Scams in Online Casinos
Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Mary Henderson
Ever felt like online casinos are a bit of a Wild West? Same here, even if I’ve been in the online gambling industry for a while. Plus, my experience as a croupier at one of those fancy casinos in Canada came in handy.
Just so you know, scams in online casinos are more common than you think, and even the seemingly savviest players can get caught in between. That’s why I decided to finally pull back the curtain on the shady side of online casinos.
So, in this article, you’ll discover the most common online casino scams, who scammers are targeting the most, what the first red flags are, how scammers trick players, everything you need to know about bonus traps, and how to get help.
It’s about to get hot, so stay tuned. By the end, you’ll be able to spot casino scams and navigate online platforms safely, even if you’re a newbie.
The Most Common Online Casino Scams Exposed
Alright, guys, buckle up! I’ve seen it all over the years, and trust me, online casinos are as thrilling as they are dangerous if you’re not careful enough.
Here’s a list of the most popular casino traps coming from shady scammers all over the world.
#1 Fake Sites
Those sneaky fake sites look almost identical to legit ones. Sounds crazy, ain’t it? What those scammers do is lure you in with a super-fancy website, expecting you to fall for the possibility of hitting the jackpot. Then, out of nowhere, no payout, no nothing.
#2 Bonus Traps
You know the ones that sound too good to be true? They most likely are. If someone’s promising you the moon and the stars, it’s a skip. Sure, the deal can be insane, but when the time comes to meet those wagering requirements, you’ll end up biting your nails. I mean, you’ll never meet those ridiculous playthrough conditions – that was the idea the whole time.
#3 Rigged Games
How? Those guys simply mess with the RTP (Return to Player). You think you play against the odds? How about gambling against a system that will never allow you to win? That’s what rigged games are.
#4 Payout Delay Scam
Sure, some of those sneaky sites will allow you to win big, and just when you’re about to cash out your winnings, it gets stuck for ages. Guess what most players do next?! They don’t wanna wait and start playing again with their pending winnings. That’s exactly what scammers count on.
(NOT) Scam Online Casinos
Check out this list of the best no-scam online casinos.
1
100%, up to $1,600
- Outstanding four-part welcome offer for new players
- Decent live dealer casino section
- Long-lasting casino, operating since 1998
2
$1,500 Bonus + 100 Free Spins
- Over 2,500 games from A-list providers
- Wide range of payment options, crypto included
- AGCO registration and iGaming Ontario operating agreement
3
50 Free Spins No Wagering
- Award-winning gaming platform
- Licensed in Canada
- Over 3,000 games from industry’s premium providers
4
100% Up to $750 + 200 FS + 1 Bonus Crab
- Wide selection of games from top providers
- Excellent selection of promotions
- Multiple payment methods (crypto included)
5
100% Bonus Up to $700 + 100 FS on Gates of Olympus
- Generous welcome package and various promos
- Over 9,000 games from big-name brands
- Multi-tier VIP system
Watch Out! Who’s Most Likely to Get Scammed?
Of course, newbies are the most vulnerable. I mean, they see that flashy bonus and are ready to sign up in the same moment. No checking if the site is legit, what the T&Cs are, or what other players say.
Then we’ve got players from regions with chill gambling laws. They are even more at risk cuz they’re usually after juicy returns that promise easy money, without going through the fine print. Why bother? Oh, scammers are crazy about such careless players.
Want advice straight from someone who’s been behind the tables? Before you go all-in, educate yourself and finally start spotting those red flags.
Red Flags: How to Tell if a Casino Is a Scam
For starters, take a general look at the casino. Is there some info regarding licensing? See, legit online casinos literally brag about their licenses; it’s a big deal. No info about license at the bottom of the casino’s page or anywhere else? There’s your first red flag.
Pay attention to the casino’s design. Scammers don’t bother with quality. If you notice grammar errors, glitches, or something off, it’s not a coincidence. So, yeah, low-quality sites with terrible traffic and no accountability are a “no”.
Now, my favourite – too-good-to-be-true bonuses. Do they really think that you’re gonna fall for such insanely big payouts with small to no wagering requirements? We’re not playing Alice in Wonderland here. I mean, sure, they can throw you some bonus cash to play, but then they’ll want you to play, like, 50,000 blackjack rounds before you can even think of cashing out. Classic scheme.
Next up, let’s talk games. First thing you should do is take a look at the list of providers. If you see no-name developers – run. These are cheap and glitchy games. Trust me, the last thing you wanna do is deposit some money in those games; they’ll eat up your bankroll.
Popular Scammer Tricks: Don’t Fall for These
Let’s have a real talk on how scammers roll, so you don’t get trapped.
Phishing Scams: Know those sneaky emails pretending to be from a “legit” casino? Something like: “Hey, we need your password to verify your account.” Yeah, right; maybe you need my credit card as well?
Pirated Games: That’s the same as rigged games. Look, I’ve been on the other side of the table, and casino game odds may be tough, but fair. But rigged games will have you spin in vain. Everything will go to scammers.
Identity Theft: I’ve seen players so desperate to claim a big bonus that they were ready to give any info needed. The result? Someone from the other side of the globe was already using their name to open credit cards.
Clone Casinos: Yep, that’s a thing. Fake sites that look exactly like some legit casinos. If a site seems almost alright, trust me, it’s a scam.
Got Scammed? Who Should You Call for Help
First of all, if anything feels off, don’t just sit there and do nothing. Hit up customer support. You see, if it’s a legit casino and it was just a glitch, they’ll help you.
But if it’s a total scam and you get ghosted, the player community is your best friend. There are various online forums and even comparison sites with large communities, where you can air out your story. Even if it’s a legit casino – once you tell a story online, they can already solve your issue (funny, right?).
But if things go really south, it’s time to use more serious tools. Reach out to consumer protection agencies or get a lawyer who’s into online gambling laws.
Don’t ever let them play you. And remember, if the vibe feels slightly off, just walk away and look for a licensed and regulated online casino.
This article is written by Mary, a seasoned professional with a rich background as a casino croupier now transitioned into a digital publisher with a keen focus on the online casino scene. With years of firsthand experience on the casino floor, Mary offers her unique perspective to the digital world of gambling.
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