How to Avoid Scams on Casino & Betting Platforms

Fernando Gonzalez, Author

Last Updated : 11/20/2025

Online gambling should be fair, safe, and transparent. But not every online casino platform meets that standard. We’ll show you how to avoid scams and make informed choices before you play.

Staying Clear of Scams

Avoiding scams starts with knowing what to look for. Many illegitimate platforms share the same warning signs, and recognising them early can protect your money, data, and overall experience.

Potential Red Flags

While some gambling sites use elaborate systems to hide their scams, others are less sophisticated. Either way, the following are red flags you should be on the lookout for before signing up or placing a deposit:

🚩Unrealistically high bonuses with vague conditions
🚩No clear ownership or licensing details
🚩Poor or no customer support
🚩Limited or unverified payment options
🚩Fake-looking reviews or testimonials

It’s also important to remember the age-old adage, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” If a site makes unrealistic promises or avoids providing key information, it’s best to walk away.

Trusted Places for Scam Alerts

Several trusted sources can help you stay informed about known scams or disreputable platforms. These include:

UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) Notices: The UKGC regularly issues updates, enforcement notices, and warnings about non-compliant operators, making it a vital first step for scam alerts.
Player Forums and Review Platforms: Online player communities and review sites, such as Trustpilot, often reveal patterns of complaints that official sources may not catch early.
Industry News and Legal Coverage: Reputable gambling news outlets report on enforcement actions, suspended licences, and emerging scam trends across the sector.

Double-Checking info Before You Join

Never take a gambling platform at face value. Before signing up, search the brand name alongside terms like “scam” or “complaints” to check for issues. Moreover, look for independent reviews from trusted sources, and don’t rely on feedback hosted on the site itself.

To ensure a safe experience, check that the website uses a secure HTTPS connection. It’s also important to double-check that its terms, conditions, and bonus policies are easy to access and understand. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the customer care team or walk away.

What to Look For in a Non-GamStop Casino

Casinos that are not part of the Gamstop network in the UK aren’t illegal, but they do operate outside the UK’s self-exclusion scheme. If you choose to explore them, due diligence is even more important.

Start with Licensed Sites
Only play on the best non Gamstop online casinos that hold a valid licence from a recognised regulator. This ensures some level of oversight, even if it’s not the UKGC.
Check Payment Options and Security
Scam sites often offer unverified or obscure payment methods. Look for well-known providers such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Paysafecard. Moreover, bank-level encryption and adherence to PCI DSS requirements should be standard.
Consider Real Player Feedback
Independent player reviews can reveal payment delays, bonus issues, or account problems that don’t show up in official marketing. However, pay attention to patterns, not just isolated complaints, as even the best gambling sites in the UK are likely to disappoint some of their players.
Look for Safer Gambling Tools
Even outside the UK, a good site will offer basic responsible gambling controls, such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. The absence of these is an absolute red flag, as player safety is not prioritised.
Always Read Terms and Conditions
Scam sites often hide restrictive terms in the fine print. While dull, reading the full terms before registering can help you avoid frustration and disappointment.

Know the Risks Before You Play

Before you deposit or start playing, it’s important to understand the potential risks. Taking time to check key details can prevent avoidable mistakes later.

Read Our Reviews

We test every casino and betting site featured on Ecademy. Our reviews highlight licensing, fairness, payments, and bonus terms, so you know what to expect before signing up.

Use Trusted Payment Methods

Wherever possible, avoid platforms that push cryptocurrency-only payments or unverified wallets. While crypto payments aren’t necessarily a sign of a scam, sites that weren’t approved by Visa, MasterCard or other major payment providers might be unsafe.

Look for Fair Games and Verified RNGs

A reliable platform will feature games from established developers with certified Random Number Generators (RNGs). Providers like Games Global, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution are licensed similarly to gambling sites, ensuring games aren’t rigged or manipulated.

Test Customer Support

A trustworthy gambling platform will offer multiple support options, including live chat, email, and, sometimes, telephone. If support is slow, unavailable, or worse still, unhelpful, that’s a major warning sign.

