Ways to find a legit online casino you can trust

• One common scam to watch out for are bonus traps, so always read terms & conditions carefully.
• Some shady sites will use pop-ups and misleading language in an attempt to trap you into subpar welcome bonuses.
• The recommended casinos on this list offer great games, fast payouts, and generous bonuses (with no crazy T&C).

You should be able to jump right in and enjoy an amazing gambling experience at any legit online casino. However, things aren’t always that easy.

There are tons of different casinos out there, some good and others bad. It can be tough to find a legitimate site that isn’t going to rip you off or block your withdrawals. This becomes even more difficult considering how many casino scams are out there.

So, how do you avoid these illegitimate operators? Well, you could take the time to analyze each casino yourself. Or you could take my word for it since I’ve already done the hard work.

I’ve spent years testing out all kinds of online casinos. During this time, I’ve found plenty of legit ones as well as some real lemons.

As you can see from the table above, not all casinos are made equal. Some have much better game selections than others, while some process payout within hours whereas some take days.

If you want to start playing at the best online casinos that actually care about their players, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, I’m going to explain exactly what you should look for when trying to figure out if an online casino can be trusted. I’ll also share some tips to help you spot some of the most common casino scams online.

How to Tell If an Online Casino Is Legit

Every operator you see recommended here at AskTheRabbi is totally legit, safe, and secure.

But not all of my competitors are so choosy. Some will promote any casino that offers them a cut of new depositors, regardless of its reputation among players.

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There are lots of different factors to consider when figuring out whether a site can be trusted, such as safety and security, licensing, game fairness, and more. Let’s start with perhaps the most important aspect of any online casino.

Safety and Security Measures

How can you tell if an online casino is safe? Well, there are several signs to keep an eye out for.

Firstly, does the site feel professional and trustworthy? Are the graphics pixelated, or is the content poorly written? When browsing any casino, you should get a sense that the people behind it know what they’re doing.

Of course, first impressions can be deceiving. That’s why you need to dig a little deeper. Here are some key indicators of a safe and reputable gaming site.

• Lock pad | A lock pad or locked pad symbol in the address bar of your browser lets you know that the site is using Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt data sent between your computer and its servers. This helps prevent third parties from intercepting and stealing your personal information and payment details. All the casinos I recommend use TLS to provide industry-standard security.
• Reputation | As I mentioned earlier, I’ve reviewed hundreds of online casinos. I know which ones are run by reputable companies and which ones should be avoided. If you don’t have the time to assess every single factor, a quick Google search and scan of player forums can reveal a lot about any operator’s reputation.
• Security logos | Legit casinos often display logos from independent auditors like eCOGRA that show their games have been tested for fairness. You might also see logos for organizations like GamCare and GamStop that provide support for problem gamblers. These symbols aren’t guarantees, but they are promising signs.
• Secure software | As well as Encryption, a legit casino will have a completely secure gaming platform that is free from glitches, bugs, and viruses. Malware can be picked up unknowingly and used to steal personal data, passwords, banking info, etc. Reputable casinos invest heavily in ensuring their software is bug-free. Any sign of poor quality or software issues is a red flag.
• Https | The world’s top websites -from Amazon to the New York Times- use HTTPS encryption and the news site’s URL begins “https://”. The “s” at the end of “http” stands for secure, and it shows that the site has an SSL certificate. Such certificates cost money, and only serious businesses bother buying one because it encrypts all communications between the site and visitors. If an online casino doesn’t have “https” in its URL, take your business elsewhere.

Before you play at any online casino, you must make sure that it uses all of these measures to protect players. Anything less simply won’t do.

By following this advice, you can ensure your personal information stays safe and private at any online casino you join.

License Verifications

How can I find out if an online casino is legit? A valid license is absolutely essential. There are lots of different regulatory bodies around the world, including the Panama Gaming Control Board, UKGC, and Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

All online casinos should state which regulator authorizes their operations in a visible place on their homepage, such as the footer. For example, this is the Malta Gaming Authority license for another one of our top casinos, DuckyLuck Casino.

