The growing popularity of online betting has led to a huge number of new online casinos and sports betting sites being launched. Sadly, not all of these platforms play by the rules - some use illegal tricks to scam players out of money, while others use legal but shady tactics to equally extort users. It’s important that you steer clear of these sites and stick to reputable platforms that encourage an enjoyable and safe gaming experience. This post outlines five red flags to watch out for as a bettor.
Unrealistic bonuses
Always be wary of too-good-to-be-true signup bonuses. While some legitimate sites do offer 100% matches, most sites offering deposit bonuses of 80% or above will reward you with ‘monopoly money’ that you can never withdraw. Always look into the wagering requirements small print - unscrupulous sites will often set unachievable time limits, require tiny maximum bets, or outline game exclusions that make it impossible to ever clear your bonus.
Hidden fees
Some sites charge hidden fees that will drain your balance if you’re not careful. This can include large cash advantages if you use a credit card (in countries that allow betting with credit cards), withdrawal fees and even inactivity fees. Most reputable online betting sites won’t try to catch you out and will clearly state all fees upfront. When exploring smaller and lesser known sites, always read the small print before you deposit any money to avoid getting caught out.
Complicated withdrawal processes
Another trap to be wary of is overly complicated withdrawal processes that make it hard to get at your winnings. 72+ hour verifications that require heaps of documents are a sign that a site is trying to delay your withdrawal. Others set small withdrawal limits that require you to withdraw money in tiny stages (sometimes with fees!). With many honest sites, the withdrawal process is easy, as this guide on how to withdraw from Bet365 showcases. You still need to check terms and conditions before you play though.
Tipster scams
Tipster scams occur when individuals or sites promise wins or insider information for an additional fee. The ‘fixed match’ scam is a common example in which victims are divided into groups and each given different outcomes for the same match. You should never believe anyone who guarantees they can predict a winner or fix a match. You should also generally avoid paying for tips - especially as there are so many free tips out there.
Clone sites
Bookmaker clones are fraudulent sites that pose as trusted betting platforms. You may get sent to them by a malicious advert or email promoting a bonus or deal - when you arrive on the site it may look like the real thing, but it’s not. Usually there will be small differences that can allow you to detect such fraudulent sites such as unusual payment pages, games that don’t open or a slightly different layout. Always check the URL and make sure that domain name is correct - look out for letters sneakily replaced with numbers (‘0’ instead of ‘o’) or a strange domain ending.
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