Watch Out for Unfair Terms or Hidden Rules

Common traps at scam casinos and online bookies include low-value maximum withdrawal limits on big wins, confusing wagering rules, or unclear verification policies. This is why it’s important to review all key terms before making your first deposit.

Check Gambling Licences

A valid gambling licence is one of the strongest indicators that an online bookmaker or casino meets basic standards for fairness and player protection.

Know How to Spot a Legit Licence

Legitimate casinos display their licensing details at the bottom of their website or app, including the regulator’s name and a licence number you can independently verify. On reputable sites, the regulator’s logo is usually clickable and links directly to official licence information.

Understanding the Regulator Behind It

Before deciding whether to trust a platform, it’s important to understand who regulates it and what that means for your protection as a player. These are the world’s main regulators of online gambling:

UK Gambling Commission (UKGC): The UKGC is widely regarded as one of the strictest regulators. It enforces tough rules on fairness, advertising, player protection, and responsible gambling tools.
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): The MGA is known for its balanced approach to regulation and strong consumer protections. It licenses many reputable international operators and carries out regular audits.
Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission: Trusted for its transparency and high technical standards, the Isle of Man regulator oversees both online and land-based operators with a strong focus on security.
Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner: This regulator is respected for its rigorous licence requirements and oversight of major betting and casino brands operating across Europe.
Curacao eGaming: One of the oldest online gambling regulators, Curacao offers global licences to operators and supports a wide range of casino and betting platforms. Many non-UK sites are licensed here due to its accessible framework.

Consider a Casino’s Reputation

A casino’s reputation can tell you more than any marketing claim. Consistent feedback, transparency, and track record all matter when deciding who to trust.

What Our Reviews Tell You

Our reviews are based on thorough, first-hand testing by experienced UK players who know what to look for. We assess every platform across key areas, including licensing, game fairness, payment reliability, bonus terms, and customer support quality.

Each review is written to give you a clear and honest picture, so you can make informed decisions without relying on guesswork or vague marketing claims.

How to Dechyhper Trust Signals

Trust isn’t just about branding – it’s built through consistent actions, clear communication, and accountability. Here are the five key signs that a platform takes player trust seriously:

Transparent Ownership: Legitimate sites clearly state who owns and operates them, often with links to company registration details.
Visible Licensing Information: A trustworthy platform displays its licence details with a verifiable number and a direct link to the regulator’s website.
Clear Terms and Conditions: Important rules, such as withdrawal limits and bonus terms, are written in plain language and easy to find.
Consistent Positive Player Feedback: A steady stream of genuine reviews across multiple platforms often signals a well-managed and reliable operation.
Responsive Customer Support: Fast, helpful replies from real support agents show that the site is invested in player satisfaction and issue resolution.

Payments and Security You Can Trust

Secure transactions and reliable payments are non-negotiable. A trustworthy gambling site should offer recognised banking methods, use strong encryption, and have clear policies on fees and withdrawals.

Safe and Recognised Payment Choices

Reputable sites offer familiar methods like debit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, or prepaid vouchers. Platforms that only accept crypto or lesser-known processors may not be as trustworthy.

Encryption & Security Technology

Always check for TLS encryption, or a padlock icon in the address bar. This ensures your payment and personal data are protected during transactions.

Fees & Withdrawal Times

A scam site might charge high fees for withdrawals or delay processing indefinitely. Legitimate platforms publish clear timelines and fee structures, and importantly, stick to them.

Do They Have Responsible Gambling Features?

Responsible gambling tools are a key indicator of a site’s integrity, no matter where it is based or which regulator oversees it. Any platform worth trusting should prioritise player wellbeing through clear limits, self-exclusion options, and proper ID checks.

