The online casino industry is well-regulated in most parts of the developed world and safe to a large extent. However, there are plenty of online casino websites that are unregulated, unlicensed and some of them are downright scams. Some places like Cambodia have become the hub of online gambling scams.
If you enjoy playing slots and table games online, don’t let this discourage you. There are plenty of 100% safe and licensed casinos that are trustworthy and of the highest quality. In fact, some might argue they are even better than land-based casinos.
By knowing what to look for in a reliable casino and how to spot a scam casino, you can steer clear of frivolous websites and maybe even alert your friends to be wary.
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Great Bonuses and Trustworthy Casinos – Here’s How you Find Them
Before we get to our list of what to spot when trying to avoid online casino scams, it’s also good to point out that there are indeed reputable providers who are exactly what they’re advertised to be.
And what better way to know an operator is actually trustworthy than signing up through the no deposit bonus guide, NoDepositHero? As a site that is independently run by casino experts, you know you can trust their judgment on what they have to say about providers – whether good or bad.
Plus, apart from knowing you’ll be getting exactly what’s being promoted on the site, you can also benefit from a ridiculous number of exclusive offers.
Below, you’ll find a rough checklist of red flags to look out for before choosing to open and fund an account at an online casino.
1. Check that the Online Casino is Licensed
Scam online casino websites come in all forms. Some are obviously fake and some look and feel like the real deal. With the latter, it’s going to be a lot harder to ascertain whether the software is pirated or genuine, especially for the untrained eye.
Therefore, you must ensure that you check the site’s footer to see if the license is still in effect.
The British-based UKGC and the Maltese MGA are the most reliable licensees on the market right now. Learn about the laws that are maintained by these commissions and how they intend to benefit you as a client by taking the time to do so.
Any trustworthy operator will be transparent about the license number it holds and include a link that directs users to the regulator’s validity checker.
2. Extremely Lucrative Bonuses are a Red Flag
Online casinos certainly offer bonuses. You’ll find all kinds of bonuses in the online casino industry, such as no deposit bonuses, welcome bonuses, free spins, tournaments, VIP bonuses, cashbacks, and more. However, when you read the bonus policy you will understand that the bonus does have some strings attached to it.
If an online casino offers a hefty bonus without any strings attached, it may be too good to be true. These sites will tempt you with an irresistible bonus promise and ensure you make a deposit. Once you’ve given them your money, you can forget about getting it back.
A fraudulent casino would promote extraordinarily high incentives without any contractual commitments to really uphold the terms indicated.
3. No Third Party RNG or Fairness Certification
Any online casino worth its salt will have a certificate to prove the fairness of its game results. This certificate is issued by an independent game testing laboratory or organization.
Essentially, they thoroughly test the random number generator that the casino uses to produce game results and ensure that it runs in accordance with the published RTP of each game.
If an online casino does not make any mention of this certificate on its website, it could be an indication that you’re on an unscrupulous online casino website. Even if a badge or logo is displayed on the website, it could just be a spoof. So, make sure the casino is actually certified by independent auditors for fairness and safety.
4. Account Suspended Unreasonably
Operators are allowed to cancel and exclude accounts, but only under specific circumstances.
You can be dealing with an illegitimate or fraudulent casino if you are denied access to a platform’s communication and support features without a clear explanation.
5. Shoddy Withdrawal Practices
Players are typically under pressure from rogue casinos to deposit money right away. Customers must pass KYC and AML checks before fair gaming websites may accept their money.
The split of a complete payout and the refusal to pay subsequent increments are two further examples of a fictitious casino payment policy.
6. Questionable Terms and Conditions
False online casino companies frequently change their terms and conditions, which is one of their tricks. Most legislatures enable modifications to internal policies, but all fair operators must do it in a transparent manner and notify patrons in a timely manner.
Consider the case when you meet the play-through criteria and ask for payment. Say the operator denies your withdrawal on the grounds that you failed to abide by the bonus terms currently in effect.
You could find that the terms have changed when you review the terms again without warning.
Such occurrences are warning signs of phony gambling websites. If you experience this, stop playing at this casino and report it to the regulator right away.
