We always recommend our readers to think twice before depositing funds at unverified sites, but some rogue casinos are masters at deceiving players and talking them into depositing money they are never going to get back.
To save yourself the trouble, check out the trickiest indications that you have probably come across a scam casino site.
Excessive Generosity is Suspicious
Online casinos know very well that bonuses are what makes players open an account. Sadly, rogue casinos use that knowledge to their advantage and have bonus offers you can hardly resist.
The tempting offers often take the shape of bonus packages comprised of 100% match deposit bonus of up to £2000 + 500 free spins as well as up to £1000 for the next three deposits. Such an offer is too good to be true, and in most cases, it is not.
If you see such an offer, you may rest assured that the bonus terms and conditions are full of rotten tricks such as:
- The max withdrawal is capped at a certain amount. If your winnings go beyond that amount, the remaining balance is forfeited.
- The max withdrawal is capped at N times the deposit amount
- The wagering requirement you have to clear is too high. What is considered too high? Anything over 30x deposit + bonus is on the higher side
- Rogue casinos change their terms and conditions as they see fit without notifying players about the change.
Licensing
Online gambling legislation has been subject to heated debates in many countries, but for now, UK remains the only European country with clear online gambling laws.
If you are residing a European country, you are probably spoilt for choice which online casino to play at. Before you entrust a casino with your personal and banking information, make sure it is licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Malta Gambling Authority or ideally both. These two are considered the strictest gambling regulators.
If needed, you can submit a complaint and count on their protection. They monitor the services casinos provide, warn them and impose financial penalties if they violate the rules, or fail to comply with the anti-money laundering or responsible gambling policies. Scam casinos never get away and either get suspended until authorities’ investigation is carried out or the Commission shuts them down immediately.
There are also a few… lax (also known as offshore) jurisdictions such as Panama, Curacao, Alderney, and Costa Rica. Applying for a license from one of these jurisdictions is less expensive than applying for a MGA or UKGC license. Offshore casinos often accept players from certain countries without holding the necessary permit. For example, if you see an offshore casino accepting UK players without holding a UKGC license, chances are you are dealing with a rogue site.
Although we refrain from deeming offshore casinos as scam, we advise you to be careful when depositing large amounts.
Slow Payments or No Payments
If your withdrawal is processed by Visa or Mastercard, it may take a few business days to have the amount appear in your bank account. Withdrawals to e-wallets are processed on the same day. However, some casinos never let you win or worse, they let you win and require you to meet some ridiculous conditions prior to requesting a withdrawal:
- You cannot cash out unless the amount is larger than the deposited amount
- You cannot withdraw any funds before clearing a 99x wagering requirement
- You cannot withdraw less than £50/£100
- Withdrawal requests are reviewed once or twice per week which tremendously slows down the payout
- Scam casinos beat around the bush and accuse you of sending them blurry images of the required documents or require you to send additional paperwork, which is oftentimes unnecessary
What If I Have Signed Up at a Rogue Casino?
Do not deposit any more funds and try to withdraw the available money. In case of a delay, contact the customer support and try to squeeze some information about the payout. If you do not get any help, get in touch with the licensing jurisdiction.
Sadly, no one can guarantee that you will receive your payment, but in any case, we advise you to close your account and head to a casino that has stood the test of time.
*Legitimate casinos allow players to withdraw £10 or £20, so we advise you to cash out as soon as you reach the withdrawal limit for the first time just and see how fast things would work out.
Report a Casino
You have been stung by a rogue casino, you received unprofessional support or got your payment cancelled? Do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We will carry out a review and warn casino players to stay away from that casino.
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