Online casinos offer the thrill of gambling from anywhere, but not all of them play fair. Some casinos use shady tactics to rig games, delay pay outs or even steal player funds. If you are not careful, you could lose more than just your money, you could also compromise your personal data.
But how can you tell if a casino is legit or a scam? Look out for these 10 red flags that a casino might be rigged. If you spot any of these warning signs, run the other way!
- No Valid Gambling License
A proper gambling license ensures that a casino operates under strict regulations to protect players. If a casino is not licensed, it is a huge red flag.
How to Spot It:
No mention of a license on the website.
Fake or unverifiable license numbers.
Licensed in a shady jurisdiction with weak regulations (e.g., Costa Rica, Anjouan).
Pro Tip: Always check if the casino is licensed by reputable authorities like:
UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao eGaming or Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
- No Independent Game Audits
Legitimate casinos have their games tested and audited by independent agencies to ensure fairness. Rigged casinos don’t.
How to Spot It:
No mention of game testing agencies like eCOGRA, iTech Labs or GLI.
No Return-to-Player (RTP) percentages listed on slots and table games.
Suspiciously low or inconsistent pay outs.
Pro Tip: Reputable casinos proudly display their game audits. If you cannot find this info, assume the worst.
- Unbelievable Bonuses with Hidden Traps
If a casino is offering a 500% welcome bonus with no wagering requirements, be sceptical. Scam casinos use big bonuses to lure players in, then make it impossible to cash out.
How to Spot It:
Wagering requirements are ridiculously high (e.g., 100x your bonus).
Small withdrawal limits (e.g., max cash out of R500, even if you win R10,000).
The casino forces you to deposit before withdrawing “free” bonus winnings.
Pro Tip: The best bonuses come from trusted casinos with fair terms, always read the fine print!
- Slow or Denied Withdrawals
A casino that will not let you withdraw your winnings is likely a scam. Some shady sites use every excuse possible to stall or deny pay outs.
How to Spot It:
Ridiculously long pay out times (e.g., over a month).
Changing terms after you request a withdrawal.
Requesting unnecessary verification documents multiple times.
No real customer support to help with withdrawal issues.
Pro Tip: Check real player reviews for pay out complaints before depositing.
- Suspiciously Low Winnings
If you are never winning, even on games with high RTP percentages, the casino may be manipulating the outcomes.
How to Spot It:
Losing way more often than expected, even in games of chance like roulette.
Slots with high RTP (e.g., 96%+) paying out like a 50% RTP game.
Losing streaks that seem unnaturally long and frequent.
Pro Tip: Play at casinos that work with trusted software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech and Evolution Gaming.
- Fake Live Dealer Games
Some rigged casinos pretend to offer live dealer games but actually use pre-recorded videos instead of real dealers.
How to Spot It:
Dealers never respond to live chat messages.
The video feed looks low-quality or looped.
No real-time betting updates on-screen.
Pro Tip: Stick to legit live dealer providers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play Live.
- Fake or Paid Reviews
Scam casinos pay for fake positive reviews to make them look trustworthy. Always check for real player complaints.
How to Spot It:
All reviews sound too good to be true (e.g., “This is the best casino ever!”).
The same review is copy-pasted across multiple sites.
No detailed player feedback, just generic praise.
Pro Tip: Check gambling forums and Reddit for real player experiences.
- No Secure Payment Methods
A rigged casino might offer only sketchy payment methods that make it hard to track your money or get refunds.
How to Spot It:
No major banking options like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal or crypto.
Only supports sketchy e-wallets or wire transfers.
Deposits go to random third-party accounts, not the casino’s name.
Pro Tip: Always deposit with trusted payment options that offer dispute protection.
- No Customer Support or Fake Support
If you cannot get real help when you need it, the casino probably does not care about fairness.
How to Spot It:
No live chat or email support.
Support never responds or gives copy-paste answers.
Phone numbers that do not work.
Pro Tip: Test the casino’s support before depositing. If they are slow or useless, do not risk your money.
- Unclear or Hidden Terms and Conditions
Scam casinos often hide unfair rules deep in their T&Cs, making it nearly impossible to withdraw winnings.
How to Spot It:
Terms that change frequently without notice.
Hidden clauses that restrict withdrawals or void winnings.
Difficult-to-understand rules full of legal jargon.
Pro Tip: Always read the terms of use and bonus policies before playing!
How to Stay Safe: 10 Quick Tips
Play only at licensed casinos – Verify their license before depositing.
Check real reviews – Avoid sites with only fake or paid reviews.
Read the withdrawal policy – Don’t get trapped by shady pay out rules.
Stick to trusted game providers – Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, etc.
Use secure payment methods – Visa, PayPal or reputable crypto wallets.
Test customer support first – Bad support = bad casino.
Look for fair bonus terms – Watch out for unrealistic wagering requirements.
Avoid unverified gambling apps – Only download from official casino websites.
Watch for rigged games – If a game feels off, trust your gut.
Never share personal info with unverified sources – Protect your data from phishing scams.
Final Thoughts: Do not Fall for Rigged Casinos!
The online casino world is full of both great and terrible sites. If you want to enjoy fair gaming, avoid any casino with these red flags.
No license? Avoid it.
Unrealistic bonuses? Avoid it.
Slow withdrawals? Avoid it.
Rigged games? Run the other way!
By sticking to trusted, licensed casinos with fair games and real pay outs, you will avoid scams and enjoy gambling the way it is meant to be, fair, fun and rewarding!
