Despite the immense profits of online casinos, a dark side is hidden in this industry—online casino scams. These fraudulent activities are centered around deceit and theft. A few of the scam examples are fraudulent bonuses, fake sites, etc.
Like you, we all go into every game to win big in these virtual havens. However, many scammers and hackers have begun targeting unsuspecting and inexperienced players. This content will help stay a step ahead of them.
Why Should You Care?
Scammers are as prevalent on the internet as a royal flush in poker is rare. You might inevitably fall victim if you do not know the signs to look for.
They intend to take your money for every cent or penny; here are tips to help you keep it right where it belongs—in your pockets.
Doing Your Homework: Research is Your Best Friend
Let’s cut to the chase: you must investigate before you are ready to deposit.
1. Check the License
A legit online casino must have a license from a reputable state or country licensing body, such as the Curacao Gaming Commission. To see this, check the “About Us” page, or for some sites, it’s at the bottom of their homepage.
2. Inspect the Reputation
Who else is talking about this casino site? Turn to online casino review platforms (ORDB) and forum boards (Quora, AskGamblers). However, we do not believe one bad review is a scam, and one good review is genuine. Look for patterns.
It is also a good sign if the site partners with reputable organizations in the field of player protection. A good example here is LuckyWins — they partner with GamCare, Gambling Therapy, and are reviewed by AskGamblers. That’s a good portfolio.
3. Security Measures
Does the casino use SSL encryption? Is it certified by independent bodies like eCOGRA? These are good signs that they take security seriously.
The adage that if something appears too good to be true applies to casinos. We do not advise joining new casinos with no performance record.
Protecting Your Info: Keep it Under Lock and Key
Personal information is like chips in a casino, which is valuable for online gambling. Here’s how to keep it safe:
1. Stranger Danger
Do not disclose personal data to people who unexpectedly send you messages. No real casino will try to get your password or banking information.
2. Password Power
Use strong, unique passwords for each casino account. Do not use lazy passwords like “password123”!
3. Two-Factor Authentication
Most online casinos now offer 2FA (you can find it in the menu bar under “security” upon sign-up). It’s like having a bouncer for the account who will kick out everyone with unfriendly intentions. We hope you get to use it.
Bonus Terms: The Devil’s in the Details
We all love a good bonus, but some offers are too good to be true. Read the fine print: Yes, all of it. Is it boring? Maybe. Is it important? Absolutely. Some online casinos even set unbelievable rollover requirements or limits.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Wagering Requirements: If you see a 100x wagering requirement on that juicy welcome bonus with a minimum deposit above $100. Run for the hills! (We recommend visiting casino forums to check user feedback on bonus payout)
- Time Limits: It is probably not worth risking $3,000 on a slot game bonus with a 24-hour time limit to maintain it. The average time limit on most casino bonuses is between 7 and 30 days. That’s the time frame you can take to use your special perk on some exciting games like these slotspeak.com/neon-slots/.
Remember that a good casino does not want you to lose money attempting to satisfy the bonus requirements.
Spotting the Scams: Know Your Enemy
Scammers are smart but not so creative. They always apply the same technique. Here are some common scams to watch out for:
- Phishing Emails: “Congratulations! You’ve won a bonus! Just click here and enter your login details.” No, please don’t do it. (You can report such emails as spam to prevent further emails)
- Fake Websites: Scammers often create sites almost identical to legit casinos. They tend to replace the spelling of the URLs. e.g, “https://jackpotcitycaslno.co,” “https//:jackpotcltycasino.co” (Always double-check that URL or try and check their social media via the website)
- Rigged Games: Stick to casinos that use reputable software providers. If every spin is a near-miss, something’s fishy. Microgaming and Netent are examples of popular developers. (Pro Tip: Google search the slot name to find out the software developer or visit sites like Poker News to research the slot game)
- Slow or No Payouts: If a casino is dragging its feet on payouts or making excuses, it might be time to cash out and run.
- Bonus Abuse Accusations: Some shady casinos might accuse you of bonus abuse as an excuse not to pay out. Know the rules and stick to them. Go to “details” in the promotions or “bonus” sections in the T&C.
Staying Safe: Your Action Plan
Ready to gamble safely online? Here’s your five steps game plan:
- Do your research every time on the gambling site
- Guard your info like a precious jewel.
- Read those T&Cs like your money depends on it (because it does).
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Walk away asap.
- Keep yourself updated on the latest scams.
The Final Spin: Your Safety is Non-Negotiable
Scam casinos are common and widely spread throughout the internet. However, observing a few precautions and proper planning lets you safely enjoy the world of online casinos. By following our pointers, you can begin your journey right.
Disclaimer: This article contains sponsored marketing content. It is intended for promotional purposes and should not be considered as an endorsement or recommendation by our website. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.