When checking a license, make sure it includes the following details:

• Operator name | This should match the name of the company that owns the casino.
• License number | Every license comes with a unique number that you can check with the regulator to ensure it is current and active.
• Gambling types covered | Does the license cover casinos specifically, or has the operator just paid for the rights to offer bingo or sports betting? You need to make sure the license mentions remote gambling generally or remote gambling websites specifically.
• Active status | Licenses typically last for one to five years, depending on the regulator. However, they can be revoked at any point if the operator breaks the rules. Therefore, it is essential to check that the license is currently valid.
• Country of license | Some regulators are more reputable than others. Generally speaking, licenses from the MGA, UKGC, and the Panama Gaming Commission are solid. Those issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission are also decent. On the other hand, you should be extremely cautious of operators licensed in countries like Curacao, as these can be easily obtained and offer little protection to players.

Failing to verify a casino’s license is like buying a used car without checking its history. You have no idea what you’re getting, and things could go very wrong down the line. So, before signing up anywhere, head to the casino’s homepage, scroll to the bottom, and check for a valid license.

It goes without saying that all of the casinos listed on this page are fully licensed and regulated.

Bonus Traps: How to Avoid Them

One of the main reasons I started this site was to help players avoid casino bonus traps.

As mentioned in my , it is common for online casinos to offer large deposit matches to entice you to play at their site. What you may not realize is that these bonuses often come with ridiculous rollover requirements designed to make it almost impossible to fulfill them and cash out your winnings.

Here is an example of a massive welcome bonus offered by a rogue casino.

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This bonus looks fantastic at first glance. Who wouldn’t want to get up to $10,000 in free chips? Well, almost nobody.

However, the devils in these details can be found when you read the terms and conditions attached to these bonuses. Let’s take a look at some of the key points related to slot play.

• Game weighting | Notice how the contribution percentage varies depending on the slots you play? This is known as game weighting, and it allows casinos to reduce the value of your wagers on certain games. Unregulated sites can be even worse, claiming that certain developers like NetEnt are excluded from bonus play altogether.
• Maximum bet | The language regarding your “bet” is very loose. Does it refer to your wager on each spin or your bet level? And what happens if you exceed the limit? Well, according to the next point…
• Forfeiture clause | This sentence gives the casino the power to forfeit your entire bonus and any winnings generated from it if you break a single rule. In other words, one spin on a Slot Dice game could invalidate your entire bonus - even if you made hundreds of spins on valid games.
• RTP limitation | Return to Player rates are a measure of how much of all wagers are paid back to players over the long term. Casinos leave this point out, but this rogue bonus states that you must ensure the games you play do not have an RTP rate over 75%. Good luck finding a slot with an RTP lower than that.
• Other restrictions | Do you really think it’s reasonable that a casino gets to change the terms of your bonus after you’ve completed it? And what does “approval from customer service” mean? Who gets to decide whether your playthrough is sufficient? These points are far too vague and open to interpretation - never a good thing when it comes to bonus terms.

These terms and conditions give the casino the power to deny you a withdrawal at the end of your play. They are essentially setting you up to fail.

And it gets worse. Take a look at this excerpt from the table games bonus terms.

So, not only do you have to complete a 60x deck, but you also have to contact customer service to have it enabled - and there is still no guarantee you will qualify. Even if you somehow manage all that, you then have to complete a 60x deck from table wins before you can cash out.

In short, this bonus is a trap. It is designed to take your deposit, encourage you to make lots of smaller bets that offer minimal chance of hitting a big win, and hopefully, lure you into playing larger numbers of table game decks that will surely break you.

It is disgraceful that there are still casinos operating in this way, and it makes my blood boil. But the good news is that you don’t need to fall for these scams. By understanding how to read bonus terms, you can protect yourself.