Helpful Limits and Controls
As you browse the online casino or bookie, look for deposit, wager, and time limits. These tools help players manage their gambling and should be easily accessible in the account settings.
Self-Exclusion and Support Options
A proper gambling site will let you self-exclude at any time, as well as request shorter time-outs. Links to external support groups such as GamCare, BeGambleAware, or Gamstop are also a positive sign.
Age and ID Checks Done Properly
UKGC-licensed sites must verify your age and identity before allowing you to gamble.. It’s not just a legal requirement; it also protects against fraud and underage gambling.

Game Licences From Quality Software Providers

The quality of a platform’s games depends on who makes them. Trusted software providers ensure fairness, proper licensing, and consistent performance across every title they release.

Trusted Developers Only

Top platforms work with well-known developers like Play’n Go, NetEnt, Playtech, or Big Time Gaming. These providers are licensed, regularly audited, and known for delivering fair, high-quality games that meet strict regulatory standards.

Check RTPs and RNG Certification

Return to Player (RTP) rates should be disclosed, giving you a realistic idea of long-term payout potential. Just as important, virtual games must use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs), which ensure all outcomes are fair, unbiased, and impossible to manipulate.

Both the RTPs and RNGs are audited and tested by independent labs, such as eCogra, iTech Labs, or BMM Testlabs.

What Players Say About Game Fairness

If games feel inconsistent, glitchy, or unfair over time, players will usually share their experiences publicly. Forums and independent review sites often expose fairness issues early, helping you avoid unreliable titles before you place a bet.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support is essential when problems arise. This is why, as part of our mission, we only recommend online casinos and bookmakers that offer fast, accessible, and knowledgeable assistance across multiple channels.

What Do They Offer?

Strong customer support begins with accessibility. Legitimate platforms offer multiple contact channels, including live chat, email, and a well-structured help centre that covers both general queries and account-specific issues.

The presence of 24/7 live chat or easy-to-find support hours also helps set expectations and shows the platform takes player service seriously.

How Responsive Are They?

Responsiveness isn’t just about speed – it’s about getting useful, accurate answers when you need them. Trustworthy platforms respond within reasonable timeframes, avoid copy-paste replies, and make it clear you’re speaking with a knowledgeable support agent, not an automated system.

Delayed or evasive responses can signal deeper problems with the platform’s reliability and internal operations.

Can You Use FAQs for Fast Answers?

A strong FAQ section can save you time by addressing common issues before you need to contact support directly. It should cover essential topics such as payment processing times, bonus terms, account verification, and responsible gambling tools.

When done well, FAQs demonstrate that the platform anticipates player needs and values transparency.

Bonuses and Wagering

Bonuses are often the first thing that catches your attention, but they’re also where some of the worst practices hide.

Are Welcome Offers & Bonuses Realistic?

Large bonuses may look appealing, but they often come with strings attached that make them difficult to fully release. It’s important to check that the offer terms, including deposit match percentages, wagering limits, and maximum cashout terms, are properly explained.

A legitimate site will publish all conditions upfront without relying on vague promises or fine print.

Check Wagering Requirements

Free spins, cashback, and matched bonuses oftentimes include wagering requirements, which determine how much you’ll need to bet before withdrawing any bonus-related winnings. While 20x to 40x is relatively standard, anything beyond that, such as 60x or more, can make it nearly impossible to benefit from the promotion.

What’s more, if the site doesn’t display this number clearly, it’s a sign the offer may not be player-friendly.

Game Contribution Rules

Most platforms exclude certain games or reduce their contribution toward wagering, which means not every bet will count equally. For example, table games often contribute less than slots, and some slots may be excluded entirely.

A fair online casino will provide a full breakdown of contribution percentages across all game types.

Time Limits and Withdrawal Caps

Bonuses typically include a time frame, usually ranging from a few days to a month, for completing the necessary wagering and fulfilling all other terms. If you miss the deadline, any bonus funds or winnings tied to it can be forfeited.

Additionally, some offers come with withdrawal caps that limit how much you can cash out, even if you win more than the stated amount.

Other Perks and Rewards

Loyalty programmes, cashback offers, and seasonal promotions can add value, but like regular offers, they should be easy to understand and free from misleading terms. Be cautious of platforms that advertise ongoing rewards without detailing how they work or what’s required to qualify.

