The world of online casinos is vast, and it keeps on growing. With so many different operators to choose from, it is often easy to get overwhelmed and pick the wrong casino for your entertainment. When we say wrong, we mean all those scamming websites that pose as casinos, as it is hard to differentiate them sometimes. Luckily, there are some great and reliable signs that tell you that a casino is legit. To help you avoid casino fraud and scams, here are a few tips on how to pick a casino wisely.
Familiarize Yourself with Common Scams
In order to be able to recognize and malicious website, you should first learn the type of scams that exist. Some of the most common scams include card counting, card switching and rigged machines. Besides those very illegal strategies some players and casinos use, there are other signs that a casino is not legit. For example, phishing scammers usually set up fake websites that pose as online casinos to steal your information. Such websites don’t have many games or popular games on offer, they don’t have a license visibly displayed and their URL structure usually doesn’t start with https://. The ‘s’ in the URL is there for security and encryption, so trust the sites that have it.
Some other signs to look out for if you suspect the casino is not legit include:
- Slow payments – if it takes too long for a payment to process, chances are big they don’t have enough funds to cover the payment. Another warning sign is that they don’t ask for proof to hold onto your money, and if they are refusing to process your withdrawal, it’s a fraud.
- Predatory terms – every online casino will have that little box for you to check that means you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions. Scam sites know we don’t actually read those, and will include predatory terms that give them the right, legally, to take advantage of you. For example, they might include a limit on how much you can win with bonuses, or even exclude some games from promotions without telling you.
Check the License
Speaking of licenses, it may happen that a casino has a license, but you should still check it. Fraudulent online casinos mostly do not have the number of their license and regulating bodies on display. So, when choosing a casino, first check where the license number is. For example, a safe online casino, like SkyCity casino will display its license and regulating body at the bottom of its home page, i.e. the footer. There you can easily read the number and even check the license at the regulating body, such as UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority and others. So, if you don’t see the license, close the tab and look for another online casino.
Check Payment Options
Since you will be using your real money and personal information to play casino games, you have to check the payment methods. Choosing the right method is crucial to avoiding fraud and scams. It doesn’t matter if you are using your bank account or e-wallets to make deposits, it’s important to know which payment options are safe and secure. Bank transactions are one of the most reliable methods as they are secured and insured by banking regulations. Credit cards can also protect you against fraud and chargebacks, and some online wallets have additional security features, including two-factor authentication.
So, when choosing a casino and a payment option, see what they have listed. If they do not include any of the most popular options listed above, they are probably scammers and avoid such sites.
Read Online Reviews
Online reviews are there for a reason. Reliable review sites will list all the good and bad sides of online casinos, and most of them do reviews on legit casinos only. There are even review sites that will point out obvious fraudulent websites, so read what they have to say about online casinos.
Additionally, when making a list of potential casinos for your games, see what other people are saying about them. You can use Reddit and even Google reviews to find out how reliable a casino is. People love commenting and reviewing stuff on the internet and experienced players will let other know about the intentions of certain online casinos.
Research Bonuses Too
Bonuses offer a great opportunity to test the games and your skills without risks. However, before you claim any, research them. You should make sure that the terms and conditions of a bonus are laid out without any hidden fees or wagering requirements. Also, avoid using pop-up bonuses as they are usually fishy. And lastly, don’t trap in huge bonuses in a rush and be careful with your choices.
Not all casinos are created equal, and as a player, you don’t want to risk your identity and personal information. So, don’t rush the process of picking a casino, and do your research.