How to Spot a Potentially Fraudulent Online Casino
Distinguishing legitimate from scam casinos can be challenging at times. Most beginners only check the licensing information before approving the casino. But some casino regulators may not be too strict on their regulations, making these licenses popular among scam websites. Some gambling sites may not even have a license at all.
This article discusses some common scams and signs of a fake online casino to help you avoid playing on a rogue gambling site. You'll also find a list of licensed and legit gambling sites carefully crafted by CasinoRank's experienced reviewers.
Common Online Casino Scams
It's essential to be aware of some common scams in the iGaming world. Phishing is among the most prevalent, where scammers send deceptive emails or messages asking for your personal information or login credentials.
Bonuses are another widespread casino scam nowadays, with some gambling sites offering large bonuses with high wagering requirements. This makes it almost impossible to withdraw winnings from the bonuses and promotions. Always read the bonus conditions to avoid choosing the wrong package.
In addition, many fake online reviews are meant to dupe gamers into joining a rogue casino. Some casinos pay reviewers to write only about the benefits and fool unsuspecting new players. And finally, be wary of payment scams or casinos that don't pay out winnings.
How to Tell If an Online Casino is Legit for UK Players

It might be difficult to check if a casino is legit, but spending time on fact-checking would be worth it. There are some simple steps you can follow to spot a fraudulent online casino.
Analyse Online Casino's Reputation
Checking an online casino's reputation is an essential next step. When ranking and choosing the best online casinos, you must consider their position in the industry. An online casino's reputation is influenced by a wide range of factors and conditions. A good casino will be aware of all the elements that influence and shape it, and it will take every care to prevent dissatisfying its patrons.
If you already have experience with online casinos, then you might know that the primary factors that affect a casino's reputation can vary greatly. They will consist of respect for customers, top-notch personnel, high-quality products and services, security, and safety. If you are new to the gambling industry, it may be difficult to decide which casino to trust. Continue reading to the end if you want to find a reliable top casino.
If the reputation of an online site is not good, then it is better not to play there. If the online casino is new and has not had enough time to create a reputation, then you can continue your research on it.
Verify If It Has a Licence
Verifying whether an online casino has a gambling licence is the most major step to avoid fraud in an online casino. You may be aware that to operate legally, online casinos must have a gaming licence. Since only a few authorities grant gambling licences, the first thing you must do is find whether the online casino where you want to play has one.
It is challenging to get a government licence for new casinos because they must satisfy several requirements. Additionally, they must adhere to tight rules about fairness, security, and encryption. Once a casino has been authorised and posted online, you may be confident that it can be trusted.
Information regarding online casino licenses will be publicly available on the home sites of all licensed online casinos. If a direct link to the regulator's website isn't provided, the license number and details should be displayed at the bottom of the page. This license number is crucial for verifying the casino's legitimacy and conducting further checks, ensuring UK players can trust the platform.
To select the ideal online casino for your needs, it's essential to confirm it holds a valid license. If a casino is not licensed, it's best to avoid it entirely, as pursuing it further would be a waste of your time and potentially risky for UK players.
Read All the Terms and Conditions
This is arguably the most tedious but vital step in avoiding online casino scams. While some players might skip reading the terms and conditions, it's crucial to review them thoroughly. Failing to do so means you'll have little recourse if you disagree with the casino's rules or policies later on, as all details are typically outlined here.
Although reading through all the terms and conditions can be a chore, it's essential for addressing your security concerns. Pay close attention to the wagering requirements at the casino. Are there limits on withdrawals? Does the casino offer a range of secure and convenient payment solutions popular in the UK, such as PayPal or debit cards?
If you encounter any term or condition you disagree with, it's best not to choose that casino. Ensure you are completely satisfied with the terms before proceeding. Once you're happy, move on to the next casino on your list and repeat the process.
Check Game Archive
Most online casino games are designed to be user-friendly and offer an enjoyable experience. While waiting for new game updates, you can always revisit your favourite classic titles. This approach also helps iron out any initial bugs that might appear in newly launched games.
If you enjoy a wide variety of gaming options, look for an online casino that boasts an extensive game library. Casinos with a wide variety of games often provide a better overall experience. Switching to a mobile casino might also introduce you to different and more exciting gameplay.
Don't worry if some new games have minor bugs; these are usually resolved quickly. In the meantime, you can always enjoy your beloved classic casino games.
