How to Spot a Potentially Fraudulent Online Casino
Spotting a dodgy online casino from a legitimate one can be a bit of a challenge at times. For many beginners, just a quick glance at the licensing information is enough to give the nod. However, some licensing bodies aren't exactly the strictest with their regulations, making their licences attractive to scam websites. Some gambling sites might even operate without any licence at all.
This article dives into some common scams and red flags to help you steer clear of rogue gambling sites. You'll also find a list of licensed and legit Irish gambling sites, carefully put together by CasinoRank's seasoned reviewers.
Common Online Casino Scams to Watch Out For
It's vital to be aware of some prevalent scams in the iGaming world. Phishing is a big one, where fraudsters send deceitful emails or messages trying to snag your personal info or login details. Stay sharp!
Bonuses can also be a bit of a minefield. Some Irish gambling sites tempt players with massive bonuses, but then slap on ridiculously high wagering requirements. This practically makes it impossible to actually cash out any winnings from the bonuses and promotions. Always read the fine print on the bonus conditions to avoid signing up for a package that's not worth your while.
What's more, watch out for fake online reviews designed to trick you into joining a dodgy casino. Some sites pay reviewers to rave about the positives and hide the negatives, catching unsuspecting new players out. And finally, be wary of payment scams or casinos that drag their feet when it comes to paying out winnings.
How Can I Tell If an Online Casino in Ireland is Legit?

It might seem tricky to verify if an online casino is on the up and up, but taking a little time to do your due diligence is definitely worth it. Here are a few straightforward ways to spot a dodgy online casino operating in Ireland.
Check the Casino's Reputation
Investigating an online casino's reputation is a crucial next step. When we at CasinoRank evaluate and select the best online casinos available in Ireland, we always consider their standing in the industry. An online casino's reputation is shaped by a multitude of factors. A reputable casino will be mindful of all the elements that influence its standing and will go the extra mile to ensure players are happy.
If you've been around the online casino block a few times, you might know that what affects a casino's reputation can really vary. It often comes down to how they treat their customers, the quality of their staff, the games and services they offer, and solid security measures. For newcomers to the gambling scene in Ireland, picking a casino you can trust can feel a bit overwhelming. Keep reading if you're keen to find a reliable top casino.
If an online casino has a poor reputation, it's best to give it a wide berth. If a casino is new and hasn't had much time to build a rep yet, you might want to do a bit more digging before committing.
Does it Have a Valid Licence?
Verifying whether an online casino holds a gambling licence is one of the most critical steps to avoid fraud. You'll know that to operate legally in Ireland and elsewhere, online casinos must possess a gaming licence. Given that only a select few authorities grant gambling licences, the very first thing you must do is check if the online casino you're considering playing at has one.
It's not easy for new casinos to bag a government licence as they must meet a range of strict requirements. On top of that, they need to adhere to tight rules concerning fairness, player security, and data encryption. Once a casino has been approved and displays its licence online, you can be pretty confident that it's one you can trust.
The information will be made public on the home sites of all online casinos with active licenses on the Internet. If a direct link to the regulator's website is not present, the license number and license should be shown at the bottom of the screen. The license number may be used to certify that you can trust that casino and carry out further investigations.
If you want to pick the ideal online casino, you must confirm that it is licensed. If the casino is not licensed, do not continue your research on it; it will be a waste of your time.
Read All the Terms and Conditions
Here comes the most hectic and annoying step to avoiding scams in an online casino. Some people might not bother reading all the terms and conditions, but it is crucial. If you miss this, you will not be able to do anything if you do not like their rules. As every casino mentions all the details in the terms and conditions, you will not be able to do anything.
Though reading all the terms and conditions could be difficult, it will be useful to check if they eliminate your security concerns. You should check the terms and conditions to determine if the wagering restrictions at this casino are proper. Is there a limit on withdrawals? Do you have a range of secure payment solutions at your disposal?
If there is a term in the terms and conditions that you do not agree with, you should not select that casino. Make sure you are satisfied with the terms and conditions. Once you are satisfied with the terms and conditions, go ahead to the next casino, and repeat the procedure there.
Check Game Archive
The majority of games at online casinos are user-friendly and supply the type of experience a player would like. While you wait for the update, you may play any of your other favorite old vintage games. This will at once fix any problems a newly launched game could have.
If you enjoy playing more games, look for an online casino with a wide variety of games. Casinos with a wide variety of games may also be better all around. You might find the games to be different and more exciting if you switch to a mobile casino.
Some new games might have bugs, but do not worry—they will be solved over time. Until then, you can enjoy your favorite old classic games.
