The online gambling world can seem fun and lucrative, but criminals also lurk in the digital shadows ready to scam unsuspecting users. Reports of identity theft, bonus abuse, malware downloads and other schemes cast an ominous cloud over the industry. This guide will arm you with knowledge to identify common online casino scams and avoid falling victim yourself.
#1: Bonus Hunting Scams Rob Casinos through Terms and Conditions Loopholes
Bonuses like free spins, no deposit offers, and match deposits aim to attract new sign-ups to legitimate sites, like NineCasino. However, organized bonus hunting rings exploit the fine print for profit. Teams create multiple accounts under false identities to claim rewards, cash out, then ghost accounts before making deposits.
This constitutes bonus abuse and theft. Casinos now fight back with sophisticated fraud detection and stringent requirements around withdrawals. But users should still recognize “too good to be true” bonus offers as red flags.
#2: Rigged Games and Sites Dupe Users with Illusions of Wins
While reputable online casinos utilize Random Number Generators to ensure fair odds, rigged games and sites use algorithms and other deceptive tactics to manipulate outcomes in the house’s favor. Warning signs of a rigged game include:
- Near wins and close calls occur more frequently than statistically likely
- Main characters win much less often
- Game glitches erase payouts or jackpots
These tricks give the illusion of potential big wins to hook users. But the odds overwhelmingly favor the house. Rigged sites also lure sign-ups with deals then require ID verification to cash out – stealing personal information.
#3: Identity Theft Remains a Constant Threat for All Online Gamblers
From phishing to malware downloads, fraudsters have many tools to steal personal information and identities. Some common threats include:
- Fake gambling apps: Carry malware or spyware that grabs login credentials and data.
- Phishing emails and texts: Pose as legitimate casinos and include links to fake login pages capturing accounts.
- Wi-Fi eavesdropping: On unsecure networks, hackers can view all unencrypted activity including account access and payments.
Once identity thieves have someone’s information, they can open fraudulent accounts, reroute winnings, and otherwise financially exploit victims.
Table 1 shows the sharp rise in online identity fraud complaints to the Internet Crime Complaint Center:
| Year | Online Gambling Identity Theft Complaints |
| 2017 | 131 |
| 2018 | 463 |
| 2019 | 635 |
| 2020 | 957 |
Data Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center 2020 Internet Crime Report
How to Protect Yourself from Online Casino Scams
While the threats seem daunting, taking proper precautions goes a long way. Here are best practices to avoid becoming a victim:
Research Sites Thoroughly Before Signing Up
- Verify licensing, ownership, certifications, and community reviews.
- Search the site name plus words like “scam” or “fake” to uncover issues.
- Avoid offers substantially better than the competition – it’s likely a scam.
Create Strong, Unique Passwords
- Don’t reuse passwords across sites.
- Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Change passwords regularly.
Use Secure Networks and Connections
- Only access casino accounts through encrypted Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Check for “https” URLs indicating data encryption.
Monitor Accounts and Statements Closely
- Setup account alerts for suspicious activity.
- Scrutinize all transactions – fraudsters often start small to test access.
- Never store payment information in accounts.
Exercising caution takes some patience and effort. But ultimately, it allows enjoying online gambling sites safely so users can focus on the games rather than worrying about fraud. Avoiding scams means more fun and more wins in the long run.
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