With the rise in popularity of online casinos comes the increase in scams and fake websites. There are a couple of ways to prevent yourself from getting cheated out of your money online and a few measures to take if this does occur. Let’s dive into how you can look after yourself and your finances.
Fake Websites
Something to be cautious of is the amount of unregulated websites flooding the internet. There are a few things to consider when choosing the best online casino.
Website necessities include:
- Using sites with licenses from recognized authorities: an example would be the New York State Gaming Commission visible on the site.
- Be wary of the sites that offer bonuses that seem too good to be true: a common strategy fake websites employ to lure players in. Sometimes, as with this one, use common sense and analyze if a bonus is realistic.
- Avoid Blacklisted casinos: these are casinos to stay clear of. They are usually Blacklisted due to an invalid license or several unresolved complaints.
- Trust your gut: if a website doesn’t quite feel right, it’s better to trust your instincts than to pursue a potential scam.
Rigged Games
When using an online casino, particularly unregulated ones, there’s a risk of rigged games. This means the house is at a constant advantage and you are placed in an unwinnable match. The best way to avoid this is choosing games that use RNG, or random number generator. When playing a game of chance, it’s important to ensure that the odds aren’t tampered with.
When it comes to bonuses, make sure you fully understand the process and take extra care to read the fine print. Since the average bonus requires a minimum deposit, understanding the complete terms helps you to not feel cheated.
Payment Information and Personal Data
Keeping your personal and financial data secure is essential when using any online casino. With the numerous phishing scams and fake websites, you want to keep your information as safe as possible.
Keep your data secure by:
- Using a VPN: a virtual private network is an easy way to ensure your data is encrypted. With the added benefit of blocking ads and malware, they’re useful for more than just protecting your data.
- Use a strong password: when creating an account, make sure to use a lot stronger password than 123456. Use special characters and something that cannot be easily traced back to you. With Google Password Manager (and similar password management tools) it’s easier than ever to create a strong password and you even have the option to remember them all.
- Check for SSL encryption: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts any data sent between a user and a server. Legitimate websites usually have this certificate available.
- Be cautious when using public WI-FI: public WI-FI servers are often unprotected. Avoid giving out any personal data when using a public hotspot.
Cryptocurrency
An easy way to avoid getting cheated is by using cryptocurrency. Blockchain technology makes it almost impossible for hackers to access your funds. The only issue with using cryptocurrency is its fluctuation in value. Just as Bitcoin peaked and then dropped immensely, the price of crypto is unstable and hard to predict.
Read Complaints
Reading previous players’ experiences will help you catch on to an issue before it even affects you. If they have been through some troubling situations, stay clear of the casino.
Other players’ experiences can better inform your decisions. For example, multiple reviews about payment issues might indicate a casino to avoid.
What to do If You do Get Cheated
The worst-case scenario has happened: an online casino is refusing to give you your winnings or putting your account on hold. There is a simple solution to help you fight this and get your money back. By using AskGamblers Casino Complaint Service (AGCCS) you have access to a mediation between yourself and the online casino. This can be particularly useful when you struggle to get through to the casino.
To achieve the best possible outcome when filing a complaint:
- Clearly identify and document the issue
- Ensure you’ve followed the casino’s terms and conditions
- Follow the provided complaint guidelines
- Keep records of all relevant communications
To Conclude
Most preventative measures rely on common sense. Don’t use ‘password’ as your password or a site that offers £500 with no strings attached… except your social security number and a kidney. The most important thing to remember is that if a problem does occur, it isn’t the end of the world, and most can be resolved in a matter of days.