Chat With the Customer Service
To figure out which is best for you, you should talk to the casino's customer service. You might be able to get the information you need from customer service, which will tell you a lot about the casino. If they come out as polite and trustworthy, your relationship with them may be enjoyable. You have control over how much information you supply them with.
Therefore, conversing with customer service might be beneficial. In only a few minutes, you could learn everything you require simply by speaking with someone. Naturally, if you want to avoid getting scammed in an online casino, you will need to conduct thorough research.
Check Software Providers
Another crucial step is checking software providers. How trustworthy and accountable a casino brand may be inferred from the software supplier for that casino brand. This is because a rogue online casino lacks the specifications needed to incorporate games from well-known gambling software developers.
As a result, you may discover that the games are not linked to well-known software providers. Before investing your money in such a casino, you should pause.
Test Online Casino's User Interface
Your preferences will eventually determine the casino's UI. You may enjoy an interface, but others don't, and vice versa. Every player appreciates a user-friendly interface, so check to see whether the casino you're seeking to play at has one.
A website's user interface may influence your choice, how it looks, and how easy it is to navigate and find what you need. While it might not matter how good or bad the site is in general, it does matter when choosing the ideal one or ones to play on.
The time you spend playing casino games will be less fun if you don't pick a website that you are comfortable with and familiar with. So, choose a casino whose interface you are comfortable with.
How to Distinguish a Real Casino Review from a Fake One
There are many fake reviews about online casinos, with some reviewers often paid by the casino or a competitor to write the comment. For this reason, CasinoRank will show you how to identify legit casino reviews that could help you find a reliable casino to join. Below are some tips:
- Check the source of the review: Read reviews only from a reputable source, such as a well-known online casino portal or an independent review site. Be wary of reviews posted on the casino's website, as they may be biased.
- Look for specifics: Real reviews will mention specific details about the casino, including the game selection, the customer service, or the payment options. Conversely, fake reviews are often generic and vague, with no specific details or examples.
- Check the language and tone: Real reviews will be written in clear, concise language without being overly positive or negative. On the other hand, fake reviews may contain spelling or grammar errors or use extremely positive language to persuade you to join the site.
- Check for tone consistency: Trusted casino reviews should use a consistent tone and language. Be careful with reviews that use the same style.
If you are looking for legit online casino reviews, OnlineCasinoRank should be your next stop. The reviews on this website are transparent and objective, written by knowledgeable industry experts after testing every aspect of the casinos. Check the list of trusted online casinos right now!
Blacklisted Online Casinos
Blacklisted online casinos have a history of engaging in unethical or fraudulent behavior. These casinos are known to frustrate players for not paying out, having unreasonable bonus terms, offering rude or non-existent customer support, and more.
With so many casino options, finding a blacklisted website can be challenging. Therefore, reading the legit casino reviews on this page is advisable to avoid finding yourself on a rogue gambling site.
Summary
Learning to spot a potentially fraudulent online casino is critical to avoid losing money or becoming a scam victim. Common signs to look for include the lack of legitimate licenses, SSL encryption, game-testing certifications, and customer support. Players must also avoid a casino with low review ratings. Consider the top picks by CasinoRank for a safe and secure gaming experience.
FAQ
What are online gaming scams?
Online gaming scams involve gambling sites that offer unfair or illegal experiences to players in Ireland. These sites might lack proper licensing from recognised bodies or provide games that haven't been certified as fair. Additionally, their customer service may be unresponsive or unhelpful.
Why are online casinos blacklisted in Ireland?
Gambling sites get blacklisted for using unethical practices to deceive Irish players. A casino might be added to a "blacklist" if it doesn't possess a valid license from a reputable authority, lacks an SSL certificate to protect your data, or offers poor customer support. Some casinos may also cease operations without proper notice.
How can I find a safe online casino in Ireland?
A secure online casino for Irish players should be licensed by reputable gaming authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, or other recognised jurisdictions. These casinos should also employ the latest SSL encryption technology and have positive ratings on trusted casino review websites.
What are the potential risks of online gaming in Ireland?
Firstly, you could become a victim of a rogue casino that delays or refuses to pay out winnings. Secondly, playing on a casino site without SSL encryption can expose your personal and financial information to cyber threats. Finally, it's crucial to ensure the casino provides responsive customer support to address any queries or issues you might encounter.
How can I avoid online gambling fraud in Ireland?
To protect yourself from online gambling fraud, only play at licensed and regulated online casinos that use SSL encryption. Furthermore, choose casinos that have been independently tested and approved by reputable review sites like CasinoRank.


