One of the main reasons why the online casino industry is growing so fast is because most gambling sites are secure. However, a handful of them is spoiling the good name of this industry. Scam casinos can run away with your deposits or winnings and, in worst-case scenarios, steal your personal data. Fortunately, this post will guide you in avoiding online casino scams by spotting them from afar.
According to research done in 2017, online frauds stole $107 billion from people worldwide. Although online casinos make a small percentage of the amount, it is still worth noting that rogue casinos can steal your financial data. Scam gambling sites usually ask players to provide unnecessary personal data.
Often, the data is sold in the 'black' market, or the casino themselves use it for dubious means. So, be careful when an online casino suddenly suspends your account, asking you to confirm your identity.
Another online casino red flag is payment delays or non-payment altogether. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to detect these casinos because most of them honor the payment of small wins. But when a player scores big, the online casino may refuse to pay, citing flimsy reasons.
A good example is Andrew Green, who was deprived of his £1.7m winnings by a UK online casino in 2018. It took the High Court's intervention for the punter to get his money. So, all in all, do your research about how often the casino pays out.
Recent years have seen the birth of hundreds of online casino software providers due to high game demand. But among legit software developers, there are suppliers whose games are rigged in favor of scam casinos.
Typically, rigged online casino games allow players to get one or two wins only to deplete their entire bankroll in the long run. But before you start blaming the software provider, know that beating the house edge is near-impossible.
This is a continuation of point number three above. Scam online casinos not only offer games from little-known developers but also provide games with painfully low RTP (Return to Player) rates. Be wary of casinos that offer RTP rates of less than 80%. For example, when playing online slots, don't settle for anything less than 90% unless it's a jackpot. Also, think twice when the RTP is more than 98%.
Contacting shady casinos is usually a mission-impossible. Usually, the best online casinos offer multiple 24/7 customer support methods. This can be via email, live chat, or phone call. If you want to contact support more efficiently, it's best to settle for an online casino with 24/7 live chat support. Try to reach them and see if they resolve your issues professionally.
Due to stiff competition for players, many legit casinos offer bonuses to both new and existing players. However, rethink when the deal looks too attractive. Scam casinos usually offer mouthwatering bonuses, only to ask the receiving player to deposit money before getting the reward. Even worse, the wagering requirements may be untenable. In short, scammy casinos hide inside their bonus schemes.
These are just some of the online casino scams to watch out for in 2021. But you can ensure your online casino safety by playing on a licensed and regulated gambling site. You can also check if the games are tested for fairness by bodies like eCOGRA. And most importantly, update your desktop or smartphone's OS regularly to enjoy the latest security features. Play safe!
