Playing at new casino sites can feel like a bit of a risk. How do you know you can trust a site with your contact information or payment details? What if their games are rigged or supplied by software brands you’ve never heard of?
Don’t worry: it’s easier to spot fair play at online casinos than you might imagine. Here are the key signs to watch out for.
Unclear Licence and Regulation
Before you join any new casino sites, one of the most important things to look for is a licence. At Gambling Zone, we only recommend sites that are licensed by a reputable body, such as the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority.
Casinos that hold a legitimate licence are assessed regularly and must abide by specific rules to maintain their credentials. These include fair gaming: all games on a licensed site must provide players with the expected level of fairness. They should also include information on responsible gambling and resources to help players stay in control.
Licensing information is usually in the footer of a gambling site, with logos and links to the licensing body. If you can’t find any evidence of a licence, it’s best to look elsewhere.
No Info on Random Number Generators (RNGs)
Random Number Generators are a staple of any casino sites that play fair. These algorithms guarantee that the result of a game of chance is genuinely randomised and unaffected by previous outcomes.
At reputable casino sites, RNGs are tested thoroughly by independent companies to ensure they comply with industry standards. Casinos typically provide information on their RNGs and external testing, so check for this before you sign up.
No Identity Verification
The best online casino sites have strict identity verification rules to make sure players are who they say they are. This helps prevent underage gambling and fraudulent activity. Sites may require you to submit various documents, such as a scan of a passport, to prove your identity.
Any site that doesn’t ask players to complete verification steps may be untrustworthy, and might not play fair.
No Third-Party Certifications
When exploring new casino sites, look for certifications and information on third-party auditing. External organisations perform comprehensive testing on key elements of gambling sites, including their RNGs and security, to verify that they offer a fair, safe experience.
You may see logos belonging to iTech Labs, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), and iTech Labs at reputable casinos. These show that a site has been evaluated and is likely to play fair.
Casino Chips
Bad Player Reviews
Check reputable review sites to find out what other players think of casinos before you sign up. These insights will indicate how dependable a gambling site is in various respects, from its fairness to its payment options and customer support.
Take your time to look for signs that casinos don’t play fair when browsing reviews. While some people may complain about trivial matters, such as disliking the colour scheme of a site, others will describe legitimate issues.
Unreasonable Wagering Requirements
Casinos apply wagering requirements to most bonuses, though you may occasionally find offers without them.
Unreasonably high wagering requirements indicate that a casino may not play fair with its members. They may require that you have to wager a lot of money within a tight timeframe before you can withdraw any winnings associated with a bonus. That makes it difficult to meet the requirements and increases the likelihood of losing out overall.
No Customer Support
Trusted casino sites provide some form of customer support, even if that’s by live chat or email only.
However, if you can’t find any evidence of support services anywhere on a site, take that as a warning sign that the company behind the scenes might not play fair. If you experience technical or payment issues while playing, you’ll have no one to contact.
No Clear Information on Games
Always check for transparent information on games before you start playing at new casino sites. They should provide the Return to Player (RTP), rules, and other key details on how their games work.
If a site appears to be hiding the return that a game provides or other facts you need to know, be wary.
Conclusion
Keep these signs in mind when checking new online casinos. They will help you avoid untrustworthy sites and find the top ones on the market.
Gambling Zone has a comprehensive list of the best new casino sites for UK-based players, covering the most reputable and highly rated options.
