If you’re of a certain age, you will certainly remember when fake Rolex watches starting to become fashionable. They were not easy to get but for approximately $20 in the 1980s, these were “fashionable”. Fast-forward to 2019 and the fake Rolex watches, Gucci bags, Louis Vuitton items and every other high-end item has been inexpensively reproduced throughout the world and can be bought on any big city sidewalk. Online casinos have followed this same pattern and in terms of online play, it has become a serious issue for online gamblers.
How prevalent are fake Online Casinos?
As with anything where there are large sums of money involved, there will be those who try to steal money from unsuspecting customers/punters. Online gambling is not immune to this as there are plenty people who want to gamble online and spend money. Gambling makes for some strange bedfellows and it’s the second oldest profession in history.
The challenge in playing at internet casinos compared to land-based casinos, is the collection of your winnings. Land-based provides instant returns whether you are playing with chips or cash. Online casinos do not provide instant payments, which is where players can get into trouble.
Is an Unlicensed Casino easy to spot?
Unfortunately, it is not easy, and many people realize its unlicensed when they are trying to collect their winnings. As much as search engines such as Google try to regulate these casinos and keep them off the Internet, it is very difficult. Casinos such as FairGo and others have all the proper licensing and follow all the regulatory laws of the country in which they operate.
One of the best ways to spot an unlicensed or dodgy casino is to check the Internet for reviews of the casino. There are plenty of sites which dedicate their content to reviewing both new and old casinos. With customer reviews included on many of these sites, you will be provided with detailed insight into the casino and its history.
Slow or No Payouts from the Casino
If you go to the Online Casino Review sites you will see that 90% of the issues with these casinos is their “reluctance” to pay on a timely basis or pay at all. Most online casinos are notorious for their slow pace of releasing your winnings which seems to be an epidemic among online gambling casinos. With a bit of yelling and cajoling you will eventually get paid. Also, the last thing an online casino wants is to get Blacklisted by the many credible review sites.
The truly “fake” or illegal casinos might provide a small percentage of payment but then cut you off or just close up shop. These fly-by-night casinos are there for a short time and are created to get your deposits or even more nefarious actions.
Customer Support
Quality interaction between players and the casino are crucial for the relationship to be a success. There is nothing more aggravating than not being able to contact the casino or having someone on the other end of the phone or email who cannot or refuses to help.
Sometimes this can occur from the beginning of your casino experience whether its from trying to register or use a specific payment method. If you run into any customer service issues in the first few days, then it is important that you leave the casino. Bad customer service can be a portent for things to come and may indicate that the casino is not on the up and up.
Theft of Financial Information
Receiving only a portion of your winnings or none at all is a small price to pay for playing at an illegal casino. Many of these casinos are looking to steal your personal and financial information before the are investigated. If you have ever had your identity stolen, you will know that it can wreak havoc on your life for years to come. Therefore, you must always do your research on any online casino that you decide to sign-up to and play.
How best to avoid Unlicensed or Illegal Online Casinos?
The best way to avoid getting yourself into a situation where you aren’t paid, or personal/financial information is stolen is to do your research. This may sound like a bit of a hassle, but it will pay off immensely in the long run.
As mentioned above, there are numerous websites that are specifically created to review online casinos. These provide their own interpretation of the casino as well as honest Australian players’ reviews. You will see all the bonuses and promotions they offer, as well as payment methods for real money play. If there is little or no information on the casino which you are looking for, then you should in no way shape or form, play at that casino. Even free play could cause issues.
Fair GO Casino Australia
Fairgo Casino prides itself on being one of the best and most popular online casinos in the business. If you look at the reviews, you will see what a legitimate casino looks like with the positive reviews. Stick with Fairgo or another reputable casino and you will never be taken for a ride.