Casino scam and complaint checks
Licence registry steps, complaint routes, withdrawal red flags, and how RTP Ledger marks evidence gaps.
Written and reviewed by RTP Ledger EditorialMethodologyLast reviewed
Published Last materially updated
A scam check is a sequence of evidence steps, not a gut feeling. RTP Ledger does not label sites as safe. Each casino record lists what was read from operator sources, what was tested, and what remains unchecked.
1. Match the licence to the domain
Copy the licence holder name from the footer. Search the regulator's public register (for example the Curaçao Gaming Authority portal or the Anjouan register described in our Anjouan guide). The registered company, approved domains and licence status must align. A logo without a registry match is a common warning sign.
2. Read complaint and dispute routes
Legitimate operators publish how to escalate payment or game disputes, including time limits and any approved ADR body. If no route exists, or support uses only anonymous chat with no ticket ID, document the gap before you deposit large amounts.
3. Compare withdrawal and KYC terms to marketing
Check daily limits, source-of-funds rules, and pending periods in the terms—not in a banner. Read KYC triggers and the bonus terms traps guide for clauses that block cashout after a win.
4. Use RTP Ledger gap labels honestly
Research dossiers mark areas such as complaints, cashout tests and ownership links as confirmed, conflicted or unchecked. An unchecked complaint review means RTP Ledger has not validated resolution outcomes—not that the casino is safe.
5. Red flags that deserve extra scepticism
- Licence number missing, expired, or tied to a different brand name
- Only anonymous payment rails with no company address
- Bonus terms that block withdrawal of deposited funds
- Pressure to keep depositing to “unlock” a pending withdrawal
- Clone sites that copy another casino's design but use a different domain
6. Where to read methodology
Editorial standards, affiliate disclosure and correction routes live on the methodology and editorial policy pages. Report a factual error through the contact path listed there.
Scam check FAQ
How do you check if an online casino is a scam?
Start with licence registry checks for the named company and domain. Read published complaint procedures. Compare withdrawal and KYC terms to what the site shows. No single score proves safety.
Does no licence number mean a casino is a scam?
A missing or mismatched licence is a serious red flag, but it is one signal. Some sites publish a regulator name without a matching registry entry. Verify in the official portal before you deposit.
Can RTP Ledger mark a casino as safe?
No. RTP Ledger records sourced claims and explicit gaps (for example unpaid cashout tests or unchecked complaint handling). A pending test stays unknown, not cleared.
If you believe you were defrauded, preserve screenshots and payment references, then use the operator's published complaint route and local consumer channels where they exist.