Make sure you always read the small print before accepting any bonus at an online casino. If the terms look too complicated or unfair, just walk away. There are loads of great deposit matches out there with simple, transparent terms.

For example, taking the Slots.lv welcome deposit again, here's their promo T&Cs.

A 35x playthrough requirement on a 200% deposit match (up to $1,000) for just slot games is very fair indeed.

How to Find Fair Games

What independent audits confirm is that the random number generator (RNG) software powering a casino’s games is functioning properly.

Independent auditors do three key things:

• Check RNG functionality | They download a sample of games from an operator’s platform and analyze the output of their RNG software to ensure it is truly random.
• Assess payout accuracy | Auditors then compare the RTP rates stated by the casino with the RTP rates calculated from their data samples to ensure everything lines up.
• Confirm financial integrity | Finally, they audit the finances of the company to ensure players’ funds are stored in segregated bank accounts and are not being used to pay operating expenses or other expenses.

Many legitimate casinos feature logos from auditors like PAGC and eCOGRA on their sites.

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However, it is worth pointing out that some dishonest operators will use fake auditing certificates. So, always ask for the full report, which should include the casino’s revenue, date of testing, and scope of the audit.

You can view the reports for SuperSlots Casino below.

Needless to say, failing to submit this documentation is a huge red flag. At best, the games may be unregulated; at worst, they could be rigged to cheat players out of their money.

Read Player Reviews and Forum Discussions

Have other players had positive experiences at your chosen casino? Visiting forums and reading reviews is one of the easiest ways to get a sense of how an operator treats its customers.

You can learn a lot by spending a few hours on two of my favorite discussion boards - Reddit and the LCB forums.

Of course, you need to know what you are looking for. People who leave will sometimes exaggerate their experiences to try and get more clicks or cause trouble for their own amusement.

With this in mind, look out for patterns rather than individual cases. If half a dozen players report the same issue, it is probably worthy of consideration.

Another helpful tip is to compare review sites. Some will only publish glowing reports about casinos in return for kickbacks. Others are totally legitimate. Developing a feel for various sites will help you separate fact from fiction.

At AskTheRabbi, I pride myself on providing honest reviews. I have no interest in sugarcoating my critiques, even if it means losing affiliate income from a particular casino.

Understand Withheld Winnings Excuses

Even if you follow all these tips, there is a chance you could hit a big win at an online casino - and get blocked from cashing out.

Some casinos are quite clever in how they prevent big winners from getting their hands on winnings. The terms and conditions will have seemed fine when you signed up, and you may have completed all the bonus playthrough too.

But once a big win hits, the casino can suddenly pull out a pile of technical excuses, including:

• Violation of the house rules | Most casinos have house rules that prohibit things like collusion, multi-accounting, and bonus abuse. However, some operate expansively defined house rules that can be changed at any time to suit the casino.
• Third-party services | Many players use third-party services like VPNs, proxy servers, or discards to enhance their playing experience in one way or another. While these tools can hide your true location, speed up gameplay, or help you eliminate losing hands - they do not affect your chances of winning. Some casinos ban the use of third-party services outright, giving themselves carte blanche to confiscate your winnings.
• Missing documentation | Providing proof of identity is part and parcel of joining any online casino. However, some sites claim they need to see extra documentation for any winning bets - even though there is no mention of this in their terms and conditions.
• Self-exclusion violations | Problem gamblers can self-exclude their accounts to distance themselves from the temptation of gambling. Casinos are meant to ban members from their accounts for a set period - usually between six months and five years - and cannot accept money or let them play during that time. However, some people win big prizes outside the context of bonuses or after breaking a rule unknowingly and get their winnings seized on these technicalities. For instance, if you win a jackpot shortly before your self-exclusion period begins and the casino doesn't pause your account immediately, are you supposed to refuse the prize? It is a silly situation to be in, but some casinos use self-exclusion to avoid paying out big prizes.
• Voided bets | Finally, some casinos claim certain bets are void due to alleged software errors, glitches, or similar excuses. While it is true that erroneous bets should be voided, determining whether there was indeed an error can be subjective, leaving players powerless.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do once a casino blocks your withdrawal for any of these reasons. Arguing with customer support agents will achieve nothing, and reporting the casino to the licensing agency will rarely yield results.

