Online gambling is fun—until you run into a shady casino. That’s sad, but not every site plays fair. Some sites have rigged games, shady withdrawal policies, or outright scams. When playing there, you could end up losing more than just your deposit.
This piece shows you how to spot a rigged online casino.
For a trustworthy gaming experience backed by proper licensing, consider Loki Casino where transparent withdrawal policies, certified games, and responsive customer support create a safe environment. Their Malta Gaming Authority license, regularly tested games from reputable providers, and clear bonus terms exemplify the legitimate practices this guide recommends for avoiding rigged platforms.
High 6 Signs of Unreliable Gambling Sites
1. No Proper License
Check if the casino in question holds a valid license. A legit platform will have one from a known regulator like:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Curacao eGaming (not good, but better than nothing!)
If a site doesn’t list a license or just slaps on a random logo, be careful. Some scammers use fake licenses to look legit. Always verify on the official regulator’s website. Can’t find the operator in their database? Run.
How to check?
- Scroll to the casino’s footer—most licenses are listed there.
- Click on the license number—it should take you to the regulator’s site.
- No clickable license? Google the casino name + “license check.”
2. No Game Testing or Certification
Fair casinos use games from legit providers like NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Pragmatic Play. These games go through testing labs like eCOGRA and iTech Labs to ensure fair play.
How do rigged casinos trick you? They may use pirated versions of popular slots. The game looks the same. But the RTP (return to player) is altered to make you lose more.
How to check?
- Look for an iTech Labs or eCOGRA logo in the casino’s footer.
- Cross-check games on the provider’s official site. If Pragmatic Play doesn’t list the platform as a partner, the games might be fake.
- Play free demo versions on the provider’s site first. If the gameplay feels off in the casino, something’s wrong.
To verify game authenticity, click here to see properly certified games with transparent RTPs. Comparing a casino’s offerings with these officially licensed versions helps identify potentially tampered games and ensures you’re playing fair, properly tested slots that match the developer’s intended specifications.
3. Unrealistic Promotions and Bonuses
Is a site offering a $500 bonus on a $10 deposit? A huge red flag.
Shady casinos lure players in with massive bonuses that are impossible to cash out.
They use unfair wagering requirements like 100x playthrough. Or sneaky terms that block you from withdrawing.
How to check?
- Read the bonus terms (yes, boring, but saves your money).
- Look for reasonable wagering terms—20x to 35x is fair. Anything above 50x is a scam.
- Check if the casino limits withdrawals when using a bonus. Some won’t let you move more than a few bucks out of the platform (even if you win big).
4. Unclear or Unfair Withdrawal Rules
A shady casino will happily take your deposit. But they’ll make excuses when it’s time to pay out. Some common tricks are:
- Ridiculous withdrawal limits (e.g., max $50 per week, even if you win $10K).
- Delaying payouts for weeks with endless verification requests.
- Forcing you to wager your winnings before withdrawing.
How to check?
- Look at the withdrawal terms before playing.
- Check player analysis. If multiple people say the platform won’t pay, believe them.
- Test with a small withdrawal first. If they delay or block it, don’t deposit more.
A good casino processes withdrawals fast—24 to 48 hours max.
5. No or Poor Customer Support
A real casino has real customer support. A fake one? Not so much.
Signs of bad support:
- No live chat. (Email-only support = bad sign.)
- No response or super slow replies.
- Vague answers that dodge real issues.
How to test?
Before depositing, ask them a question in live chat. If you get a robotic or useless response, that’s a bad sign. A good casino should have real people answering your concerns.
6. Bad Reputation and Player Complaints
When in doubt, check what other players say. If a platform is rigged, people will talk about it.
- Where to look?
- Trustpilot – But watch out for fake positive analysis.
- Casino forums – Places like AskGamblers have real player complaints.
- Reddit gambling threads – Unfiltered opinions from real players.
How to spot fake analysis?
- Over-the-high praise with zero details.
- Copy-paste analysis that look identical.
- No mention of withdrawals. (Most real analysis talk about cashing out.)
Final Warning: If It Feels Off, Walk Away
If something feels shady about a casino—it probably is. Don’t wait until you’ve lost money to realize a site is rigged. Do your research before depositing. Stick to operators with a solid reputation.
My rule? If I can’t verify a casino’s license, games, or withdrawal policies, I don’t touch it. There are too many legit options to waste time on scams.
Now you know what to look for. Play smart, and keep your money where it belongs—in your pocket! Not in some scammer’s hands.