How to avoid online casino scams
Online casinos have changed the way you gamble, letting you play from the comfort of your home. This convenience however comes with risks, such as the chance of falling victim to scams.
Scams vary from phishing attempts that steal your personal information to rigged games that take your money. In this guide, I’ll take a look at the most common online gambling scams and share some practical tips on how to avoid them
How do online casino scams work
It’s important to understand how casino scams work if you want to avoid them. There are many different types of scams, but they all tend to fall under one of these three categories:
Carelessness
Carelessness results when a casino fails to implement proper safety checks like encryption protocols, Two-Factor Authentication (TFA), and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. This allows malicious people to enter the site, where they can gain access to your details or fill your desktop with malware.
Deception
Some hackers will target you directly rather than the casino. You may get messages on social media from people pretending to help, or suspicious emails claiming to be from the casino. Always contact customer support immediately if you think you’re the target of an attack.
Malicious intent
Some scams originate from the casinos themselves, particularly illegal or offshore ones. These casinos intend to trick players from the start, using rigged games and false bonuses to lure people in. They may refuse to pay out your winnings or even disappear with your deposits.
Common scams in online gambling
The best way to avoid a scam is to recognize one. I’ve highlighted the most common scams, along with tips I use to not fall prey to them.
Identity theft
Online casinos require players to submit personal documents to verify their identity. This is what scammers and fraudsters are after. They use this information to steal your money and can even commit additional types of fraud in your name.
- Make sure the casino has Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) to safeguard sensitive information.
- Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (TFA).
- Look for licensing, regulation, and privacy policies.
- Check for firewalls and anti-fraud tools to prevent hacking attempts.
Malware
This can happen when you play at poorly regulated casinos that end up loading your computer with viruses. Computer malware can corrupt your system and also steal sensitive information. So it’s imperative to ensure that you’re covered to avoid this happening.
- Make sure you’re using updated antivirus software to detect and remove malware threats.
- Regularly update your operating system and drivers to close any security loopholes.
- Be cautious of suspicious downloads or pop-ups while browsing, as computer malware can also be transferred simply by visiting an unsecured casino site.
Account takeover
Malicious people may target you on social media, especially if it’s been publicized that you’ve had a big win. The aim is to get access to your password so they can take over your funds.
- Don’t share your personal information, even on seemingly safe platforms.
- Avoid high rolling and chasing after large winnings until you’re 100% sure of the casino’s safety.
- Monitor your account activity regularly and report suspicious behavior to the support department immediately.
Rigged games
Online casino games are intended to be random and impartial, meaning that the outcome of each game should be determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG). That said, illegitimate online casinos manipulate the games on their platform to have an unfair advantage.
- Only play at casinos that are licensed and regulated by well-known gambling authorities.
- Don’t gamble at offshore casinos as they do not operate under US licensing and regulations, which leaves you no legal recourse
- Check for RNG certification. You can usually find this in the website’s footer.
- Monitor your account activity regularly and report suspicious behavior to the support department immediately.
- Choose casinos that are regularly audited by third parties to ensure the fairness and randomness of games.
- Check user reviews on Reddit and Trustpilot to get advice from fellow players.
False bonuses
Casinos offer promos to attract players to their platforms. These bonuses can come in the form of welcome offers, free spins, and deposit match bonuses. However, in some cases, these bonuses become inaccessible after you sign up, and it’s simply a ploy to get your money.
- Only play at online casinos that have transparent terms and conditions, especially regarding bonus offers.
- Read existing user reviews.
- Ensure that their customer support is reachable and responsive.
- Bear in mind that if the offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Withholding of winnings
When an online casino refuses to pay out your winnings by stating confusing or unclear terms or insisting that you’ve breached the casino’s policies, this is regarded as non-payment of winnings. Ultimately, this results in losing money and you might face legal battles to recover your winnings.
- Always read the terms pertaining to withdrawal limits, wagering requirements, or restricted payment methods.
- If you find any of the terms confusing, reach out to support and ensure clarity before engaging with the online casino.
- Test out the withdrawal process with small amounts to get an idea of how fast the casino pays or if they pay at all.
How to avoid casino scams
Here’s a checklist to ensure you avoid online casino scams. Make a mental note of the following tips to guarantee an enjoyable and safe online gaming experience:
- Check for licensing by the relevant authorities depending on your state (ex. New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement).
- Look for and verify SSL encryption by checking the padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar.
- Read the casino’s terms and conditions to understand their policies on bonuses, withdrawals, and account verification.
- Make use of platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit to read honest reviews and experiences from fellow players.
- Ensure that the casino uses RNGs by looking for certifications from independent agencies like eCOGRA.
- Reach out to the casino’s customer support department with a query to assess their responsiveness and helpfulness.
- Be wary of unrealistic promotions that offer bonuses that seem too good to be true.
- Keep an eye out for RF measures such as deposit limits, self-exclusion, and cooling-off periods.
- Ensure that the casino offers secure and reliable payment options such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal.
- Regulated casinos have dispute resolution services, so ensure there are clear channels for resolving disputes, such as affiliations with the American Arbitration Association (AAA), Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS), or National Arbitration and Mediation (NAM).
What to do if you suspect you got scammed
If you believe you’ve fallen victim to an online casino scam, you need to act quickly by following these steps to protect your money and help recover lost funds:
Stop all activities
Immediately halt any further deposits or wagers if you suspect that the casino is not legitimate or could be a scam. This step is imperative as continuing to engage on the platform could result in additional losses.
Document everything
Ensure that you keep a record of all communication with the online casino, including emails, chat logs, account details, and deposit history. Also, record all terms and conditions cited on the platform. I would suggest that you always do this when playing at any casino to be on the safe side.
Contact customer support
Prior to jumping to conclusions, it’s recommended that you contact the casino’s support team to clarify the situation. Additionally, ensure that you have your documentation on hand to back up your claims.
Report the scam
All legitimate online casinos are regulated by a gambling authority, with the power to investigate and take action if needed. Depending on the state you’re gambling from, you can reach out to authorities such as the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board or the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Notify your payment provider
Contact your bank or payment provider to see if there’s a chance of reversing transactions or disputing charges. Most banks offer some sort of fraud protection for situations such as these.
Spread the word
Write reviews and share your experience online on Reddit and Trustpilot. This will help other players and prevent them from falling prey to the same online casino scams.
File a complaint
If you are not getting any help from the casino’s support, then you should consider filing a complaint with Time2play’s complaints service. Our platform partners with the AskGamblers Casino Complaints Service to help mediate the issue and potentially recover your funds.
Seek legal advice
If all other avenues fail and a large sum of money is involved, consult with a lawyer who specializes in online fraud and gambling disputes.