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Here at Gamecheck, we are creating a series of informative blogs with the savvy player in mind, so that players worldwide can enjoy their online casino games.
In this article we uncover some of the most common online casino scams and arm you with the knowledge you need to spot and steer clear of fake online casinos.
Every journey begins with the thrill of a new adventure where the possibilities are endless.
Any expert traveller will tell you it is essential to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Just as travellers learn to avoid tourist traps and fake souvenirs, players need to avoid unlicensed platforms and fake games.
While legitimate platforms provide secure, transparent gaming, rogue casinos exist solely to deceive players with rigged games and withheld pay-outs.
Trustworthy online casinos use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to guarantee fair play. In contrast, rogue operators manipulate the odds, making that dream jackpot nothing more than an illusion. While withdrawals may not always be instant, they should never take longer than 30 days. If your payment is still missing after this period, chances are you have fallen victim to a rogue casino.
These fraudulent sites may look sleek and professional, luring players in with flashy bonuses and extravagant promises. But remember - all that glitters is not gold. Their real intention? To never pay out.
Once you make a deposit, your money vanishes into the void.
Do not let them win. Stay vigilant and watch out for these warning signs:
A legitimate online casino proudly displays its gaming license - UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), or Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA). If it is missing, run.
Note that even if a site has a badge showing a license, this can also be fake. The badge should be clickable and lead you to a Reputable Authority’s official website.
If a site looks outdated or amateurish with sketchy graphics, it is probably a rogue casino.
Fake casinos bury loopholes in fine print to avoid paying winnings.
Imagine winning big, only to be told you violated some obscure rule buried deep in the terms and conditions. Rogue casinos will find any excuse to deny pay-outs.
Scammers posing as casino reps will email or call you, asking for login details or payment information. If someone reaches out unsolicited, proceed with extreme caution. If an online casino bombards you with emails, unsolicited phone calls, or pressure tactics, take it as a red flag.
A trustworthy casino offers fast, professional customer service.
If their customer service takes forever to reply or do not reply at all, steer clear.
If there is no HTTPS lock next to the site’s URL, this is something to be concerned about.
Most web browsers will alert you when you are not visiting a secure site.
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Do not be tempted by unknown websites and their flashy promotions.
Do your research before you start playing, and select a few well-known, licenced online casinos.
Here are some easy tips for players to follow:
The first step you should always take to avoid fake sites is to ensure that the online casino in question is licenced and regulated by a Reputable Authority, such as the United Kingdom Gaming Commission (UKGC), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA).
These organisations enforce strict rules to protect players. You can verify the online casino’s licensing information displayed in the ‘About Us’ section. Make sure the licence information is up to date and valid.
Research the online casino’s reputation and pay-out reliability before signing up. It won't take much time and will save you from any future hassles. Forums and watchdog platforms can also be valuable sources of information where players share their experiences and warn others about rogue casinos. Use these reviews as your guide to avoid scammers and bad actors.
Contact Customer Service with a few valid questions to ensure they are professional and helpful.
Always read the Terms and Conditions before making a deposit.
If the Terms and Conditions seem overly complicated or suspicious stay away.
Thousands of Euros in Bonus Money, and 1,000 Free Spins? Be cautious of unrealistic offers. Huge bonus offers may be tempting, but hidden clauses can keep your money locked in indefinitely.
Be wary of online casinos offering huge bonuses and promotions that seem too good to be true. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Enable two-factor authentication whenever it is available, keep your passwords strong, and do not give out your credit card information. Stick to visiting online casinos you trust and avoid clicking on unknown links or sharing information with any unverified sources or links that may pop up.
Check your game history and account statements to ensure that everything aligns with your expectations. If you notice any unauthorised transactions report them immediately to your payment provider.
Licensed online casinos list their game providers and display their logos.
Double-check their logos with official websites to make sure they match.
Look for verification seals that confirm the authenticity of the games.
Click on the seal to verify its authenticity.
Gamecheck is your best friend in the fight against fake online casinos.
Before depositing any money, it will only take you a few seconds to make sure the online casino is legitimate with Gamecheck’s Verification Service. It is a free service that could save you a fortune.
Gamecheck’s investigative team works with legitimate game providers to ensure fairness and transparency. Through our collaborative efforts we strive to empower players with the information they need to make informed decisions about where to play.
Players can also report a suspicious online casino by submitting a report via the Gamecheck website. Upload any evidence you may have, and our team will investigate the legitimacy of the online casino.
"Gamecheck is committed to protecting players and has developed a centralised database of websites where players can check if a game is authentic or not. It takes about 2 seconds to make a quick search, and that way you can know whether a site has had any fakes identified on it before you deposit your funds."
We will soon be launching an app and a seal of authenticity for those online casinos that we have confirmed as offering real games. Visit Gamecheck’s website for more information.
As the online gaming landscape continues to evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. That is why it’s more important than ever for online casinos to strengthen their security, and for players to stay vigilant. Knowledge is your best defence in safeguarding your gaming experience.
By exposing online casinos with fake games, Gamecheck empowers players to navigate the industry with confidence. With the right tools and awareness, you can have an enjoyable and secure gaming experience.
Remember, you are the captain of your ship - make smart choices, and let Gamecheck guide you on a safe journey.
Stay sharp, play smart, and always Gamecheck before you play.
Follow a Reputable Authority on LinkedIn to Stay Updated.
Gamecheck recommends visiting the official websites of reputable authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission (gamblingcommission.gov.uk), and the Malta Gaming Authority (www.mga.com.mt), and following their LinkedIn pages.
The UK Gambling Commission’s LinkedIn page provides valuable insights, including updates on operators that have lost their licenses or incurred fines due to compliance breaches - helping players distinguish between trustworthy and non-compliant operators.
Similarly, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) recently issued a notice highlighting multiple unauthorised URLs, reminding players that unlicensed entities operate without regulatory oversight and that engaging with such operators poses significant risks, as they lack the necessary consumer protections.
