Key Highlights
In this blog post we cover the following topics:
The allure of the online casino game is undeniable.
But in this rapidly expanding digital universe, a crucial distinction must be made between real and fake online casino games. This is not just a matter of good versus bad design – it is a fundamental divergence in integrity, and the mechanics of fair play.
For the discerning player, understanding these differences is not just about maximising enjoyment – it is about safeguarding your money, your data, and your peace of mind.
The online casino industry is booming. What was once limited a land-based establishment has rapidly evolved into a glittering digital world, promising entertainment, thrills and, for the lucky few - big wins. But behind the dazzling interface a more sinister reality has begun to surface: fake games.
At first glance, they are indistinguishable from the real thing. The graphics are slick, the sounds familiar, and the interface seems just like any other slot or table game. But beneath the surface lie fake wins, and no way to withdraw your money.
This is the underworld of online gambling. And it is where platforms like Gamecheck come in to protect players from these fraudulent sites, offering a vital service that helps players verify the legitimacy of online casino games before it is too late.
For many, online casino games are a source of fun offering the thrill of chance.
Real games operate under strict regulatory frameworks, using transparent policies.
Fake games on the other hand, are designed to deceive, stealing money through manipulated outcomes and refusing to pay out your well-deserved winnings.
Let us examine the key areas where the differences become crystal clear.
Licensing and regulation: the foundation of trust
This is the biggest red flag of all. The most critical differentiator between real and fake online casino games lies in licensing and regulation.
When you play a real online casino game, you are interacting with software that has been independently tested and certified for fairness. Details of the online casino's license are almost always prominently displayed on their website, often in the footer.
🔎 Industry tip: Look for the licensing information in the footer of the website.
A real license will link back to the regulator’s site.
Genuine game providers
Real online casinos partner with renowned and reputable game providers that consistently offer real games that have been independently tested and certified.
The creators of the online casino games are well-known game providers. If an online casino features games from unknown or obscure developers, proceed with caution.
Fake online casinos offer fake games from unknown or entirely fictional software providers, making it impossible to verify their legitimacy.
If a game loads suspiciously fast, if the graphics seem slightly off, or if you encounter glitches that should not be present in a professional product, it could be a sign of a fake game. While subjective, if you consistently experience unfair game outcomes it is worth investigating further.
Withdrawing your winnings
One of the most frustrating differences between real and fake games becomes apparent when it comes time to withdraw your winnings.
Many players do not realise they have been scammed until they try to withdraw their winnings.
When you are playing real games, your pay-outs are processed within reasonable timeframes, and customer support is available to assist you.
Fake games: This is where the scam truly materialises and comes to light.
While fake online casinos will often make it easy for you to deposit your money, your "winnings" will remain trapped for an indefinite period of time, and your initial deposit is soon gone.
This is downright fraud and financial theft. Your money and personal data are immensely valuable. Do not let these fake online casinos take them away from you.
Customer service: helpful or deceitful?
The quality of customer service and the presence of a legitimate community are often overlooked but telling indicators. Real online casinos provide clear and accessible contact information, including live chat, email, and phone support.
Customer service at fake online casinos is either non-existent, unhelpful, or designed to string you along with a series of false promises.
Reviews of such sites on independent forums will be overwhelmingly negative, with numerous complaints about unpaid withdrawals. A pattern of negative feedback is a strong warning sign.
If customer support is difficult to reach, provides only automated responses, or is unhelpful it is normally a bad sign. Always test the support team with a few basic questions before making a deposit. If the answers are vague or unhelpful - run.
Due diligence is your best bet
The online casino world offers incredible entertainment and the thrill of potential rewards. However, today’s digital landscape demands constant vigilance.
The differences between real online casino games and their fake counterparts are not subtle - they ultimately determine whether your gaming experience is fair and rewarding or a complete rip-off.
This is where Gamecheck steps in - a free and simple tool created to help players identify whether an online casino is offering real or fake games.
Before you jump into your next online casino and pay a deposit on your next casino game, we recommend that you check the site for the Gamecheck SEAL.
The Gamecheck SEAL is a trusted verification badge granted to an online casino once a selection of its games has been tested and verified by Gamecheck.
The Gamecheck SEAL helps players identify online casinos that are committed to transparency and only offer genuine, tested games.
When you see the Gamecheck SEAL in the footer of an online casino’s website, it means that a selection of their games has been checked and confirmed to be real by the original game providers, and no fake games were found at the time of testing.
You can scan the Gamecheck SEAL using the Gamecheck App to verify its authenticity.
Alternatively, you can simply enter the online casino’s URL on the Gamecheck platform to see whether real games or fake games have been detected.
When in doubt of any online casino and its games, you can copy-paste the URL into the Gamecheck platform’s search portal for instant feedback as to whether the site is running real or fake games.
Gamecheck’s reliable verification process will let you know instantly whether the online casino is running real games or fake games have been detected.
Is it green, red or pending?
Green Status
The site is labelled as having “Real games” in operation.
Red Status
The site is labelled as “Fake games” detected.
Pending Status
The investigations are ongoing.
If the online casino in question is not listed in our database you can submit a verification request through the Submit Verification Page and an investigation will be initiated.
The Gamecheck team will investigate and update the status based on the evidence they uncover.
In the digital age, knowledge is power.
Understanding the difference between real and fake games is not just a matter of preference - it’s a matter of financial and data security.
By checking your games with Gamecheck before you play, you can confidently navigate the online casino landscape, ensuring that your quest for entertainment remains firmly in the realm of real games, where fairness and genuine excitement reign supreme.
