Finding a legit and reputable online casino has become a gamble in and of itself. Sure they are extremely convenient as these apps offer accessible gambling opportunities that one can use from the comfort of their home, while waiting in line in the post office, or during those tedious commutes.
However, the inevitable issue that sometimes comes with this industry is that some apps have been created by those trying to profit off the naive. Indeed, even if many online casinos are the real deal, there are a few bad apples hiding around trying to not look like a scam.
But before we delve into how you can spot them via the most common red flags and tell-tale signs that scream ‘scammy online casino,’ let’s first take a look at an example of a great online betting game, just to have a reference point.
Aviator as an Example of No Red Flags
Among the abundance of classic games on the market, Aviator is among those that check all the boxes of legit online betting – it has a valid license, variety of safe paying methods, clear T&Cs, top-tier UX, excellent customer support, etc – but more on these factors later on, let’s now see what separates this one from its direct competition.
In Aviator games the player tracks a miniature airplane shown on the screen with a multiplier on the increase and the player needs to cash out at the proper moment before the airplane flies away and the game finishes. Although your odds of losing rise the more you wait, the chances of winning huge rise as well. In a very basic but highly challenging and amusing manner, the game blends the components of perfect timing, educated guessing and pure chance.
The game’s design is up-to-date and features exciting game mechanics that allow for an extremely thrilling experience. This is a welcome departure from the standard slot machine or table games found in conventional casinos, which has made the game quite popular among those who seek fresh approaches to online betting.
Now that we have a reference point of a good online betting platform, let’s check out what to look for in bad ones.
The License or Lack of Thereof
Let’s start with the basics. The UK Gambling Commission claims that approximately 30% of gamers encountered problems with illegal operators as of 2023. Every respectable online casino should have a valid license from a credible gaming body, such the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.
Your first red flag is a casino unable of flashing its badge from this field. Usually found at the bottom of the webpage, legitimate online casinos boldly show their licenses on their websites.
Inaccurate or Dodgy Payment Methods
Follow the money, as the expression indicates. A reputable online casino should offer legitimate and widely used payment methods. They’ll include safe and well-known payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, and reliable e-wallets like PayPal. Consider a site as a red flag waving wildly if its payment choices seem to be a list of unusual, unheard-of names in the online payment realm.
A decent casino will also be open regarding withdrawal periods. Conversely, con artists will keep you waiting more than it takes to develop a beard for your winnings to show. If they show at all.
Promotions That Sound Too Good to Be True
Indeed, who does not enjoy a decent bonus, either job – or casino related? If an online casino promises you bonuses that sound too good to be true, like a 500% deposit bonus or a chance to win $1,000,000 on your first spin – be sure to avoid it.
Vague or Non-existent Terms and Conditions
I’ll admit it, I almost never read the terms and conditions. But when it comes to online casinos — I make an exception. Although it’s the least enjoyable aspect of registering for well, anything, it is absolutely necessary. Scam casinos leave more questions than answers by hiding behind evasive or basically non-existent terms and conditions. While a dubious operator might as well be writing in invisible ink, a reputable casino will have clear, thorough T&Cs that lay out the rules in black and white.
Bad and Unprofessional Website Design
Often lacking in high-quality web design, scammy casinos leave you with antiquated, glitchy, unprofessional interfaces. It’s typically a clue they haven’t invested in the user experience or trustworthiness of their app which is a huge red flag.
Legit casinos invest effort and money to ensure their platform is highly operational and user-friendly. First impressions do matter so a dodgy-looking casino app at first glance is often the one to avoid.
Subpar Customer Support
Whether via live chat, email, or phone – a trustworthy online casino will always have a useful and prompt customer care team accessible from several angles. Conversely, scam casinos are well known for either startlingly poor or nonexistent customer service.
According to a study conducted by the Gambling Commission poll, 78% of online gamers believe access to consistent customer service is absolutely vital. That says something about how important this aspect is.
Bad Reviews or Lack of Reviews Altogether
Here is the universal golden rule for all internet services – read the reviews! A fast search for the name of the casino with the phrase “review” will turn up a wealth of data. While scammer websites will be rife with complaints from players who have been left high and empty, reputable casinos will have stellar reviews.
Proceed carefully if a casino has absolutely no ratings at all. No news is not always good news. And if all the reviews sound eerily similar or too good to be true, you might be dealing with paid or fake reviews.
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Guest Author Bio
John Cunningham
John Cunningham is an enthusiastic content creator renowned for skilfully crafting compelling and enlightening articles. Possessing a journalism background and a profound fascination with technology, travel and lifestyle subjects, John infuses each of his creations with a unique outlook. His captivating narrative style and thorough investigative approach aim to not merely educate but also ignite inspiration within his audience. Beyond his writing endeavours, he can be discovered venturing into unexplored destinations, delving into photography experimentation or immersing himself in the pages of a captivating book.
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