eCOGRA (eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) is an initiative to self-regulate in the unregulated online casino industry. The organization is funded by Microgaming, 888 and Ongame in order to promote better business practices at casinos that uses its software. Microgaming casinos can apply for the ECOGRA's Seal of Approval if they live up to a comprehensive list of minimum requirements and suggested practices addressing player protection, fair gaming and responsible operator conduct known as the "Generally Accepted Practices".

eCOGRA ensures that online casino operators uphold common standards through inspections, reviews and continuous monitoring by independent global audit companies. eCOGRA also works to improve standards in the online casino industry by introducing new measures to ensure the safety of players. Barring of underage players and protection of addicted gamblers were among the topics addressed at a session for casino managers recently. Additionally, players who has a problem with a casino or poker room member are offered a dispute mediation service through eCOGRA. 

In order to get the eCOGRA Seal of Approval online casinos have to fulfill the following criteria:

• Payment requests/receipts shall be efficiently and promptly attended to and payments/receipts shall be completely and accurately processed.

• Seal holders shall be required to adequately record certain minimum information relating to player and game activity.

• Information security policies and procedures shall be implemented and maintained to ensure the availability, integrity and confidentiality of gaming operations.

• A responsible gaming environment that actively discourages problematic gambling shall be established, enforced and monitored.

• Player balances and game funds shall be sufficiently covered by liquid funds.

• Player accounts shall be managed and accounted for in a secure, safe and efficient environment. The privacy and confidentiality of all player information submitted at any point in time shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure.

• Software shall be developed, implemented and maintained in a manner representative of best practice standards.

• Games shall be independent and fair.

• Minimum game server connectivity requirements shall be met to ensure that players are protected from losses due to connectivity problems.

• Seal holders shall adhere to game characteristics that ensure a fair game for a player.

• eCOGRA Seal holders shall be able to demonstrate that they can recover from a system disaster.

• Both the player and eCOGRA's Seal holders shall be protected from system and hardware malfunctions.

• Preventative and detective controls addressing money laundering and fraud risks shall be documented and implemented according to the relevant points in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines.

• The Seal holder will ensure that players are not mislead through advertising or promotional activities, and will ensure that the terms and conditions of their promotions are followed.

• All key individuals and entities involved with members and operators should be credible and not have criminal records.