The regulation of online casinos also aims to protect players, to create fair and safe conditions for online gambling and to prevent online casino fraud. Despite many reputable casino sites, there are unfortunately still fraudsters in 2021 who do not take fairness seriously or want to rip off players. But if you play for real money, you want to protect yourself against fraud in the online casino and be able to rely on security and reliability.
Online casino fraud: Different forms
Fraud can affect different aspects of online casinos and therefore take different forms. The following overview shows you how fraudulent behavior differs from legitimate business:
ASPECTTHAT'S CHEATINGTHAT'S SERIOUSWHAT TO WATCH OUT FORLicense- No approval available
- Fake license seal
- Real approval by the EU regulator
- Tampered Casino Games
- unlicensed casino games
- Specifying an incorrect payout percentage
- Checked casino games from well-known manufacturers with a certified payout ratio
- Fake certificates from a test organization
- No certificates
- Verification by a recognized test organization such as eCOGRA, GLI or iTech Labs
- Missing or hidden terms and conditions
- Failure to comply with your own terms and conditions
- General terms and conditions are clearly visible and available in German
- Conditions are binding for players and operators
- The online casino collects personal data for unfair purposes
- Your personal data is protected and it is transparent to see what it is used for
- Bonus conditions are opaque or cannot be met at all
- Bonus credit will be canceled without giving a reason
- Withdrawals are denied due to hidden bonus terms
- Transparent and fair bonus conditions
- The operator aggressively encourages players to recruit new players, but does not pay the promised rewards
- Players are rewarded when a new customer is referred
- The online casino only accepts insecure or dubious means of payment or claims that it has not received payments
- Players can use secure and reliable payment methods and service providers
- Your credit will be reduced or blocked if there are dubious reasons
- Your credit is clearly displayed and can be used freely
- Winnings or withdrawals are denied or canceled
- After verification, real money winnings will be paid out
- The customer service gives false or misleading information, contradicts the terms and conditions or requests access to payment methods or casino accounts.
- The customer service is competent, helpful and friendly and resolves your concerns reliably.
- Player accounts are blocked without giving reasons or under false facts.
- In the event of suspicion, the casino will legitimately block the account. After clarification, the account will be activated.
- Fake reviews on portals and in forums.
- Opinions, ratings and reviews from real players and casino experts.
This is the difference between legitimate business and casino fraud
Not everything that may not suit players in the online casino is automatically fraud. Serious casino sites are of course distinguished by their courteous customer service, but they also have to adhere to certain guidelines. In the following we list a few important points in which trustworthy online casinos and fraudulent gambling providers differ.
Casino games and game results
Online casinos and regular casinos have a so-called house advantage or bank advantage over the player. This is determined by the rules of the game and does not constitute casino fraud. The casino game is fair if both sides comply with the rules and manipulation is excluded. The results in the online casino are determined by software with a random generator. In order to rule out fraud, independent laboratories and test institutes check the software and casino games. It is regularly checked that the requirements of the regulatory authorities are being complied with, that the payout ratio is correct and that the games are running according to the rules with really random results. At the same time, the course of the game is structured in such a way that the results cannot be manipulated by the players themselves.
Withdrawal of real money winnings
Registering at the online casino is quick and easy, so you can start playing for real money quickly. In the event of a win, however, you have to wait a little for a payout. This is due to two different processes: First, the processing takes place by the online casino, then the booking takes place with a bank term. The operator first checks whether you are really entitled to the profit. You will also need to verify your account and prove your identity. This is due to money laundering laws and is also for your own safety.
However, it is dubious if payments are delayed or denied for incomprehensible reasons. Canceled winnings, waiting times of several weeks and blocked player accounts after withdrawal requests are signs of fraudulent operators. If customer service is suddenly no longer available or if new claims and reasons are constantly being raised as to why a payout has not yet been made, your chances of receiving your real money are reduced. For a reliable payout, it is important to read reviews and reviews from casino experts.
Terms and conditions and account blocking
The general terms and conditions also contain the rights and obligations of players and online casinos. This includes that the operator can block a player's account. There can be legitimate reasons for this, for example if manipulation, violation of rules or money laundering is suspected. The matter must then be clarified with customer service. Some players fear that if they win big, their casino account will simply be blocked. This could be casino fraud from a dubious provider. Serious operators do not block accounts arbitrarily. Violations of terms and conditions can, however, result in the account being blocked. These include:
- Use of bots or software with the aim of manipulating game results or gaining an advantage. Every reputable online casino prevents these attempts so that all games have the same fair chances. This also includes agreements with other players, for example in online poker.
- Anyone who creates multiple accounts at an online casino or gives a false identity must expect an account blocking. Players keep trying to claim bonus offers twice. If you and someone else in your household want to have an account, you should contact customer service to avoid any problems.
