eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) has extended its independent testing, standards and monitoring services to cover Internet bingo, sportsbetting and live gambling operations.

With this move, eCOGRA has positioned its "influential Safe and Fair certification seal within reach of most online gambling operators".

CEO Andrew Beveridge said, "We have now introduced our new eGAP Minimum Requirements covering all operational aspects for online bingo and sportsbetting operations. This enables operators in these sectors to come forward for assessment and testing with a view to achieving the Safe and Fair eCOGRA seal, already held by some 126 tier one online casinos and poker rooms."

The player protection and standards organisation now covers all major sectors in the online gambling industry, from online casinos and poker sites, through affiliate activities to mobile gambling, sportsbooks, live gambling studios and the burgeoning bingo business.

According to Beveridge, eCOGRA currently has a significant number of sportsbetting and bingo operations under review.

"This extension of our inspection, advisory and monitoring services means eCOGRA now covers all the main products currently being offered by online gambling operators. We complement this work through oversight of areas such as live gambling studios and mobile platforms, and by providing monthly payout percentage and randomness reports based on the live gambling data from every transaction," said Beveridge.

Once a company has been accredited it is subject to continuous monitoring and annual reviews, and must comply with eCOGRA requirements regarding the quick and efficient handling of player complaints through the organisation's Fair Gaming Advocate.