If you’re new to the online casino games scene, you probably already realized that there are many online casino apps and operators you can choose. There are also many players looking to get their gambling thirst quenched. However, with this many options and players also comes an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of you through fraudulent apps and scams.
And as technology improves, it’s getting harder and harder to distinguish between scams and legit online gambling establishments. So how do you avoid being taken for a ride by dodgy casino apps only out for your money? This article will highlight the main ways to tell whether you’re dealing with a legal and secure casino app or secure browser. Keep reading to learn more.
Gaming License
All legal casinos must be licensed in the respective regions they are operating in. You can quickly check the online casino’s licenses by scrolling to the bottom of the page and looking at the footnotes. You will find a list of the licenses the app is operating under and their logos. Sometimes they might be links to official government sites that preside over them.
However, scammers can fake these certifications to make their casino apps look as official as possible. That’s why it’s always best to verify these claims further. You can either click on the links they provide, which should direct you to the regulator’s website or search the casino’s name on the regulator’s website. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s a small price to secure your money.
Strange Payment Methods
You should be wary of a casino app that only offers digital payment that don’t provide KYC protocols and ones that are hard to trace. These methods make it easier for them to run off with your money and should raise a red flag once you see this in a new casino app you’re trying out.
Another red flag is when the payment options are limited and lack mainstream industry-standard methods. In addition, watch out for crypto payment methods on new apps, as they are an easy way for scammers to process funds in an untraceable way.
Reviews and Reputation
One of the very first things you should do while considering a new casino app is make a general web search and read what people say about it. This also goes for established casino apps as some might be legal and possess a significant market segment but practice dodgy practices. Reading the reviews and looking into the reputation of any casino app will help you avoid headaches in the long run.
However, it would help if you did not believe every review you read, as some scammers have figured out that posting fake online reviews can help them appeal more. But some websites provide legal and legit casino apps you can play on.
The Casino’s App Terms and Conditions
A casino’s terms and conditions are their way of telling you what to expect from them. They outline the operators’ rules and how they manage any occurrence between you and the casino. Therefore, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions before signing up for any new casino app.
You should be wary of any dodgy rules and avoid an app if you suspect there are hidden terms. Furthermore, be mindful of casino apps that keep changing their terms and conditions. This is usually made to match whatever business goals they have in mind at that time and usually never have your interests at heart.
Slow or no Pay
If you’re like most gamers, your aim while signing up for casino apps is to play, win, and cash out your winnings. However, fraudulent and scammer casino apps would rather have you play and keep playing until you lose all your money. That’s why you should watch out for new casino apps that make it difficult for you to cash out or, in the worst-case scenario. Not payout.
You can do this by first reading customer reviews online or playing with the minimum allowed amount and cashing out to have a feel of the user experience.
Promotions and Bonuses
One industry standard practice in online gambling is multiple promotions and bonuses. That’s how casino apps compete and show their appreciation to their patrons. If a new casino app does not offer you any promotions and bonuses, especially while signing up. That should be a clear red flag, and it would be best to steer clear of such apps.
On the flip side, when a casino is legit, ensure to look for the one with the best promotions and bonuses to give you a boost while starting.
Game Variety
This might be a hard one to consider because games are very easy to come by nowadays. However, when you do see it, you should run. When the game variety is limited on a new casino app, it indicates that they are not here to stay. Most apps have a wide selection of games to attract a wide variety of players and keep them engaged for long.
So when an app has a limited variety of games, and it’s not for niche or differentiation purposes. You should consider looking elsewhere.
Conclusion
The gaming industry is advancing fast on both the good and bad spectrum. And the more the industry grows, the more you also have to worry about. On the one hand, casino apps are a convenient way for you to access casino games online and for casinos to reach a broad audience outside of their traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. While on the other, they also present an easy way for scammers to take advantage of the unsuspecting public.
However, with some knowledge on how to avoid scammers and fraudulent casino apps, you can avoid being taken advantage of. We hope this content helps you start your safe online gaming journey and wish you luck on your gaming.