Watch Out! Expert Tips on How to Spot Rigged Games in Online Casinos
With nearly half of the UK population gambling regularly and 38% doing so online[1], it’s crucial for players to stay vigilant. Unlicensed operators and rigged games pose an increasing risk to British consumers, who may unknowingly gamble on sites designed to cheat them out of winnings.
Worryingly, more than 8% of UK players report having gambled with illegal operators, highlighting a growing problem in the industry.
A new report from CasinoReviews.com, a leader in unbiased casino reviews and player protection services, estimated 50-75% of unlicensed online casinos distribute rigged games that reduce players’ odds, many of whom may be vulnerable to exploitation due to gambling addiction. These games often mimic popular, legitimate software but are manipulated to ensure players consistently lose.
Duncan Garvie, a spokesperson for CasinoReviews, warns that recognising a rigged game is difficult based solely on experience, but offers several essential tips to help UK consumers steer clear of unscrupulous operators.
1. Verify Licensing: No UKGC Licence, No Play
UK players should only gamble with operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). To verify this, look for:
A clear statement in the site’s footer that it is licensed by the UKGC.
A licence number with a link to its details on the UKGC website.
The UK Gambling Commission logo.
Sites without these are operating illegally in the UK, and research shows many unlicensed casinos use rigged games, meaning players are likely to lose more than they win.
2. Look Out for “VPN-Friendly” or “No KYC” Promises
Legal UK gambling sites do not require a VPN and must conduct robust Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, as mandated by UKGC rules. Promotions for “VPN-friendly” or “No KYC” casinos target UK players by advertising features not available on licensed sites. Casinos with these policies are almost certainly unlicensed, and as a result, they often run rigged games designed to manipulate results.
3. Crypto Payments Are a Red Flag
No UKGC-licensed casino accepts cryptocurrency due to the challenges of verifying player identity and ensuring regulatory compliance. Casinos that accept crypto payments are likely to operate without a credible licence, heightening the risk of encountering fake games.
4. Beware of Unrealistic Bonuses
If a casino offers eye-watering bonuses—massive deposit matches, for instance—it could be a lure to attract unsuspecting players to a platform where games aren’t fair. While bonuses can be appealing, unusually generous ones are often a warning sign that a casino may not play by the rules.
5. GAMSTOP Evasion: A Major Warning Sign
GAMSTOP, the UK’s self-exclusion programme, was designed to help people struggling with gambling addiction avoid temptation. Legitimate casinos licensed in the UK require GAMSTOP registration. However, unlicensed sites prey on vulnerable players by marketing themselves as “not on GAMSTOP” options. According to CasinoReviews, more than 70% of unlicensed operators promoted as “not on GAMSTOP” use rigged games, putting at-risk players in harm’s way.
CasinoReviews urges UK players to approach online gambling with caution and to only use licensed, regulated sites to avoid falling victim to rigged games. While there’s no way to guarantee complete protection against fraud, these warning signs provide guidance for consumers to make safer choices.