Chat With the Customer Service
To determine which casino is the best fit for you, engage with their customer service team. The quality of their support can reveal a lot about the casino's overall reliability. If they are polite, helpful, and trustworthy, your experience with them is likely to be positive. Remember, you control the amount of personal information you share.
Therefore, conversing with customer service can be highly beneficial. In just a few minutes, you can gather essential information by speaking with a representative. Naturally, to avoid scams at online casinos, thorough research is always paramount for UK players.
Check Software Providers
Another critical step is examining the software providers. The reputation and accountability of a casino brand can often be inferred from the software suppliers they partner with. This is because rogue online casinos typically lack the capability or legitimacy to integrate games from well-known gambling software developers.
Consequently, you might find that the games are not associated with well-known software providers. It's wise to pause and reconsider before investing your money in such a casino.
Test Online Casino's User Interface
Your preferences will eventually determine the casino's UI. You may enjoy an interface, but others don't, and vice versa. Every player appreciates a user-friendly interface, so check to see whether the UK online casino you're seeking to play at has one.
A website's user interface may influence your choice, how it looks, and how easy it is to navigate and find what you need. While it might not matter how good or bad the site is in general, it does matter when choosing the ideal one or ones to play on.
The time you spend playing casino games will be less fun if you don't pick a website that you are comfortable with and familiar with. So, choose a casino whose interface you are comfortable with.
How to Spot a Genuine Casino Review from a Fake One
There are many fake reviews about online casinos, with some reviewers often paid by the casino or a competitor to write the comment. For this reason, CasinoRank will show you how to identify legit casino reviews that could help you find a reliable casino to join. Below are some tips:
- Check the source of the review: Read reviews only from a reputable source, such as a well-known online casino portal or an independent review site. Be wary of reviews posted on the casino's website, as they may be biased.
- Look for specifics: Genuine reviews will mention specific details about the casino, including the game selection, the customer service, or the payment options. Conversely, fake reviews are often generic and vague, with no specific details or examples.
- Check the language and tone: Genuine reviews will be written in clear, concise language without being overly positive or negative. On the other hand, fake reviews may contain spelling or grammar errors or use extremely positive language to persuade you to join the site.
- Check for tone consistency: Trusted casino reviews should use a consistent tone and language. Be careful with reviews that use the same style.
If you are looking for legit online casino reviews, OnlineCasinoRank should be your next stop. The reviews on this website are transparent and objective, written by knowledgeable industry experts after testing every aspect of the casinos. Check the list of trusted online casinos right now!
Blacklisted Online Casinos to Avoid
Blacklisted online casinos have a history of engaging in unethical or fraudulent behaviour. These casinos are known to frustrate players for not paying out, having unreasonable bonus terms, offering rude or non-existent customer support, and more.
With so many casino options, finding a blacklisted website can be challenging. Therefore, reading the legit casino reviews on this page is advisable to avoid finding yourself on a rogue gambling site.
Summary: Staying Safe at Online Casinos
Learning to spot a potentially fraudulent online casino is critical to avoid losing money or becoming a scam victim. Common signs to look for include the lack of legitimate licenses, SSL encryption, game-testing certifications, and customer support. Players must also avoid a casino with low review ratings. Consider the top picks by CasinoRank for a safe and secure gaming experience.
FAQ
What are online gaming frauds in the UK?
Online gaming frauds involve gambling sites that may offer unfair or illegal experiences to players in the UK. These sites might lack proper licensing from the UK Gambling Commission or feature games that haven't been certified for fairness. Additionally, their customer service could be unresponsive or unhelpful.
Why do online casinos get blacklisted in the UK?
Gambling sites are blacklisted for employing unethical tactics to deceive players. A casino might be added to a "blacklist" if it operates without a valid license from the UK Gambling Commission, lacks a current SSL certificate, or provides inadequate customer support. Some casinos may also cease operations entirely.
How do I find a safe online casino in the UK?
A secure online casino should be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. These casinos should also utilise the latest SSL encryption technology and maintain positive ratings on reputable review websites.
What are the three dangers of online gaming?
Firstly, you could become a victim of a rogue casino that delays or refuses to pay out winnings. Secondly, your personal and financial data could be exposed to cyber threats if you play on a casino site without SSL encryption. Finally, ensure the casino provides responsive customer support to address any questions or concerns you might have.
How to stop online gambling fraud in the UK?
You can reduce the risk of online gambling fraud by playing at licensed and regulated online casinos that use SSL encryption. Also, consider joining casinos that have been reviewed and approved by trusted casino comparison sites.


