How to Avoid Common Online Casino Scams

Online casinos have become incredibly popular, offering players the thrill of gambling from the comfort of their homes. However, with this growth, scammers have also found new ways to exploit unsuspecting players. From rigged games to unfair withdrawal policies, online casino scams can result in lost money, stolen data and a frustrating experience.

If you want to gamble safely, you need to know how to spot and avoid these scams before you deposit your hard-earned cash. 

In this guide, we will break down:

The most common online casino scams
Warning signs to watch out for
Expert tips to stay safe and gamble responsibly

Let us dive in!

1. Fake Online Casinos: How to Spot Them

 

Not all online casinos are legitimate. Some are set up solely to scam players, collecting deposits but never allowing withdrawals. These fake casinos might look professional, but they often disappear overnight… along with your money.

Red Flags to Watch For:

No Valid Gambling License – A trustworthy casino will always have a license from a recognized authority like:

• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
• Curacao eGaming
• Kahnawake Gaming Commission
  Unrealistic Bonuses – If a casino promises a 500% bonus with no wagering requirements, be cautious.
  No Secure Payment Methods – Reputable casinos support trusted payment options like Visa, MasterCard, PayPal and crypto.
  Lack of Customer Support – Scam casinos often have unresponsive or non-existent customer service.

Pro Tip: Before signing up, Google the casino’s name + “scam” or “reviews” to see if other players have reported issues.

2. Rigged Games and Unfair Odds

 

Legitimate online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and unpredictable outcomes in games. However, some dishonest casinos rig their games to increase house edge beyond fair limits.

Signs of Rigged Games:

No Independent Audits – Trusted casinos work with companies like eCOGRA, iTech Labs and GLI to certify game fairness.

Suspiciously Low Winnings – If you consistently lose at slots or table games, the odds may be manipulated.

No Return-to-Player (RTP) Details – Every slot or table game should list an RTP percentage. If the casino hides this information, it is a red flag.

Pro Tip: Stick to well-known software providers like:
🎰 Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play and Playtech.

These companies are regulated and cannot rig games, even if a casino wanted them to.

3. Delayed or Denied Withdrawals

A classic online casino scam involves making it difficult, or even impossible, to withdraw your winnings. Some sites use excessive verification requests, stall tactics or hidden terms to avoid pay outs.

Warning Signs of Withdrawal Scams:

Extremely High Wagering Requirements – If a casino has a 100x wagering requirement before you can withdraw, cashing out is nearly impossible.

Unclear Withdrawal Terms – Some casinos limit withdrawal amounts to as little as R500 per week, dragging out cash outs for months.

Never-Ending KYC (Know Your Customer) Requests – While identity verification is normal, scam casinos keep asking for more documents to delay pay outs indefinitely.

Unresponsive Support – If customer service ignores withdrawal requests, take it as a red flag.

Pro Tip: Before signing up, read the withdrawal policy carefully and check if the casino has a history of pay out complaints.

4. Phishing Scams and Data Theft

Sometimes, scams do not happen on the casino itself but through fake emails, social media messages or cloned websites. Hackers try to trick players into giving away their login details or banking info.

Common Casino Phishing Scams:

Fake Casino Emails – Scammers send emails pretending to be from a casino, asking you to confirm your account or claim a fake bonus.

Fake Customer Support Chats – Be wary if someone contacts you through WhatsApp, Telegram or social media asking for your password.

Cloned Casino Websites – A fake site may look like a real casino but has a slightly different URL (e.g., “Casino123.com” vs. “Casino-123.com”).

Pro Tip: Only log in through the official casino website. If you receive an email asking for login details, do not click on it, go directly to the casino’s website to verify.

5. Bonus Abuse Scams

While casino bonuses can be a great way to boost your bankroll, some casinos trap players with misleading promotions.

Bonus Scams to Avoid:

Hidden Maximum Withdrawal Limits – Some “no deposit” bonuses only let you withdraw a fraction of your winnings (e.g., R500 maximum).Impossible Wagering Requirements – If a bonus requires 100x wagering, you will have to gamble R10,000 just to withdraw R100.Forced Deposits – Some casinos require you to deposit before you can cash out “free” winnings, a classic bait-and-switch tactic.

Pro Tip: The best bonuses are no-wagering bonuses that allow instant withdrawals.

6. Fake Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games are meant to offer a real casino experience with human dealers. However, some scam casinos use pre-recorded video footage and pretend it is live.

How to Spot Fake Live Dealer Games:

No Real-Time Interactions – If the dealer never responds to chat messages, it might be pre-recorded.Poor Video Quality – Blurry or low-quality streams are a bad sign.Unlicensed Casino Name in the Background – Trusted live dealer studios clearly display the casino’s name.

Pro Tip: Stick to legitimate live dealer providers like Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play Live and Playtech Live.

How to Stay Safe: 10 Quick Tips

✅ Play only at licensed casinos – Always verify the casino’s license before depositing.
✅ Check for game fairness audits – Look for eCOGRA, iTech Labs or GLI certification.
✅ Read real player reviews – Google the casino’s name + “reviews” to see what others say.
✅ Avoid unrealistic bonuses – If a bonus seems too good to be true, it probably is.
✅ Use secure payment methods – Visa, PayPal and crypto offer better fraud protection.
✅ Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) – Adds extra security to your account.
✅ Read the withdrawal terms – Know the cash out limits and wagering requirements before playing.
✅ Be cautious with email links – Always visit a casino’s website directly rather than clicking on email links.
✅ Test customer support – Contact live chat before signing up to see how responsive they are.
✅ Trust your gut – If something feels off about a casino, do not risk your money!

The Catch? Even some licensed casinos use shady tactics, so always do your research before depositing.

Final Pro Tip: If a casino has a history of complaints about rigged games or unpaid winnings, avoid it. A little research can save you a lot of frustration and lost money.

Now that you know how to spot and avoid scams, you can enjoy online gambling with confidence and peace of mind!