Quality platforms explain perks clearly and deliver consistent value to regular players.

Other Terms and Conditions

Beyond bonuses and games, the fine print in a casino or betting site’s terms can reveal how fairly they operate. These conditions affect everything from how and when you can withdraw to how your winnings are honoured. It’s essential to read them closely before signing up or making a deposit.

Withdrawal Rules to Watch

Withdrawal terms can vary widely between platforms, so it’s crucial to understand what limits and restrictions apply. Look out for minimum withdrawal thresholds, daily or monthly caps, and any additional fees for processing payments.

Some operators may also break large withdrawals into instalments or delay payouts through prolonged identity checks, especially if their terms allow it.

Bonus Clauses That Matter

Bonus terms often contain conditions that can significantly affect your ability to benefit from the offer. These include time limits for wagering, game restrictions, and rules around which payment methods qualify.

Always check whether using certain wallets or cards might void the bonus entirely. This is a common clause many players overlook.

Spotting Anything Unfair

Some sites include clauses that give them broad discretion to cancel bonuses or confiscate winnings without a clear reason. Language such as “at our sole discretion” or “we reserve the right to withhold funds” should be treated as red flags.

If a platform’s terms lack transparency or leave too much room for interpretation, it’s best to avoid it entirely.

Jurisdiction & Licencing

Where a platform is licensed matters just as much as whether it’s licensed at all. Gambling jurisdictions vary in how strictly they regulate operators, and that directly impacts how well your rights are protected.

Trusted Licensing Regions

The most reliable regulators include the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, and the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner. Platforms licensed in these regions meet high standards for player protection, data security, and responsible gambling.

These authorities also hold operators accountable through regular audits and enforce penalties when rules are broken.

What Strong Oversight Looks Like

In addition to issuing licences, credible regulators monitor operator behaviour, resolve player disputes, and respond to complaints with formal procedures. They set clear rules on advertising, bonus transparency, game fairness, and withdrawal practices.

In contrast, platforms licensed in weaker jurisdictions often operate with little to no enforcement, leaving players unprotected when issues arise.

Player Protection Standards

Competent regulators require licensees to implement effective safeguards for players, including identity checks, secure payments, and access to responsible gambling tools. These standards also include third-party game testing, independent audits, and published payout percentages to ensure fairness.

The presence of such protections reflects a serious commitment to player safety and ethical operation.

Reporting Dodgy Sites

If you’ve had a bad experience with a gambling site, you’re not powerless. Taking the right steps can help protect both you and others from falling into the same trap.

What Evidence to Save
If you believe a platform is behaving unfairly, start by collecting all relevant documentation. This includes email or live chat transcripts, screenshots of bonus terms or blocked withdrawals, and proof of payment or identity verification.
Save copies of any shifting terms or unclear policies, especially if the site has changed its rules mid-process without warning.
Where to Report Problems
Your first step should be contacting the platform’s regulator or licensing authority, especially if the site is licensed in the UK or another trusted region. If you’ve used a self-exclusion tool or feel your rights have been violated, player protection bodies such as GamCare or BeGambleAware may also be able to help.
You’re also welcome to contact us if a site we’ve reviewed is no longer meeting the standards we expect.
Using Communities for Support
Online gambling forums, Reddit threads, and review platforms like Trustpilot can be valuable spaces for comparing experiences with a specific operator. These communities often highlight recurring problems, such as delayed withdrawals, poor support, or bonus abuse.
Engaging with others can also help you understand whether your issue is isolated or part of a broader pattern worth reporting.

Conclusion

Online casinos and betting sites should be fun, but this is only possible when they’re fair, transparent, and secure. Avoiding scams is about more than gut instinct. It requires checking licences, reading terms, verifying payments, and paying attention to a site’s overall behaviour.

At Ecademy, we’re committed to helping UK players gamble safely. Use our reviews, trust your instincts, and never hesitate to step away from a platform that doesn’t meet basic standards.