- A violation of the bonus conditions usually leads to a cancellation of the respective casino bonus. Find out beforehand which provisions apply to which offer. If a player repeatedly violates conditions or tries to abuse a bonus, the operator can block the casino account.
- As a player in Germany, you can only use online casinos that are approved for the German market or have an EU license. Your location is checked via your IP address and it is ensured that you are also in Germany. A VPN connection, i.e. a virtual private network, for the purpose of pretending to be a location or registering in an online casino that is actually blocked for you is prohibited.
Casino Bonus Fraud
A casino bonus such as a no deposit bonus is primarily intended to encourage new players to register in the online casino. One can speak of fraud here if it is a "sham package" and extras or credits are promised that are later not adhered to. In principle, however, the player accepts the bonus conditions by using them, which can be more or less advantageous. This includes the minimum turnover: the lower the turnover requirements, the more attractive the bonus is for the player. A direct fraud with the casino bonus exists if a dubious operator deletes bonus credits without this being adequately justified by the conditions.
Tips and tricks: How to protect yourself against online casino fraud
In 2021, thanks to the work of the regulatory authorities and testing organizations, German players will be able to use many reputable online casinos. Nevertheless, there are a few points you should keep in mind for your own safety. Avoid dubious providers with our tips and tricks on casino fraud.
- Test reports : The casino experts at OnlineCasinos.de regularly test online casinos. You can read our experiences in detailed test reports. Use this offer and our recommendations to find a reputable and trustworthy casino site that suits you.
- License : Only play with online gambling providers with a valid license from a European regulatory authority. In this way you can be sure that the operator is properly licensed and that EU directives are complied with. The logo or seal displayed on a casino page must link to the admission board's page for further details.
- Payouts : On a casino page, you can usually see which payment methods are available and what times are required for transactions before registering . In this way you can estimate in advance how quickly you will receive your real money.
- Casino Bonus : When comparing bonus offers, it is not only the amount and percentage of free credit that counts, but also the bonus conditions. In particular, the minimum sales must be checked. But also pay attention to which casino games are credited to which percentage of the turnover.
- Customer service : You can test the customer service without obligation and free of charge via live chat or email before registering at the online casino. Also note that reputable operators will never ask you in chat for a password to your casino account or confidential details about your payment methods.
- Terms and Conditions : The terms and conditions should be available in German at all times. Read the terms and conditions carefully and, above all, check points relating to account blocking and the rights and obligations of players and the casino.
Reputable online casinos against fraud
Anyone who deposits with a dubious provider and plays casino games will definitely lose their real money sooner or later. Only with reputable online casinos do you get some of your real money winnings in the long term. You should therefore use the clues summarized on this page to identify reliable and trustworthy offers. Choosing the right online casino is even easier and faster if you benefit from our editors' research. We regularly test gambling sites and in our tests we will show you which internet gambling halls are performing and how. Our recommendations for German players are a top selection of the best online casinos in 2021.
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is online casino fraud?
A scammer gains an advantage in order to increase or even guarantee the chance of a profit. Fraud by the operator of an online casino can theoretically take many forms: missing or falsified license, manipulated gaming software, denial of winnings or payouts, unfair business or bonus conditions and other dubious or fraudulent practices. However, decisions or circumstances to the detriment of a player need not always be fraud.
Who is cheating in the casino online?
Basically, it is conceivable that an online casino operator cheats on players and does not offer a fair, safe gaming environment. Another form of casino fraud is manipulation by other players or by third parties. The modern security measures of reputable online gambling providers rule this out.
How do I recognize fraudulent casino sites?
To avoid falling victim to casino scams, there are a few important features that you should look out for. Reputable casino sites have been approved by a European gaming authority and offer casino software and games that are regularly checked by independent test organizations. Proven IT security, encryption and secure payment methods are further indications of reputable operation. It is best to rely on reviews and test reports. Use our recommendations to find the right online casino for you.
Who can I contact if I have any doubts?
If you have problems with casino games or suspect manipulation or fraud by third parties, you can first contact the online casino customer service directly and report an incident. If, on the other hand, you suspect a fraudulent online casino, the responsible regulatory authority is your first point of contact. A consumer protection agency may be able to help. It is advisable to examine an online casino and research details before registering. The testimonials and information on our website OnlineCasinos.de will help you here.
What about new online casinos?
Casino sites that are new to the market often don't have many ratings or reviews. We always try to provide you with information on newbies as quickly as possible. A look at the license or the operating company can provide information: If it is a well-known group or online gaming provider that also operates other reputable sites, a new casino site will also meet the same requirements.
Where and how can I find reputable online casinos for German players?
We are regularly looking for the best casino sites in Germany where you are safe from casino fraud. Follow our advice and benefit from our recommendations from reputable casinos on the Internet. With our leaderboard, you can be assured of a safe environment for your real money gaming.