The online gambling industry is growing every year. And along with it, the number of unscrupulous operators who disguise themselves as legal casinos is growing. Their goal is not to provide a fair game, but to extort money from users without paying a single ruble back.
To avoid becoming a victim of scammers, it is important to be able to distinguish reliable platforms from fake ones. This article contains practical tips, signs of fake sites, and recommendations for checking the casino before registering.
Why do fraudulent casinos appear?
Creating a website that mimics a casino is not difficult today. Scammers copy the design, use pirated software, issue fake licenses, and aggressively advertise in social networks and instant messengers. The goal is to lure newcomers, make them make a deposit, and disappear.
The main reasons for the appearance of such sites:
- lack of centralized regulation in a number of countries;
- availability of templates and copies of game platforms.
- the desire to make quick money on trusting players;
- no legal consequences for fake owners.
The main signs of a fraudulent casino
Here is a list of red flags that should alert you. One point is already a reason to be wary. A few are a reason to close the site.
| Sign | What it means |
| No license or fake | Casino is operating illegally, no guarantees of integrity |
| Hidden information about the company | is not a decree. |
| Refusal to pay out without a reason | Players do not withdraw their winnings, citing “errors” |
| Pi | Low quality graphics, long loading slots |
| New | Massive new spam, aggressive marketing |
| Inadequate support service | Slow or rude responses, complete disregard |
| Bonuses without logic | Too generous, with unverifiable conditions |
How to check your online casino license
A license is the main indicator of the casino’s legality and integrity. Most respected regulators:
- MGA (Malta Gaming Authority)
- UKGC (UK Gambling Commission)
- Curacao eGaming
- Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner
- Isle of Man
How to check:
- Scroll down to the bottom of the site and see the license logo in the basement.
- Click on the logo — it should lead to the regulator’s website with information about the casino.
- Go to the regulator’s website and find the casino manually by name or license number.
- If the information doesn’t match — it’s a fake.
Reliable providers and fake software
Another way to check the casino’s integrity is to see whose games are hosted on the platform. Reliable casinos cooperate only with official providers.
| Reliable providers | Sign of Legality |
| NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO | Direct Delivery, Integrity Check |
| Evolution, Pragmatic Play | Only in licensed casinos |
| Yggdrasil, Push Gaming | Use independent RNGs |
If the games on the site are visually similar, but loading is unstable, the betting logic is broken, or the provider’s logo is missing — it’s probably a pirated copy.
How to distinguish a licensed casino from a fake one
Compare the characteristics of an honest and fraudulent casino:
| Parameter | Reliable casino | Fraudulent casino |
| License | Transparent, with a number and link | Fake, inactive, no |
| Deposit methods | Bank cards, cryptocurrency, wallets | Only anonymous or questionable |
| Software | Games from well-known providers | Unknown games, often lagging |
| Support | is Fast, polite, round-the-clock | Does not respond or rude |
| Reviews | Most positive, constructive | Many complaints about non-payments and blockages |
What to do if you have already registered
If you realize that you are on a fake site, don’t panic, but act quickly.
Steps:
- Do not make a deposit if you have not done so.
- Save all screenshots and conversations (if any).
- Try to withdraw your funds as soon as possible.
- Block the card if your bank details were used.
- Contact your payment system provider with a complaint.
- Leave a review on independent ad platforms — it will help others.
Where to find honest casinos
To select a verified platform, use:
- Major rating aggregators: AskGamblers, Casino Guru, Trustpilot
- Topics on profile forums: Gambling.pro, Gipsyteam
- Official websites of providers — many have a list of partners
You can also focus on popular brands that have been operating for several years and have a good reputation.
Conclusion
Fraudulent online casinos are a real threat to players. Their main goal is to get money without providing a high-quality service. But armed with basic knowledge and care, you can easily distinguish a reliable platform from a fake one.
Check licenses, read reviews, and pay attention to design, software, and support. Play only in those casinos where honesty is not a slogan, but a proven practice.