That is why it is so important to pick a legit casino in the first place. Once you become a member, it can be incredibly expensive and stressful to take legal action against an offshore gaming site.

Therefore, I advise you to spend more time on your initial research to avoid problems later down the line.

Common Casino Scams to Watch Out For

Now that you know how to tell if an online casino is legit, let’s take a look at some of the most common scams you need to avoid.

Fake Certificate Scams

We have already discussed how auditor certificates can reassure players about the fairness of games at online casinos. However, some bad actors in this space use fake certificates of analysis to appear more reputable than they are.

For example, eCOGRA is a well-known auditor that tests everything from game fairness to transactional security. Its certification seal can be found at hundreds of online casinos, all of which have undergone rigorous testing.

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Some rogue casinos have created their own version of the eCOGRA logo and pasted it onto their sites to trick players into thinking they are legit. Here is an image of the real eCOGRA seal followed by a fake one.

Can you spot the differences?

The fake seal is missing crucial details, such as the web address of the authorized website and the expiry date. It also uses a different color scheme and font, making it easy to distinguish once you know what to look for.

However, many players will not recognize the differences between these two logos - especially if they are newly signed-up casino members excited at the prospect of playing eCOGRA-certified games.

The only way to avoid fakes is to visit the official lists of certified operators and reports maintained by reputable auditors, such as this one from eCOGRA.

If your casino is not listed, it has not passed the auditor’s stringent tests, and its certification seals are likely fakes.

Withholding Winning Without Justification

Non-payments are arguably the most common form of casino fraud. These operators have no qualms about taking your money and leaving you stranded when you hit a big win - and they know the risk of blacklisting themselves is low because few players take on entire casinos by themselves.

These casinos tend to use a range of tactics to avoid paying players their rightful winnings, and it can be heart-wrenching to see otherwise sensible people pursue blocked withdrawals alone.

Some of the most common excuses for non-payment include broken terms of service, breach of house rules, self-exclusion violations, and voided bets. We discussed these excuse in the section above, and they are basically attempts at renegotiating the deal after it has been struck.

Casino Bonus Code Entry Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Online

Naturally, no reasonable person would agree to send their money to a random stranger online with the promise of getting something back only if fortunes smile upon them - but that is, in effect, what we do when we gamble online. Once you have placed your bets, the casino no longer has the right to change the rules and deprive you of your winnings.

It is disingenuous for any casino to suggest otherwise - particularly those that leave their terms of service unchanged but suddenly start enforcing new rules when it suits them.

It is incredibly rare for rogue casinos to admit their mistakes and reverse blocked payments without pressure from above. Engaging a lawyer or getting in touch with organizations like the casino's licensing body or payment processor can put some pressure on them to rectify the situation.

However, the best approach is to choose a legit casino in the first place. It is so much easier to get help with a moderate-sized win than a significant seven-figure amount.

My guides about the can shed more light on the best steps of actions to take so that you can resolve the conflict amicably.

Misleading Bonus Terms

We talked previously about bonus traps that are virtually impossible to beat, but there are many other ways that casinos can mislead you with their promotional materials.

Some of the most despicable bonus scams involve cleverly worded terms and conditions that effectively allow the casino to change the promotion mid-claims. Here are some examples:

• Retrospective changes | A retrospectivo change clause will state that the casino can change the terms of your bonus mid-claim if changes are made "for the greater good of all players." This is patently unfair, as it allows the casino to alter the goalposts whenever it feels like it. No company in any industry would be allowed to change the rules in the middle of a contract, so why should casinos be any different?
• Subjective evaluation | Some terms will state that a player must meet "the casino management team's approval" to receive a bonus or advance to the next stage of a promotion. Once again, this opens the door to arbitrary decisions based on no objective criteria.
• Failure to opt-out | When starting a new bonus, you are usually required to opt-out if you do not wish to participate. But some terms twist this on its head and state that you must actively opt-in to receive a bonus and that your play will not count unless you inform customer support. The burden should be on the casino to prove that you did not intend to claim a bonus rather than the other way around.

