Ways of Spotting Bogus Online Casinos
With the way technology and information is like on the Internet today, getting mired in a bogus online casino is rare. But still, there will always be those that will try, so to be sure, remember these facts.
1. Check out for spam and unwanted email.
Every online gambling site will request that you provide them with an email, but the legit ones will only send you an email if it concerns your payout or updates regarding your account or the site (some even allow you not to get any email updates at all).
If you get unsolicited email from the casino or from one of its sponsors, then consider moving to another site. While this doesn't necessarily mean fraud is involved, it is unethical.
2. Check the appearance of the website.
It is said that first impressions last, and in the case of online casinos, you should take some time to go over the site. Don't just focus on the sign up bonus; check for any unbroken links or
typographical errors. If there are any, you should be wary, because any operator that doesn't properly maintain a site is not likely to be interested in providing quality service either.
3. Look for the seal of approval.
By this, we mean you should look for genuine seals from recognized authorities like the ECOGRA (eCommerce and Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance). Go to this website to see the seal and if it is on the online casino, you can be certain that is honest and fair. If it does not have this seal, or any other proof that shows they have a genuine license, it is likely a fake.
4. Consult online gambling watchdog organizations.
The great thing about the online casino industry is that there are several groups that are constantly on the lookout for fly by night operators and scammers. If you are new to this, you just go to a search engine and type "blacklisted online casinos", or you can type the name of the casino you are interested in joining along with "blacklist".
If there is no match, or is not on the blacklist, check another watchdog. If the gambling site appears on numerous blacklists and are facing complaints from users, then you know better than to go there.
Again, it should be emphasized that online casinos are mostly safe and secure, as the operators, who have invested heavily in the business, stand to lose more than you in case they engage in illegal activities.
Nevertheless, it is still better to be prepared. Now that you know what to look for, you have no more reason to fear of being victimized.
