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Online gambling has exploded in popularity over the past few years. As the industry grows, so too does the number of fraudulent sites looking to take advantage of players. In 2025, the online casino space is projected to be worth over $100 billion globally. With so much money changing hands, players need to be savvier than ever in identifying trustworthy sites.
The key is knowing which warning signs indicate an illegal, unsafe or rigged platform. Armed with the right information, players can avoid scam sites and enjoy online gambling safely and legally. This guide will cover red flags to watch for and verification steps players can take before depositing or placing real-money bets.
Licensing and Registration Are Not Enough
The first step players should take is verifying licenses and registration with a reputable gaming authority. However, deceitful operators have become masters at displaying fake or expired credentials. Just because a site displays licensing logos does not guarantee legitimacy.
To truly validate credentials:
- Check the license number against the official registry of the governing gambling authority. For example, search the license on the UK Gambling Commission website.
- Call the regulatory body to confirm validity of licenses. Their contact information should be readily available.
Simply displaying credentials means nothing on its own. Only direct confirmation from the source matters. Play on legit sites like the sports Ladbrokes platform to stay safe.
Independent Audits Offer Further Validation
Credible licensing alone does not guarantee an online casino or sportsbook operates fairly. The highest level of legitimacy comes from sites subjecting themselves to independent audits.
Third parties, like eCOGRA, extensively test:
- Game and software integrity – Ensure randomness and fair payouts across all games.
- Player account protections – Validate safeguarding of player deposits and data.
- Responsible gambling policies – Review self-exclusion options and problem gambling resources.
For example, eCOGRA provides a “Safe & Fair” seal to sites meeting its stringent requirements. However, always verify the seal by checking eCOGRA’s registry.
| Audit Firm | Key Validations | Verification Method |
| eCOGRA | Game fairness, player protections, responsible gambling | Search registry on eCOGRA site |
| iTech Labs | Software testing, geo-location controls | Confirm directly with iTech Labs |
| BMM | Game randomness, payout accuracy | Check for seal match on BMM site |
While passing third-party testing is not mandatory, it represents the strongest proof of integrity. The absence of independent audits should give players pause.
Warning Signs of Potential Scams
If an online gambling site displays any of the following red flags, players should think twice before signing up, let alone depositing money:
- Only free email domains (Gmail, Hotmail, etc.) – Legitimate businesses have professional domains tied to their brand names.
- No phone/live chat support – Reputable sites offer multiple customer service channels, including 24/7 options.
- Unavailable in major markets – Legal regulated sites hold licenses to operate in robust markets like the UK, Malta, Gibraltar, etc.
- Odd domain extensions (.xyz, .club, .top) – Domain endings should match the target country.
While no single factor defines a fraudulent site, each suspicious indicator compounds doubt about legitimacy. Players noticing multiple issues should trust their instincts and avoid the site altogether.
Follow the Money: Deposits and Cashouts
The strongest indicator of scam sites manifests when players try depositing real money or requesting payouts. Dubious platforms employ various tactics to withhold player funds, including:
- Refusing withdrawals – Sites buy time with vague excuses why payouts cannot be processed yet.
- Failing identity verification – Unexpected demands for extensive KYC checks often block cashout attempts.
- Slow-walking payments – Reputable sites process withdrawals within hours or days, not weeks or months.
Fraudulent platforms ultimately care about getting deposits, not giving payouts. They have no intention of letting players withdraw winnings. Examining how the site handles payments provides the clearest view of their true motives.
In an industry expected to reach $130 billion globally by 2027, players must apply extra scrutiny in identifying trustworthy online gambling sites. Checking licenses, seeking third-party verification, watching for red flags and monitoring cashout ease provide a multi-layered approach to avoiding scam platforms. As the space grows in popularity, so too will predatory sites hoping to take advantage of players. But players can enjoy mobile and internet gambling safely provided they take steps to detect and sidestep deceitful operators.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
