How to Keep Your Gambling and Trading Activities Secure Online

Jessica Matabola24 July , 2025

Online gambling and trading are growing fast in South Africa. With just a smartphone, anyone can place a bet or trade stocks, crypto, and forex. But convenience also comes with risk. If you’re not careful, cybercriminals can steal your money, data, or even your identity. Here’s how to keep your gambling and trading activities secure online and avoid falling victim to scams or fraud.

ALSO READ: Success Stories: How Gambling and Trading Changed Lives in Gauteng

Why Online Security Matters

Whether you gamble for fun or trade for profit, your personal and financial information is valuable. Hackers target users through fake websites, phishing scams, or malware.

According to SABRIC, South Africans lose millions every year due to cybercrime. If you don’t take basic precautions, you’re putting your accounts and money at risk.

Practicing online gambling security in South Africa is essential, and the same goes for using secure online trading platforms.

Use Licensed and Trusted Platforms

Start by choosing the right website or app. In South Africa:

Online gambling sites must be registered with a provincial gambling board.
Trading platforms must be approved by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).

Always:

Look for a license number on the site.
Read user reviews on sites like HelloPeter.
Avoid platforms with hidden terms or no clear contact information.

This is the first step to protect your money online and avoid scams.

Use Strong Passwords

A weak password can give hackers easy access to your account. Create unique passwords that include:

Capital and lowercase letters
Numbers and symbols
At least 12 characters

Never reuse passwords across different sites. Use a password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass to keep your login details safe. This is key for cybersecurity for gamblers and traders.

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

To further protect your accounts, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds a second step when logging in, like entering a code sent to your phone.

Even if someone gets your password, 2FA keeps your account safe. Most secure online trading platforms and safe online gambling sites in South Africa offer this feature.

Protect Your Devices and Internet Connection

Online security goes beyond websites. You also need to protect your device and network:

Install antivirus software
Keep apps and your operating system up to date.
Avoid public Wi-Fi
Use a trusted VPN like Surfshark.

These steps are vital to keep your gambling and trading activities secure online.

Watch Out for Phishing and Fake Sites

Hackers often trick users with emails or ads that lead to fake websites. These may look like real platforms but are designed to steal your information.

Stay safe by:

Not clicking on suspicious links
Typing website URLs manually
Checking for “https://” and a lock icon in your browser

Spotting phishing attempts is key to online gambling security in South Africa.

Keep Software and Apps Updated

Outdated apps can be a security risk. Always:

Update your trading and gambling apps.
Install the latest security patches
Enable automatic updates when possible

Updated software helps you protect your money online and avoid common threats.

Monitor Your Account Activity

Unfamiliar transactions
Login attempts from unknown devices
Changes to your profile or settings

If anything seems off, report it immediately and change your password. Most safe online gambling sites in South Africa and trading apps also send alerts for suspicious activity.

Set Limits to Stay in Control

Good security includes financial control. Set:

Deposit and loss limits
Time reminders for your sessions
Breaks between trades or bets

This helps avoid impulsive decisions and keeps your behaviour responsible. It also supports cybersecurity for gamblers and traders by reducing risk.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Always use trusted payment options when depositing or withdrawing money:

Bank EFTs (Capitec, FNB, Standard Bank)
Debit or credit cards
Reputable e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill

Avoid unfamiliar links or third-party payment services without clear verification. This is critical if you want to keep your gambling and trading activities secure online.

CHECK OUT: How COVID-19 Changed Gambling and Trading Habits in Gauteng

Online gambling and trading can be safe and fun—but only if you take the right steps. Use licensed platforms, secure your devices, and protect your passwords. Turn on 2FA and keep everything updated. Most importantly, stay alert.

By following these tips, you can confidently keep your gambling and trading activities secure online and avoid falling victim to scams. For more help, visit SABRIC or check the FSCA.