You’ve probably encountered online casino rating sites before, especially if you’re looking for welcome bonuses or casino licences.
🤔 However, not every site is honest. How do you know which to trust?
In this blog, we’re looking at the markers of an honest casino review site and how you can avoid scammers and bad actors.
Table of contents
How to avoid fake casino review sites
Choosing a legitimate casino review site is easy once you know what to look for.
Here are the best ways to spot scammers from legitimate platforms:
1. Pay attention to design
Experienced players can quickly identify trustworthy links since they’ve learned how to spot the disingenuous ones right away.
🚨 Unfortunately, some sites promote “fake” casinos that try to scam players. Industry estimates suggest up to 30% of online casino review sites may be fraudulent.
A good way to know what to look for is to explore reputable reviewers, like FIRST.com website. The platform provides reliable info on trusted online casinos.
Notice the site's consistent quality and design, and check the footer for partnerships with respected organisations like the Gambling Commission and GamCare—an established sign of trustworthiness.
If a site seems to be missing contact information and links to genuine organisations, it might not be the best place to trust.
2. Look for information on the web
Online casino listing sites don't require the same strict licensing as the casinos themselves.
⚖️ In some jurisdictions, such sites may be required to follow advertising and marketing laws, especially if their activities include affiliate programs or advertising.
Thus, although they do not require a gambling license, they have to operate following legal regulations and standards.
If a review website isn’t following these regulations, it’s another red flag.
3. Read player reviews
What do other players think?
If you’ve got a bad feeling about a review site, try Googling its name to look for reviews from genuine players.
👍 A backlog of poor reviews means you should avoid the site, and positive statements are a green sign to proceed.
How fake casino review sites work
Scammers behind online ratings operate differently: some list only unlicensed operators, while others mix them with legitimate ones.
If the rating includes a complete series of casinos from the same brand, it is most certainly a bogus list. Some gambling operators lack a license and try to promote themselves through such sites, sharing a cut of their fraudulent activity with the website owners.
You might wonder, what’s the benefit of fake casino websites?
The main benefit is a higher return. As mentioned, illegitimate casino operators pay these sites well, profiting from gamblers' losses.
However, even honest rating sites can earn, so avoid rushing to label everything as “scammers.”
Real vs fake casino review sites
In a rush? Here are the main differences between real and fake casino review sites at a glance.
| Factor | Honest Sites | Fraud Sites |
|---|---|---|
| License | The license of reputable regulators is specified | License not specified |
| Bonuses | Honest bonus terms | Unrealistic wagering conditions |
| Reviews | Real reviews | Fake or missing reviews |
| Payout speed | 1-3 days | Pretends all casinos have instant withdrawals |
| Software quality | Original software from reputable vendors | Unknown software providers |
| Support | 24/7 support | Low quality or no support service at all |
| RTP | 95-98% | Underestimated RTP, reducing player winnings |
How honest gambling sites work
Reputable platforms list only legal casinos. Experts independently curate these lists, which typically feature well-known sites and new, licensed operators.
To ensure fairness and objectivity, experts also test each operator by registering, depositing funds, using bonuses, playing for real money to assess payout percentages, and withdrawing winnings!
Here are the main criteria for the checks:
- Legality of game offering
- Availability of a fair bonus program
- There are real reviews available
- Customer support is readily available
- Well known software providers are featured
- Working loyalty system
A top spot is based on the total points the casino earns during its review. For example, 24/7 customer service, or a no-deposit bonus offer might score higher than other criteria.
Conclusion
Casino rating sites can be trusted, but caution is needed before you trust the site.
👉 Always do extra research by reading reviews and checking the site's reputation to avoid scammers and protect yourself.
At Roger, we research and create casino reviews to give players a realistic view of what to expect. See our latest reviews here.
Or jump back to our blog for the latest news and guides from experts.
