Spotting a dodgy casino isn’t always easy, especially if you’re new to online gambling. Experienced players often notice subtle red flags that beginners might miss, and that’s okay.
UK gambling is tightly regulated by the UKGC, but with so many online casinos out there, some shady operators still slip through the cracks. Learning to spot the warning signs early can save you from losing money, leaking personal data, or being scammed out of your winnings.
This isn’t about scaremongering. It’s about sharpening your instincts.
Read more to see 7 reg flags that equal a dodgy casino.
1: No Visible UK Gambling Licence
There’s nothing more suspicious than a casino without a clear licence on its website. Legitimate UK casinos display their UKGC licence number at the bottom of the page, usually with a line stating they’re regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and showing the account number.
A visible, valid licence is a strong indicator that the casino meets UK standards of regulation and fair play, and gives players legal protection. If you can’t see a licence number, check the UKGC’s public register to verify whether the site holds a current, legitimate licence.
2: Strange Payment Methods
Most casinos use trusted payment methods, and the options listed on a site can tell you a lot. Reputable casinos accept well-known, verified payment methods, which have their own security checks and use encryption to protect your data and money.
Shady casinos are less likely to offer these. Instead, they may rely on obscure payment systems or unregulated cryptocurrencies, which is a major red flag.
Before making a deposit or withdrawal, check for the padlock symbol in your browser. This indicates the site uses SSL encryption, and your connection is secure. If there’s no padlock, don’t make any transactions. Remove your payment details and close your account to avoid scams.
3: Very Slow Payout Times
Another major red flag is slow or difficult payouts. Dodgy casinos often make it hard for players to withdraw winnings.
Legitimate casinos clearly state payout times for each payment method, usually in an FAQs section or under ‘withdrawal times.’ Occasional delays can happen due to ID verification or payment processing, but repeated issues are a concern.
Always check the payment methods offered and read the withdrawal terms. If the minimum withdrawal is unreasonably high, it’s best to avoid the site.
4: Poor Customer Support Offerings
Customer support is especially important in online casinos as everything is done virtually. Reputable casinos want players to keep coming back, so they make it easy to get help when needed.
Legitimate sites have a dedicated customer support section with contact methods and clearly stated opening hours. If a casino has no support at all, this is a major red flag, as it suggests they have no intention of assisting their customers.
Even if support exists, pay attention to its quality. Slow responses or overly generic, AI-generated answers can indicate that the casino is deliberately unhelpful, making it difficult for players to resolve issues.
5: Too Good To Be True Bonuses
Everyone loves an amazing casino bonus, but some offers can be suspicious. Unlike standard welcome bonuses, these may come with hidden conditions that make it nearly impossible to withdraw winnings. Let’s say you see a bonus that says £200 with no deposit, that is a red flag!
Look out for extremely high wagering requirements or terms that only appear after claiming the bonus. Legitimate casinos clearly list all bonus conditions in their terms and conditions on the Promotions page or banner. Always read the fine print, and if the details aren’t there, don’t claim the bonus.
6: Consistent Bad Reviews
Even though it sounds obvious, always check reviews before signing up. Look for patterns of complaints about payments, customer support, or games.
Consistent issues usually indicate a dodgy casino, while legitimate sites tend to have balanced feedback. Use Google, Trustpilot, social media, and news articles to research a casino’s reputation.
Do not get annoyed by a few bad reviews. If it becomes a pattern, don’t engage with the casino.
7: Old and Out-of-Date Website
Casinos rely on new games and innovation to keep players engaged, but some dodgy sites don’t bother. They may claim to offer thousands of games but only provide generic or unverified titles from unknown providers, as popular games cost money to licence.
Be cautious of glitchy games or outdated website designs where pages time out or fail to load. Try demo versions when possible, and always check the game providers and catalogue to ensure the casino is legitimate and up to date.
Stay safe, and always verify before signing up for any casino!