These clauses are designed to allow customer support agents to stall, delay, or deny bonus payouts at their discretion. Since there are often multiple agents working different shifts around the world, there is always someone who can claim they were not aware a particular player was completing a bonus - even if you began playing several days previously.

To avoid these scams, always read the full set of terms and conditions for any bonus you plan to claim. Look out for any of the problems outlined above and contact customer support to clarify any confusing points.

If an agent cannot provide a straightforward answer, or the request is referred to an manager and you are still unable to get clarity - that is a red flag.

Fake Crypto Payments

The rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has brought many benefits to the online casino space - chief among them faster deposits and withdrawals. However, cybercriminals have spotted opportunities in the space too.

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One of the biggest dangers relates to auto holds on crypto deposits - where funds are placed in escrow for a set number of confirmation on the blockchain.

In theory, this system ensures that no funds can be stolen from the casino, as they are only transferred to a player's account once receiving nodes on the network confirm no one else has the right to them.

Yet scammers have found a way to exploit this mechanism. They create fake crypto wallet addresses and convince players to transfer funds to these addresses instead of the official casino depositing addresses.

Since the cybercriminal controls the fake wallet, they can arrange for funds to be forwarded to the casino once the confirmation threshold is reached - provided, of course, that the player hasn't realized they have been scammed first.

The risk of this type of crypto scam increases when dealing with peer-to-peer marketplaces like LocalBitcoins and similar sites. Anyone can create an account on these platforms and pose as a legitimate seller, increasing the odds of falling victim to a fake casino wallet address.

Stick to proven and reliable payment methods, such as the cashiers at trusted casinos, to minimize your risks.

Tips to Protect Yourself Against Online Casino Scams

Scammers are constantly coming up with new tricks to part you from your money, so staying one step ahead is critical. Below, I have shared some tips on protecting yourself against online casino scams.

Use a Hardware Secured Wallet

Criminals can steal your credit card details if you make deposits at casinos using only a soft wallet, such as the one provided by your issuer. To avoid this danger, I always recommend using a hardware secured wallet, such as the one provided by Coinbase.

Hardware wallets store your private keys offline, which means hackers cant access them - no matter how sophisticated their attacks are. As long as you follow basic security procedures, such as writing down your recovery seed and keeping it somewhere safe, you will retain full control over your funds.

It is important to note that you should not rely entirely on hardware wallets to protect your crypto deposits at casinos. Always confirm that you are sending funds to the official casino deposit address, and never give it to a third party - no matter how convincing they sound.

Hardware wallets are simply another layer of protection that can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a crypto scam. You can read more about crypto wallets in my dedicated guide.

Never Give Your Deposit Address to Another Person

Following on from the previous point, you should never divulgate your crypto wallet address and password to anyone at an online casino - or anywhere else online.

It is standard practice to enter the wallet address into the send field when making a crypto transfer from an exchange or external wallet. However, some customer support agents at rogue casinos will ask you to send your deposit to an address they provide.

They might claim that the casino is having temporary problems with its payment processing system or needing your funds to be manually credited to your account. Whatever excuse they give you, never send cryptocurrency to a third party - even if they claim to be working on behalf of the casino.

If you send crypto to a scammer, there is little chance of getting it back. Some might arrange for it to be forwarded to the casino eventually, but you are relying on their goodwill - and the risk of permanent loss is simply not worth it.

Stick to making deposits through the casino cashier, entering the usual wallet address provided by the platform, and you will significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a crypto deposit scam.

