The online gambling industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. Nowadays, players have a convenient way of enjoying casino games without requiring them to be in a physical venue. The introduction of advanced technologies like virtual reality has also greatly enhanced the experience.
One big downside to playing online is that scammers and fraudsters can take advantage of this to swindle unsuspecting gamblers. That’s why you must be very careful when searching for an online casino to play at. In this article, we will look at some of the red flags that can help you identify a fake online casino.
Research
An online casino that has received many negative online reviews is likely to not be safe. A bad casino can be flagged quite quickly online as people rarely lie about their negative experiences using it. Therefore, if 70 percent of online reviews say that a particular gambling site is not reliable, avoid it at all costs.
Moreover, there are many dedicated websites that provide honest reviews about trustworthy online casinos. A basic Google search will reveal some of these but ensure to check out several sites and not stick to one as your guide. If you get a casino which has been operating for over 5 years, and doesn’t have any complaints, you can be sure that you’ve found a genuine outfit.
Payment Options
When you’re searching for a casino, don’t forget to check the payment methods it offers. A good site should provide at least one credit/debit card option as well as a variety of other money transfer options. Modern casinos often use modern payment systems such as PayPal, MasterCard, and Payoneer, as well as cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, the online casino should provide fast withdrawal speeds. Normally, reliable casinos use certified third-party banking processors, so you should receive your money in no time. If the site doesn’t have the option of paying in small amounts, or doesn’t process withdrawals in reasonable time, then it is likely to be a scam.
Game Variety
A legitimate online casino should provide a wide variety of casino games from renown software providers. You can find the names of the developers and links to their websites at the bottom of the homepage. If a gambling site features games from developers that you can’t find anywhere else, then it might be pirated software.
In addition, check if the online casino offers demo games. Real gambling websites will allow you to try out their games for free, hoping that you’ll become a regular player. If there’s no such option, the site is likely predatory, and wants to steal your cash before you realize you’ve been scammed.
Unlikely Casino Bonuses
Many modern online casinos typically offer lucrative bonuses to entice potential players to sign up at their sites. Welcome bonuses in particular, are a good way of kick-starting your gaming journey as they allow you to play for longer. However, this has also presented an opportunity for scammers to steal from unsuspecting players.
A scam website will often have a banner on their homepage displaying an extremely juicy bonus in order to lure you into signing up. It will also place high deposit limits to extract a lot of money from you at once. If you see that the bonuses offered are too good to be true, then it is likely the case.
Search for Licences
A licence is the first thing to check when searching for an online casino. Licences are provided by jurisdictions spread around the globe and allow you to be sure the operator was properly vetted. If the casino isn’t licensed by a reputable gambling regulator like UKGC or MGA, don’t play on their site.
Finding out if a casino has a licence is not very difficult. You simply need to move to the bottom of the homepage and check. Trustworthy online casinos such as https://platincasino.co.uk/table-games/roulette/play-online often display this information openly for everyone to see. If this is not the case, then stay away from that platform.
Conclusion
There you have it. The aforementioned will allow you to spot a fake casino site hence avoiding it completely. Other red flags to look out for are lack of testing certification from auditing companies like eCogra, and poor customer service. Once you do this, you will have the assurance that you’re dealing with a legitimate platform.
Even after finding a good online casino, always play responsibly and smart. Manage your bankroll to a budget that suits you and do not overextend. If you’re calm and gamble responsibly, you’ll be able to enjoy every bonus offer, and perhaps even win some real money in the process.