Check If A Casino Is Safe In Seven Simple Steps
To ensure your journey is not just rewarding but also safe, we’re laying out seven red flags to look out for when choosing a casino.
1. There’s No Sign of A Proper Licence
To ensure you’re playing at a properly licensed online casino, you need to start by scrolling down to the website’s footer. This is where casinos typically display logos of their licensing authorities, offering a first glance at their legitimacy.
However, don’t just take these symbols at face value. Take the extra step to verify the casino’s licence by comparing the licensing number—usually found alongside the logos in the footer—against the official websites of the licensing bodies themselves, which have a search function.
This cross-checking ensures the casino’s credentials are up-to-date and valid, safeguarding you against potential scams. Remember, a genuine casino has nothing to hide and will make this information easily accessible and verifiable.
Here are the most common licensed you’re likely to come across:
- The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – The UKGC is a highly respected regulatory body that oversees gambling activities in the United Kingdom. It ensures that operators meet strict standards of fairness, transparency, and player protection, making it one of the most trusted licences in the industry.
- The Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) – The MGA is a reputable regulatory authority that’s adopted by online casinos who want to provide a safe and secure environment for players in Malta and other unregulated European locations. The licence is known for its integrity, responsible gaming, and consumer protection.
- The Curaçao Gaming Control Board – Issued by the government of Curaçao, it’s a very popular licence due to its simpler application process. It has less stringent regulations compared to other jurisdictions, leading to varying levels of player protection and oversight. That being said, it’s used by plenty of reputable online casinos.
2. The Site Isn’t Encrypted
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption is a fundamental security technology that establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This encryption ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral, which is particularly crucial for online casinos.
Since these platforms handle sensitive personal information and payment details, SSL encryption helps protect against data breaches and cyber theft, ensuring that players’ financial and personal information is safeguarded. Implementing SSL not only boosts a site’s security but also enhances trust among users, a key component in the online gambling industry.
To guarantee that the site you’re on is using SSL encryption, search for the padlock symbol in the URL field of your browser. This icon indicates that the site uses SSL encryption, ensuring that any data exchanged is securely encrypted.
3. The Casino Has Sketchy Terms And Conditions For Withdrawals
As a rule of thumb, terms and conditions need to be explained in a concise and easy-to-read manner. If you feel confused and somewhat uneasy about the outlined T&Cs, particularly concerning withdrawals, this can signal untrustworthiness in a site.
Reliable sites maintain policies that align with industry standards to ensure user trust and regulatory compliance.
Here are the standard benchmarks you should compare against:
- Processing Time: Casinos usually take anywhere from a few hours to several business days to process withdrawals, depending on factors like the chosen payment method and verification procedures. That being said, we advise dodging casinos that require longer than 48 hours.
- Pending Period: Some casinos have a pending period of a few hours to several days before processing withdrawals, allowing players to reverse their requests. If this is any longer than a couple days it could be a sign of predatory behaviour.
- Verification: Players are typically required to undergo an identity verification process before withdrawals are processed. This may involve submitting documents like ID and proof of address.
- Minimum Withdrawal Amount: Casinos often set a minimum withdrawal amount, usually ranging from $10 to $50. This is perfectly reasonable, but any higher than this and we suggest looking to play elsewhere.
- Maximum Withdrawal Amount: There’s often a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction or within a specific timeframe, such as $5,000 per week. Anything lower than this could indicate liquidity problems or an attempt to control how and when players can access their funds.
- Fees: While many withdrawals are free, some methods or conditions may incur fees, typically ranging from 1% to 5% of the withdrawal amount. We always recommend seeking out casinos with free withdrawals where possible.
- Payment Methods: Casinos should offer various withdrawal options, including bank transfers, e-wallets, cards, and cryptocurrency, each with its own processing times and potential fees.
4. The Bonus Terms Aren’t On Par With Industry Standards
All bonuses come with terms and conditions, including wagering requirements for bonuses, time limits for utilising promotions, and minimum deposit amounts to qualify for offers. Depending on things like whether it’s a no deposit bonus or a deposit bonus, the standard terms can vary.
That being said, there are certain terms that should serve as major red flags.
Here are a few things to watch out for:
Abnormally high wagering requirements serve as a cautionary signal, suggesting that cashing out your winnings could be next to impossible. This strategy often aims to lock players into extended playtime, and significantly reduce their chances of ever cashing out.
We recommend sticking to wagering requirements of 45x or lower where possible. Anything higher than this poses a very big challenge. Keep in mind that no deposit bonuses generally carry higher wagering requirements than deposit bonuses.
A sticky bonus is a type of casino bonus that bonds your deposit to the bonus amount. That means even once converted, the deposit amount can’t be withdrawn and is deducted from your account balance. It remains “stuck” to your account and is primarily used to extend your gameplay and increase your chances of winning.
We always recommend avoiding sticky bonuses. While they can still enhance your casino experience by providing additional funds to play with, their non-withdrawable nature and higher wagering requirements make them less appealing.
A lengthy list of games excluded from bonus play is detrimental for several reasons. It makes meeting the wagering requirements exceptionally challenging, as you’re limited in the games you can play to fulfil these requirements. You’ll often find you’re left with older games, or games with low RTPs.
While it’s normal for some games to be excluded when playing with bonus cash, it shouldn’t be a long list. It will usually include things like live casino games, progressive jackpot games, and perhaps a handful of super high RTP games.
5. The Casino Doesn’t Work With Recognised Gaming Providers
When you’re browsing through an online casino’s game portfolio and notice a glaring absence of recognisable titles, this is a red flag. Renowned gaming providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, and Playtech are some well-known brands that are picky about who they partner with.
If an online casino fails to onboard quality providers, it’s an indication that providers refuse to collaborate with them. It could be that the casino doesn’t have the budget to pay licensing fees for high-quality games, which could be a sign of cash flow issues.
The trick is to always look for casinos that boast games from trusted names. It’s a sign of legitimacy and a commitment to providing a safe, fair, and enjoyable gaming experience. If you’re not aware of popular game providers within the sector, a quick Google search should clarify any uncertainties.
6. The Casino Hasn’t Been Approved By Independent Auditors
Your chosen online casino should have the seal of approval from independent auditors like eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). They’re an internationally recognised and independent testing agency specialising in the certification and regulation of online gaming software and systems.
eCOGRA provides accreditation to online casinos and gambling platforms that meet its stringent standards for fairness, player protection, and responsible gaming practices. A seal of approval from such organisations confirms the casino adheres to strict regulatory standards, ensuring games are fair and operations transparent.
7. The Casino Doesn’t Have A Great Reputation
Before you roll the dice at an online casino, it’s important to vet its reputation. Don’t just take the casino’s word for it because it’s easy for an operator to pat its own back. You need unbiased feedback from players who have had first-hand experience.
Delve into the shared experiences of fellow gamblers on forums and expert review sites like this one. These platforms provide firsthand insights, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Pay special attention to comments about the casino’s Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
A slow or overly complicated verification system can significantly dampen your gaming experience. Additionally, watch out for grievances about unjustified confiscations of bonus funds and winnings. Such reports are red flags indicating that the casino might not play fair.