Make Sure You Have a Paper Trail

The best protection against shady online casinos is evidence. Whenever you speak to a customer support agent, make sure you ask them to email you the contents of their chat - including any promises they make.

If the casino refuses to provide emails, or the agent denies saying something you can clearly see in the message, it is a bad sign. Reputable casinos understand that players want proof of interactions and should be happy to oblige.

It is also a good idea to install a mail client on your desktop or mobile device to centralize all your casino correspondence. That way, you can refer back to specific conversations and quotes at a later date if needed.

Set Realistic Goals & Know When to Walk Away

I know this point doesn't relate directly to avoiding online casino scams, but it is fundamental to your long-term success.

No one can guarantee that you will win at an online casino - or anywhere else in life. Sometimes, you will win more than you expected, and other times, fortune will seem to be kicking you in the teeth.

Setting realistic goals can help you stay grounded and appreciate the good days while accepting the bad ones as part of the journey.

Bonus hunters often make the mistake of thinking they can extract a large bonus, complete the playthrough, and walk away with tons of winnings. In reality, attempting such a feat can lead to blocked withdrawals and a damaged bankroll.

Instead, I recommend focusing on enjoying the thrill of playing fun games. Learn about optimal strategy for your favorite titles and identifying marginal edges across the game library.

Remember that you are gambling, not investing, and set goals accordingly. Responsible gambling involves knowing the odds of winning and accepting them gracefully. It is one of the best ways to avoid scams and enjoy a fun, safe casino experience.

Online Casino Scams FAQs

Are online casinos rigged?

Not necessarily. All legit casinos use random number generators to ensure their games deliver fair results. Of course, there are some rogue sites out there looking to scam players, but they are relatively easy to avoid if you stick with our recommendations and follow the tips on this page.

Has anyone ever beaten online casinos?

Yes, plenty of people win at online casinos! However, beating bonuses and the overall house advantage is practically impossible in the long run. Casinos use complex algorithms and game rules to maintain a mathematical edge over players, so accepting this reality and playing for enjoyment is the best approach.

Which online casino pays the most?

All of the casinos featured on this site pay out promptly when you meet the relevant wagering conditions. In general, you will receive your winnings within a few days of requesting a withdrawal. SuperSlots Casino is widely regarded as one of the fastest paying casinos online, with some payouts arriving within a few hours.

What is the safest online casino?

There are dozens of safe online casinos. Some of the most reputable sites include Wild Casino, mBit Casino, and BetOnline, to name a few. All of the sites I recommend on this site are legit and have been thoroughly vetted by my expert review team.

Has anyone ever won big at an online casino?

Absolutely! Online casinos pay out millions of dollars in jackpots and other major payouts every year. Some players have even bagged nine-, eight-, and even seven-figure prizes from smaller bets. You can see some of the biggest online casino wins ever below.

• How can I spot a legit online casino?

  Legit online casinos have licenses from reputable licensing agencies, SSL encryption, audited games, segregated player funds, and fair terms and conditions. You can learn more in this guide.

• Why do casinos cancel winning tickets?

  Casinos can cancel winning bets for a variety of reasons, including violation of house rules, breach of bonus terms, self-exclusion violations, and collusion. However, the small print must be clear and accessible, and customers must complete playthroughs once they have completed their wagers.

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• How do casinos scam people?

  Casinos cannot scam people per se, but some shady operators may block withdrawals using questionable excuses. These excuses can include violations of house rules, retrospective changes to promotional material, and the need for staff members to remember that a player was participating in a bonus (among others).

• Is online gambling illegal?

  It depends on where you live. Online gambling is legal in many countries around the world, including some US states, Canada, and throughout much of Europe and South America. However, it is illegal in countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

• Is gambling addictive?

  Yes, some people can become addicted to gambling. Symptoms can include obsessive thoughts about past gambling experiences, an inability to set limits, and social or psychological issues caused or worsened by gambling habits. Seek help via a responsible gambling organization if you are concerned about your gambling habits.

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