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Key Highlights
In this blog post we cover the following topics:
The online casino market has undergone some significant advancements in the last decade, incorporating convenient technologies for online casino operators, such as online casino game aggregation, that makes the integration of culturally preferred games faster and more efficient.
Game providers are also stepping up, with diverse online casino games that offer immersive storylines, high-quality graphics, and customisable gameplay.
As consumer preferences evolve, so does the way players choose to access online casino games. Mobile compatibility has shifted from a luxury to an expectation. Players are seeking gaming experiences that fit naturally into their lives, whether it is a quick spin on a virtual slot machine, or an interactive live dealer game from the comfort of their sofa.
Real-time data and mobile technology are the real game-changers behind live betting. These technological innovations have helped to create personalised experiences and keep the excitement flowing.
In this digital landscape of diversity, accessibility and convenience, it may be easy for players to forget that cybercriminals are lurking on the internet, capitalising on the popularity of online gambling, and launching fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate platforms with the hope of scamming them.
While the legitimate online gambling industry has numerous security protocols in place, the unregulated black market remains a playground for cybercriminals.
Fraudulent online casinos are designed to closely resemble well-known brands. However once players have made a deposit or enter their personal details, the financial risks of fake games quickly emerge.
The most obvious risk posed to players by playing fake games is financial loss.
Players deposit money expecting to play fair games, but instead their funds are stolen.
Cybercriminals may use tactics such as blocking accounts or introducing absurd withdrawal fees.
Bonus abuse is another form of financial fraud players who engage with fake games are likely to encounter. Fraudulent platforms offer large bonuses as a lure, but these bonuses come with strict withdrawal conditions or disappear altogether once the player has made a deposit.
Unlike legitimate, licensed online casinos that are regularly audited to ensure fair play, fake online casinos and fake sportsbooks manipulate the odds in their favour. The outcome of a game is predetermined, ensuring that the online platform always wins.
Some players do not even realise they have been scammed until their bank accounts are completely drained. Since the transactions can sometimes appear as regular credit card purchases, the financial theft may go unnoticed for months.
Cybercriminals operating fraudulent sites that offer fake games, typically use stolen data for malicious purposes. This data is often harvested for fraudulent use, including identity theft.
Fake platforms often ask players to provide personal information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and banking details. This data is then sold on the dark web or used for future phishing attacks, where cybercriminals pose as legitimate entities to steal even more sensitive data.
Fraudsters may use the information gathered from iGaming accounts to hack into victims’ other online accounts. Players often use the same password across multiple sites, making it easy for criminals to break into personal email accounts, social media profiles, or even banking apps.
In some cases, fake sites are simply data collection tools designed to harvest as much personal information as possible. Armed with stolen personal information, cybercriminals can apply for credit cards or loans in the victim’s name. This can cause long-lasting damage to the victim’s financial reputation.
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In 2020, an alarming scam emerged in the European market, which directly targeted players from the UK, Germany, and Spain. The scam involved a fake online casino which offered "exclusive" bonuses to new users who registered via a specific link shared on social media platforms. However, shortly after signing up, several players noticed their bank accounts had been accessed without permission.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that it was a rogue casino designed to collect sensitive financial and personal data. The fraudsters behind this operation had access to thousands of players' credit card numbers and bank details.
The data was sold to other cybercriminals on the dark web, resulting in widespread identity theft and financial fraud. Some players had their bank accounts emptied, while others saw large sums of money charged to their cards.
The authorities in the UK and Spain quickly launched investigations, but the criminals behind the fraudulent online casino platform were able to escape to jurisdictions where gambling laws were less strict, making prosecution difficult.
In 2019, a fake sports betting platform gained popularity among sports enthusiasts in the United States. The site advertised "free bets" and high odds on major American sports leagues such as the NFL. The site mimicked a legitimate sports betting platform, offering attractive promotional bonuses, and claiming to be fully licensed.
However, after depositing money, several players found themselves locked out of their accounts once they requested a withdrawal. Worse still, some users reported suspicious transactions linked to their credit card information.
In an investigation that followed, it was discovered that the site was a fraudulent platform designed specifically to collect users' credit card details and personal data.
A large-scale scam involving fake poker rooms targeted players across both Europe and the United States. The fake poker rooms, which appeared legitimate with software, tables, and graphics almost identical to real online poker platforms, promised players substantial winnings.
However, any wins were instantly wiped out by absurd "withdrawal fees" that could only be bypassed by depositing more funds. Over 5,000 players across multiple countries were scammed, with losses ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
The cybercriminals behind the scam were found to be using the poker platform as a front for identity theft and financial fraud. They had access to a vast array of players' personal data, including passwords. This information was then used to hack into the players’ other online accounts, including banking sites, leading to even more significant financial losses.
Ensure the online casino you choose is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Legitimate online casinos are subject to strict rules and regular audits to ensure fairness.
Legitimate platforms offer secure payment gateways and encryption protocols to protect your financial information. Avoid sites that only accept cryptocurrencies or unconventional payment methods, as these are often harder to trace.
Before signing up for any online gaming site, read reviews from trusted sources. Look for warnings about potential scams or reports of fraudulent activity.
Protect your accounts with strong passwords and use two-factor authentication where possible. Regularly check your financial statements for any unusual activity. If you suspect fraud, report it to your bank immediately.
Gamecheck protects players from the financial risks involved in fake games primarily by identifying and exposing online casinos that host such games.
By providing this information, Gamecheck empowers players to make informed decisions about where they play, thus helping them avoid platforms where they might be at higher risk of financial loss due to unfair or manipulated games.
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Gamecheck employs a structured process to investigate online casino games. This involves gathering evidence, such as game launch URLs, and sharing this information with game providers for authentication. This process allows Gamecheck to determine whether games are "real games" or "fake games".
When Gamecheck identifies even one fake game on an online casino platform, the entire casino is labelled as having "fake games". This clearly signals to players that the platform may not be trustworthy and that playing there could expose them to financial risks.
Gamecheck maintains transparency by publishing reports detailing the status of online casinos, including whether they are operating "Real games" or have "Fake games".
Players can access this information by searching for an online casino on the Gamecheck website. This allows players to check the status of an online casino before depositing any money or playing the game, thus mitigating any potential financial risks.
Gamecheck encourages players to report suspicious online casinos. This information assists Gamecheck in identifying problematic platforms, further protecting the wider player community from financial harm.
Gamecheck collaborates with game providers to confirm the authenticity of games. This collaboration ensures the accuracy of Gamecheck's findings.
Gamecheck is preparing to launch a blockchain-integrated "Gamecheck Seal" which includes a scannable badge and a seal page that allows players to instantly verify the authenticity of an online casino and its games within moments.
The online gambling industry offers a new and exciting frontier of digital entertainment opportunities. However, the rise of fake games puts players at risk of significant financial losses, and online gambling fraud is taking a severe financial toll on the sector.
Technology plays a key role in monitoring activities. Companies must invest in better monitoring tools while maintaining user privacy.
Gamecheck’s goal is not to scaremonger – but to empower players with knowledge, and remind them of the risks involved with fake games, so they can make informed decisions.
By identifying whether your online casino games are real or fake before you play, you can protect yourself from any unnecessary financial and identity theft risks.
Think of Gamecheck as your reliable ally, ensuring you play real online casino games, free from deceptive financial losses.
