How to Avoid Gambling Scams

Gambling is a fun way to pass the time and connect with friends, but it can also be a common way for scammers to operate, making an already risky pastime even riskier.

The best ways to avoid gambling scams are to only gamble in licensed casinos, play games you understand, and question anything that sounds too good to be true. Read on to learn more about how you can avoid gambling scams.

1. Only Gamble in Licensed Casinos

Although it can be tempting to engage with the man moving balls under cups on the street, these “games” are almost always scams. These scammers prey on vacationers who think it really is their lucky day. If you really have a hankering to gamble, ensure you step into a licensed casino instead, leaving the street scammers on their own.

The same goes for online casinos. Unlicensed apps and casinos pop up all the time, and many of them are scams. Of course, it is difficult to know what a scam versus a legitimate app looks like at first glance. We recommend taking the time to go into the FAQ or “licensing” section of the website, familiarizing yourself with where the casino is licensed, before you give any personal information in the app.

One of the best ways to gauge an app before downloading is to check ratings in the app store, as well as reviews of the associated developer. Keep in mind that almost any entity can list an app in the app store, and just having an app there isn’t enough to guarantee its safety.

2. Know Gambling Laws

That brings us to our next tip, not all gambling regulations are created equal. Before you gamble in a country you aren’t from, or on an online casino registered in a country you don’t live in, double-check the laws surrounding gambling in that country.

Not only will this give you a better idea of any fees or identification you will need to provide to play, but it may also help indicate when something may be wrong with a website. In general, if anything ever seems off about a gambling website, don’t deposit and don’t return to that site until you are sure it’s safe.

3. Only Play Games You Understand

This is always our advice, whether you are playing in a brick-and-mortar casino or online, but it is ill-advised to play a game you don’t understand. Not only are you more likely to lose your hard-earned money, but you won’t notice when something is wrong, like when a casino is taking more than its fair share of your cash.

This is especially true when playing in a new casino. In these cases, it is best to only play games you know very well, skipping those you know “alright” until you are certain the casino is a safe place to play.

4. Question Anything That Sounds Too Good to Be True

We know we say this a lot, but just knowing when something is too good to be true can save you a lot of heartbreak in the long run.

The reality is, there is no such thing as free lunch or free money in this lifetime. If someone is offering you either, you should be suspicious. What are their motives? What are you giving in exchange for something free? Remember, your information is also worth something, especially your Social Security number.

Basically, you should heavily investigate anything that sounds too good to be true, because it probably is. If you still can’t find something wrong with their offer, check with a friend or a trusted individual to see what they think before participating.

5. Know Common Frauds and Scams

Though they know how to take your money, scammers tend to use the same tactics over and over to scam individuals. Take time to learn about common scams and signs of fraud so you can have an inkling when something (or someone) might be bad news.

What to Do if You’ve Been Cheated by an Online Casino

It can be scary realizing you’ve just given your name and hard-earned money to a website that may be a scam. While the exact steps will vary depending on where you live, here is the general idea of what you should do when you think you’ve been ‘got.’

Contact the Authorities

Many countries have specific forms to use to alert the authorities of the scam, and you may have more than one to submit, depending on where you live. In the USA, for example, there is typically a form to fill out for the state you live in, as well as with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) on a federal level.  

File a Chargeback With Your Card Bank

While it’s not always possible, if you happened to pay for your gaming with a debit or credit card, you may be able to alert your bank and file a chargeback. It’s not guaranteed you’ll get your money back, but many people report they do eventually get the money back; it just takes time as the bank runs its own investigation.

Be Patient and Move On

Unfortunately, the US government is slow with investigating scams, and it may be years until they capture the perpetrator and contact you again. Although it can be difficult, it’s time to move on from what happened, because if you try to hold your breath waiting, you won’t survive.

Overall, it can be harrowing to be the victim of a gambling scam, but it does sort of come with the industry. It is possible to have a fun and safe gambling experience as long as you do your research, only play games you know, and keep your ears open for situations that sound too good to be true. If you’ve already been scammed, contact the authorities to report it immediately and contact your bank to see about a chargeback. Remember, gambling is an inherently risky activity, and you are never guaranteed to see your money again, even if it’s not a scam, so proceed with caution. Best of luck!