Most Common Online Casino Scams and How to Avoid Them

Playing in an online casino is exciting. With so many juicy cash offers when you sign up and all kinds of fun games, expect hours of entertaining fun ahead of you! However, a concern is avoiding loopholes that might cost you in the long run.

From fake websites, stolen bank accounts, and suspicious transactions, we will explore how to avoid casino scams. We will also look at how to spot legitimate offers (so you can start playing and hopefully win!).

Live Dealer Scams to Avoid

Skip gambling sites that ask you to download their software for live dealer games, as you might mistakenly download malware. Real sites will let you play in the app.

Other tips to help you avoid live dealer scams include:

1. Avoid sites where the software is buggy and lags. Or they need a correct web address. Trusted gambling operators use the latest casino gaming technologies and link directly to their sites.
2. Search for complaints on the live dealer game before giving them your money
3. If they do not display their license, do NOT play in their casino

Spotting an Online Casino Scam

When you start looking for a new casino website, there are a few tell-tale signs that the site might not be legit.

These include:

1. You win, attempt to cash out, and cannot collect your winnings

Be concerned if the casino refuses to let you collect your payout or suspends your account. They might also not return your calls or emails and hope you eventually give up. They might even have hidden disclosures you did not see in the Terms and Conditions that you did not see.

To avoid this, read the Terms of Use section and conditions for deposits and withdrawal delays.

2. You receive a suspicious phishing email signup offer

If your internet is not secure and you are not using antivirus protection, you might be subject to Phishing emails. These are bogus emails that pretend to be a genuine business. For example, hackers could pose as a legit casino to steal your driver’s license or passport information and bank account data.

Look for misspellings in the email or if you are on your laptop, hover over it before opening it. If it does not have the casino site’s address, chances are it is a hacker.

3. You upload your ID, play in a new casino, and later realize you are the victim of identity theft

Identity thieves can pose as legitimate casinos and clone real games. After you make your deposit and play, they might freeze your money and ask for proof of identity (driver’s license, passport).

Because they already have your address and bank details, they might clone your credit cards and sell your data on the black market.

While uploading your ID is part of Know Your Customer laws, stick to trusted and honest casinos and avoid any (offshore, unknown names) you cannot verify.

4. You play for hours and NEVER win

In a bogus site with rigged games, the RTPs are low and favor the house. Trustworthy casinos will have RTP rates on some slots and table games in the high 90s. Hence, for every $100 you play, if a game’s RTP is 95%, you will eventually win back $95.

Some gambling operators list their RTPs online so you will know which games (poker, blackjack) pay out more frequently.

Protect Your Identity Gambling Online

To help you find legit real money online casinos and ensure your information stays private online and that you play only in reputable casinos that will protect your information.

Tips include:

1. Register only in verified casinos that display their licensing and jurisdiction information. They should also list their auditing details (eCogra, Technical Systems Testing, iGaming Labs) to confirm they receive routine audits for game fairness. Legit sites will display their audit company badges.
2. Only sign up with casino sites that offer 2-step verifications (sending a code to your phone) to help keep your account secure.
3. The gambling operator’s page should have HTTPS, not HTTP, which is SSL encryption. Safe casino websites use 256-bank-grade encryption to block hackers.
4. Avoid using public wifi to gamble online, as it makes you vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. If you are on public wifi at your hotel, the airport, or a coffee shop, use a virtual private network (VPN) like Nord, CyberGhost, or Expressvpn. These will block your IP address and hide your identity.
5. Check the casino’s reviews for complaints and avoid gambling sites with poor customer service or payout delays.
6. Avoid sites that say they will match your deposit of 400%, 500%, or 600%. The highest percentage you might see is 240% from websites like Las Atlantis, and this is the exception as their offer is up to $14,000 spread out over multiple deposits.

FAQ

What is the safest casino online?

Reputable casinos display their licensing information, use HTTPS in the search bar, have excellent reviews, and have 2-step authentication.

What if a casino had poor reviews before?

Read through the feedback customers leave. Newer casinos might have a temporary glitch or lack of support starting up. However, they will quickly rectify the matter as they try to improve their service.

What are the signs of casino scams online?

Red flags include large deposit offers (deposit theft), tight slots (rigged games) with low RTPs, negative reviews, and no About Us page (licensing, jurisdiction, contact #) or a Terms and Conditions page (offer details, wager requirements, payouts).

Avoid Casino Scams by Playing in Top-Rated Casinos

While most casinos online are legit, there are a few rogue players to avoid. Casino scams can be a nightmare if a dishonest site suspends your account and you cannot access your funds. Use the tips above to help you avoid bad actors and protect your hard-earned money.

Because there are top-rated casinos online that treat customers fairly and offer heightened security, eliminating scammers means you can invest your time and money with honest ones. If you are unsure, bet with a cryptocurrency to avoid displaying your bank details, and avoid using debit or credit cards and giving your PIN out.

Casinos with proven records will offer generous bonuses, have excellent references, and you can reach customer support day or night. Look for high RTP rates for more consistent wins and have fun knowing when you are ready to cash out, you can without delay!