4 Online Casino Scams and How to Avoid Them
Globally, the online gambling industry has been growing exponentially. In the year 2020 alone, the market value reached almost $67 billion. As the industry grows, so does the number of new operators. While majority of these sites are legitimate, providing competitive offers and bonuses, so they can make a place for them in the market, there are always bad apples, that enter the scene with one goal, to scam unsuspecting users, and then vanish into thin air. There are some tell-tale signs that you should watch out for when choosing a site to play on. I will cover the most important ones here.
Online Casino Stealing Your Deposit
One of the most common and straight forward online casino scams is taking deposit theft. Fake casino sites will allow you to open an account, and make it very appealing to make an initial deposit. Usually the amount they ask for, for a very bold offer, is quite small. They then either close your account, or freeze it, or make it impossible to be able to withdraw your money. At some point, because you have only deposited a small amount, you are going to get tired of chasing them and move on. They have by that time already collected a small amount from many unsuspecting users. At the same time, there are some that make it appear as if they are trust worthy by allowing a number of smaller withdrawals, offering unrealistically large reload bonuses and then pulling a fast one on you.
Casino Refusing to Pay Your Winnings
If you do a quick google search, you will find many complaints from users who won big, and were never paid out. Online casino scams can hurt a lot more when you already won big, and they refuse to pay you out. They can either refuse to answer your messages, or emails, block you from communicating with them, or show you a vaguely written fine print that allows them to not pay out a win.
Fake Sites Masked as Online Casinos Spreading Ransomware
Over the years, fake casino sites have popped up that promote their app or desktop client above all other things. They promise bonuses, offer your free spins and a wonderful selection of deals too good to be true, if you download their app. Sadly this could be another one of the online casino scams, with the aim to take your device hostage. They will then ask for an amount of money to release your data and the files on your device back to you.
Using Rigged Online Casino Games
There are certain casino software companies that make rigged games, meaning the game lets you win but the odds are made in a way that in the end, the user is always the loser. Online casino scams have adapted in a way that now they copy legitimate software companies with their games, so it makes it harder to distinguish which game is provided by legit software companies and which is not. However, the biggest game providers don’t work with sites that have such scams. So, if you saw some of the bigger names such as Evolution, Realtime, NetEnt, Playtech, Microgaming, Pragmatic, etc., you can trust that the site is not one of the rigged online casinos.
Steps to Avoid Scams When Gambling Online
It’s true that there a few bad apples that may make your gaming experience hard. But there are ways you can avoid scams when gambling online.
Verifying the Casino License
Always check the validity of a website’s license. Unlicensed websites don’t have to be accountable to anyone but their own conscious and their own pockets! If they are not licensed and ask you to download their software, be extra cautious. Only download from sources your recognize and only if you trust the website.
Staying Away from Unrealistic Bonuses
Does the bonus offer seem too good to be true? Then it probably is. There are norms for most bonuses offered. While some casinos may give higher returns on their deposit bonuses or welcome bonuses, the rules to use them, the wagering requirements and percentages are quite similar. If you see a big offer, with no strings attached, it is not a good sign.
Checking if the Casino has Secure Payment Options
It is always preferred to use methods that create a barrier between your bank information and the website. If you have the option, use secure options such as cryptocurrencies or e-wallets.
Testing if the Customer Support is Real
Most legitimate websites have 24/7 online support. While having online support is not a guarantee of a website’s legitimacy, it shows a certain degree of professionalism. If the support is able to address your issues without you having to wait for a ticket to be answered in 48 hours, well that’s just much easier, isn’t it?
Installing Antivirus Software
Well, here is some old school advice, if you have a digital device with low security, that’s not a good idea anyway. Never download apps, desktop clients or any other software from a source you don’t absolutely trust!
Conclusion:
I hope that by now you have a better idea of what to avoid when playing online. This is by no means to discourage your from enjoying online gambling, but to make you look for red flags where you can. As long as you do your research, look for licenses and secure payment methods, and read the terms and conditions, and above all, gamble responsibly, there is very little threat to your safety.
About The Author: John Duncan is a web operation executive at CannonBet. Born and raised in the cybersecurity world. He authors guides on cybersecurity and safety and loves sharing the best practices. You can contact the author via email.