With global revenues projected to exceed €92 billion and an estimated 281.3 million users by 2029, the iGaming industry has firmly established itself as a highly successful market.
Yet, where there is money and momentum, opportunistic fraudsters are never far behind, seeking to exploit the industry’s success.
A recent report by CasinoReviews entitled "The Fake Contagion" highlights the growing threat of fake online casino games.
According to the report an increasing number of unverified vendors are distributing fake games. Fraudulent operators are setting up sophisticated-looking websites, making it difficult for players to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent platforms.
These unverified vendors are quite brazen in their tactics and go as far as promoting these fake games across various online platforms, including social media. These ads often feature fake testimonials and celebrity impersonations.
Precise statistics are difficult to establish due to the clandestine nature of fake games however recent reports paint a picture of a significant problem.
Gamecheck provides a verification service for online casino games with the aim of helping players to identify and avoid fake games.
Gamecheck’s mission is to expose those fake online casinos that offer fake games. By exposing these rogue online casinos, Gamecheck provides an invaluable resource for players seeking to avoid the risks associated with fake games.
Gamecheck’s investigation team visits the online casino in question and tests a selection of their online casino games.
This hands-on approach allows our team to test a variety of the games on offer, and observe their behaviour over a period of time.
Our investigation team also checks the unique web address (URL) from which the games have been launched.
Once Gamecheck is done testing and monitoring a selection of the games on offer by a particular online casino, it presents its findings to the relevant game providers. Game providers are the ultimate authority on whether an online casino game is genuine or not.
As soon as Gamecheck’s findings have been confirmed by the game providers, we publish the results on the online casino’s Gamecheck profile.
To date, Gamecheck has identified over 1,000 rogue online casinos, with some of these sites having been visited millions of times in the past year.
One of the most pressing questions is where do these fake online casinos and fake games originate from? A significant portion of fake online casinos originate from unregulated markets. The absence of oversight creates a perfect environment for scammers to thrive.
The rise of ‘white label casino solutions’ has simplified the process of launching an online casino. While these solutions provide a ready-made platform, illicit operators can leverage the white label model to set up numerous fraudulent sites.
The 2024 iGaming Fraud Report by Sumsub highlights that in 2024 Bangladesh led the fraud charts with 8.5% of users in the iGaming sector flagged as fraudulent, followed closely by Indonesia (8%), and South Korea (6.6%).
The high percentages of fraudulent behaviour in these countries suggest that organised fraud networks may be operating from these regions.
But iGaming fraud is not solely an issue in Asian countries.
The American Gaming Association estimates that Americans gamble an astonishing $511 billion every year with illegal and unregulated sportsbooks and iGaming websites.
For this reason, the continued expansion of the regulated market in the United States is something to be worked towards and strived for.
Players must be empowered with the knowledge and tools to identify red flags associated with fake online casinos and fake games. This includes researching reviews from reputable sources, and being wary of "too good to be true" promotions.
The iGaming industry itself has a responsibility to collaborate more effectively in identifying and blacklisting fraudulent operators.
The industry can fight back by investing in fraud detection and cybersecurity technologies to proactively identify and combat deceptive practices, including the rapid detection of URL changes and the analysis of game behaviour.
Online casino operators must ensure that they are collaborating with legitimate game providers and they can also use verification badges on their site to prove the authenticity of their games.
The introduction of unique verification seals such as the Gamecheck SEAL offers players a quick and reliable way to ascertain the authenticity of the site and its games.
Earning the Gamecheck SEAL gives an online casino a clear advantage over rogue operators, by signalling trust and transparency. It confirms that a random selection of the games has been tested by the original game providers and confirmed to be real, with no fake games found at the time of testing.
The Gamecheck SEAL is backed by ongoing monthly monitoring, showing the online casino’s continued commitment to fairness and game integrity. The Gamecheck SEAL increases player confidence, builds brand credibility, and supports long-term trust - all without requiring any technical integration.
While the statistics are sobering, there are concrete steps players can take to protect themselves.
Check for licensing:
Always verify that an online casino holds a valid license from a reputable jurisdiction (e.g., UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Regulatory Authority). Look for the license number and cross-reference it on the regulator's official website.
Read reviews:
Consult review sites and player forums. Look for consistent complaints about delayed pay-outs, or poor customer service.
Secure payment methods:
Reputable online casinos offer well-known and secure payment options. Be wary of sites that only accept untraceable methods like gift cards or unverified cryptocurrencies.
Website security:
Ensure the website uses SSL encryption ("HTTPS" in the URL and a padlock icon). A clear privacy policy is also a good sign.
Test customer support:
Responsive and helpful support is a hallmark of a legitimate operation.
Fair games:
An online casino's licensing often depend on third-party audits. Search for certifications from eCOGRA and other independent bodies.
Be wary of unrealistic bonuses:
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unrealistic bonuses and guaranteed wins are classic red flags.
Gamecheck before you play:
Before you jump into your next online casino and pay a deposit on your next game, we recommend that you check the site for the Gamecheck SEAL.
The Gamecheck SEAL is a trusted verification badge that shows that a selection of games on an online casino has been checked by multiple game providers and confirmed to be real at the time of testing.
The Gamecheck SEAL helps players identify online casinos that are committed to transparency and only offer genuine, tested games. Players can simply scan the Gamecheck SEAL with the Gamecheck App to verify its authenticity.
When in doubt of any online casino, you can also copy-paste the URL in the Gamecheck platform for instant feedback as to whether it is running real or fake games. If the online casino in question is not listed you can submit a verification request through the Submit Verification Page.
The fight against fake online casinos and fake games is an ongoing battle. The integrity of the iGaming industry, and the protection of its players, depend on it.
As the online gambling market continues its rapid expansion, so too does the sophistication of fake games. By understanding the statistics, identifying the warning signs, and leveraging Gamecheck’s free online tools to identify and avoid fake games before they play, players can navigate the digital landscape more securely.
