Online gambling remains a fun way to unwind for many online gamblers in Iceland. However, the rise in fraud and online gaming scams has caused many players to be wary, taking out some of the fun. Some shady online casinos cheat players of their hard-earned money, while others have lax security, leaving you to fall prey to cybercriminals.
Being aware of these scams is the first step to not falling prey to them. We have compiled the top eight scams players will likely run into and included tips to avoid them. Applying these tips lets you relax and enjoy a secure gaming experience.
There are many different types of scams that Iceland players could fall prey to while gambling online. Based on experience, we have noticed some that happen more often, and they include:
Rigged casino games simply means games that have been manipulated unfairly, so players are more likely to lose than win. The best online casinos in Iceland usually offer games backed by reputable software providers that use Random Number generators. RNGs ensure that the game outcomes are fair, giving all players a fair shot at winning. Scammy casinos, on the other hand, use unidentifiable game providers so they can manipulate the software.
How to Avoid Falling For This Scam:
The simple rule of thumb is to only play at licensed Icelandic casino sites regulated by trusted authorities like the MGA or UK Gambling Commission. Check that their games are from reputable providers like Microgaming, Netent, and Betsoft. Also, look out for certifications, e.g., eCOGRA, which ensures fair gaming. To be sure, check out the player reviews. If you notice many complaints about frequent losses, then avoid the casino.
An online casino claiming to have a license does not necessarily mean they have a valid one. It might be expired or even false. Operating without a license means they can cheat Iceland players without any consequences. This scam is easily avoidable.
How to Avoid Falling For This Scam:
Don’t just take their word for it! It’s not enough for a casino to claim to be licensed or even display licensing information on their website. To verify these claims, search the casino’s name or license number on the official website of the regulating body. Be wary of casinos refusing to disclose their licensing details.
The danger of filling in your personal information on any website online is that hackers may be able to get their hands on it. This also applies to online gambling in Iceland. Some scammy casinos may intentionally steal personal and financial information. While some might not mean to but their poor security measures make them easy prey to cybercriminals. This then leads to financial or identity theft.
How to Avoid Falling For This Scam:
Only play at Iceland casinos that are secure with SSL encryption (look for a padlock icon in the browser). Also, use strong passwords with a mixture of numbers, letters, and symbols, and never the same for all your accounts. Some casinos offer two-factor authentication methods, so opt for that. And finally, never share your login details or bank information via email or chat.
Many gambling sites advertise flashy bonuses to lure unsuspecting players to sign up for their casinos. They then put various limits in place to prevent you from ever getting access to your money and wins. The most common restrictions are extremely high wagering requirements that must be met within a short time. This term is unfair and impossible to meet, resulting in players losing all their money.
How to Avoid Falling For This Scam:
No matter how huge the bonus seems or the urgency of the offer, do your research first before signing up. Read the bonus terms thoroughly, ensuring you understand them. You can always consult customer support when in doubt. Look for reasonable wagering requirements (e.g., 30x or lower). A simple rule to follow is that if the offer seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
Another way Iceland online casinos may prevent you from accessing your money is by making the withdrawal process unnecessarily tedious. In addition to high wagering requirements, they may also have hidden charges, long verification processes, or delayed payouts. They make the process frustrating, and eventually, players give up on ever getting their funds.
How to Avoid Falling For This Scam:
Player reviews are a good place to start. If you notice frequent and unresolved complaints about payouts, it is best to avoid that casino. Also, read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.
An account takeover occurs when a hacker or bot gains unauthorized access to your account, locking you out in the process. Many players have noticed that it often occurs after winning significant wins like a huge jackpot.
How to Avoid Falling For This Scam:
Play only at secure and licensed casino sites in Iceland. Look out for recognized licenses like the MGA, Curacao, and UKGC. Security certifications like the eCORGA certification show the casino takes extra steps to protect you from hackers.
While this may not be a scam in itself, it is usually a sign that the Icelandic casino might be untrustworthy. The casino’s customer support may respond very slowly, poorly, or not at all. Iceland players are left to fend for themselves when they encounter issues or problems on the site.
How to Avoid Falling For This Scam:
Look for casinos that offer 24/7 livechat, email, and phone support. Then, test these channels before signing up or making a deposit. You can do this by asking them simple or technical questions and judging how fast the response is and if it is helpful. This will help you know if they will be of help when you run into actual issues. Reading player reviews will also reveal unresolved disputes.
Payment scams have become a huge problem with online payments generally, not just online gambling. In fact, sometimes, it is unrelated to the casino site itself but your payment method. These cybercriminals impersonate legit payment gateways. They do this by creating an interface that looks very similar to that of your payment provider, and then they capture your information once you put it in.
How to Avoid Falling For This Scam:
Ensure to use secure payment methods like e-wallets that use secure encryption methods to safeguard your information. When you are ready to make payments, double-check and triple-check the website before filling in your sensitive financial information. These fake websites may look real, but there are usually tells. It might be the URL, the absence of a padlock, or typos all over the page. Be meticulous and verify the website before proceeding. Finally, legit online casinos will not send you emails with links to enter your payment information.
Staying cautious while playing games online ensures that the process remains fun and rewarding for you. By staying informed and following our tips, you can protect yourself from fraud and have a better gaming experience.
Remember, always play at reputable casinos, read the terms carefully, go through player reviews, and never ignore red flags. Stay safe, and we wish you the best of luck!
