of these states, your online casino or sportsbook will require you to enable 2FA/MFA:
- Connecticut
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Wyoming
Regulations proposed in Iowa would have also required two-factor authentication, but lawmakers delayed a vote on approving the rules. It appears likely that Iowa will eventually implement a 2FA/MFA requirement.
2FA Guide & Questions
I recently added two-factor authentication to my FanDuel sportsbook account, and here’s everything you need to know about beefing up your account security. It may seem like a tall order but fear not. To FanDuel’s credit, it takes longer to read the steps to enable two-factor authentication than it does to complete them.
Enabling 2FA is a similar process at other online sportsbooks and casinos.
How do I enable Two-Factor Authentication on my gambling account?
Depending on the gambling platform, users can find the two-factor authentication feature nestled in their account summary or account settings.
If using a web browser, click the account icon in the top right corner of the page and select account overview. Account settings will be listed as the fourth option on the left side of the screen. Mobile app users can find the same page by locating the same person icon at the bottom right of the screen.
If you have multiple apps for a singular provider (e.g., you have a singular login that you use to access a brand’s online casino app and its standalone sportsbook app), two-factor authentication will automatically be turned on for both apps.
In some cases, users need to set up two-factor authentication separately for a brand’s online casino app and sports betting app. Users who have ‘remember me’ checked, won’t have to log in again or enter an authorization code when they return unless it’s been 14 days since their last visit from that device.
Instructions to complete the SMS text message linking process:
- Login to your gambling account
- Click the account icon
- Select account overview
- Choose account settings
- Pick two-factor authentication from the options
- Specify authenticator app or text message
- If using SMS, enter your phone number
- Hit send verification code
- Enter the six-digit code on the login screen
- Click to confirm
How to Add Your Online Casino to Your Authenticator App
Users who’ve decided to go the authenticator app route will need to select the authenticator app tab when faced with the two options. Along with a QR code.
To add your gambling account as an authorized option, open the authenticator app, choose to add an account, then select the option to use a QR code, and scan the QR code provided by your sportsbook or casino using your phone or tablet camera. Enter the six-digit code from your authenticator app in the field and click confirm.
Just like that, you’re protected. Both authorization options are instant.
How Do I get my Authenticator Code?
If you choose the authenticator app option, you’ll need to search for, download, and install a third-party authenticator app like you would any other mobile program. Android and iOS device users can search for authenticators in their respective app stores.
Most authenticator apps will work, but most sportsbooks and online casinos recommend the Google Authenticator App. Other secure and reliable authenticator apps include Authy, Duo, Microsoft, and LastPass. There are thousands of reviews on Google Play and in the Apple app store to help you find the right fit.
What to do if Two-Factor Authentication Is Not Working?
Licensed US gambling sites have customer support that can be reached via live chat or email. If you set up two-factor authentication using the text message option and have since lost access to the phone number, you’ll need to set up an authenticator app to recover access to your gambling account. State regulations prevent gambling operators from modifying or deleting the phone number that was originally registered to your account. That means you’ll be locked out of your account until completing the alternative method of authorization.
How do I Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication?
Turning off two-factor authentication is done the same way you activated it. Head over to your gambling account’s settings and click through the options to disable two-factor authentication. Look for the big red button that says turn off two-factor authentication and hit it. It’s a quick process if you just want to check it out.
Online Gambling 2FA Pros & Cons
The added level of security provided by two-factor authentication may be overkill for some, others may find it necessary. Most online casinos and sportsbooks make the two-factor authentication process as painless as possible.
The ‘remember this account’ feature helps alleviate some of the issues but kind of defeats the purpose of having an extra layer of protection for your online casino or betting account. The improved security of two-factor authentication can only do so much. Users’ gambling account logins are still vulnerable to being bypassed if a bad actor has access to their phone.
While not the intended purpose, two-factor authentication can also help keep impulsive bettors in check by putting a speed bump in place when signing in. Two-factor authentication is just enough of a nuisance to keep a user from spontaneous scrolling and impulse bets.
Is 2FA Required on all Betting Apps?
Two-factor authentication is not required on all online betting apps unless you live in Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, but it’s recommended.
The slight inconvenience of requiring a second step when signing into your online gambling account could avoid a big problem with your balance down the line. As they say, it’s better safe than sorry.
Verdict
While occurrences of unauthorized access to online gambling accounts are rare, enabling two-factor authentication does give the user peace of mind. Besides being annoying, there is little downside to two-factor authentication, especially for users living in residences with multiple occupants or mischief makers, and want to avoid having their account fall into the hands of the wrong person. If anyone is going to take your money, it should be a bad beat or a fellow bettor, not a fraudster.
There are plenty of trusted authenticator apps to pick from, but it’s probably best to go with the recommended Google authenticator app or another reputable company like Microsoft. If you’re planning on changing your phone number soon, you might want to wait on linking your account through text message.