Bet on Safety, Not Hype: How to Avoid Online Gambling Scams

There will be 985 million people gambling around the world by 2029*. That's nearly a billion users spinning slots, placing bets, and chasing wins, many of them from their phones or laptops — and each one of them is a potential target for scams.

In 2024 alone, the online gambling market was valued at nearly $78.66 billion*, and it's expected to grow by nearly 12% every year through to 2030. But with that growth comes risk. From fake gambling apps to shady tipsters and rigged casinos, online gambling scams come in many forms.

7 Gambling Scams You Need to Know Before You Play

If you're one of the millions joining the online gambling wave, here's what you need to know to stay safe.

1. Phishing Disguised as Gambling Platforms

One of the oldest tricks in the book is still going strong — phishing.

Scammers pretend to be well-known gambling sites and send messages saying there's a problem with your account or that you've won a bonus. The goal is to get you to click a link and hand over personal details or login information.

Phishing scams can show up in emails, texts, social media messages, or even pop-ups. They often create a sense of urgency — like saying your account will be locked unless you act fast.

How to stay safe: Never click on links in messages you didn't expect. Visit the gambling site directly from your browser and login the usual way. If something feels rushed or suspicious, trust your instincts.

2. Locked Out After a Big Win

Some shady gambling sites are set up to let you win — at first. You place a few bets or play some games, get lucky, and try to cash out. Then suddenly, your account is "under review," or you're blocked altogether. Support stops replying, or the website disappears.

Sadly, this is a common scam tactic. The platform was never legit — it was designed to look real just long enough to get your deposit and disappear before you take anything back.

Warning signs: No clear withdrawal process, vague terms, or excuses when you try to access your winnings.

3. Fake Gambling Apps

Scammers create gambling apps that look completely legit. You might come across them through flashy ads or fake review websites. These apps are often rigged to show small wins at first, building your trust. But once you make a larger deposit or try to withdraw your money, the app crashes, or your account vanishes.

Protect yourself: Only download gambling apps from official app stores like Google Play or Apple's App Store. Check who made the app, read the reviews (especially the bad ones), and make sure the developer is verified.

4. Scam Tipsters and "Insider" Systems

If someone online claims they've found a way to beat the system — be careful. These scam tipsters often say they've been banned from gambling platforms because they win too much, and they offer to sell you their "system" or insider information. But it's all part of the con.

Some even create fake social media accounts showing made-up winnings, reviews, or screenshots to make it look like their system works. In reality, you're paying for nothing.

Tip: If someone is really making money from gambling, they don't need to sell their advice. Anyone pressuring you to buy a system or join a "winning group" should be avoided.

5. The Fixed-Match Con

This scam usually targets sports gamblers. A fraudster claims they have access to fixed match results. They'll charge a fee to join, then divide the group and give different results to different people. One group ends up winning and thinks the tip was real — and they're asked to pay more for the next match. The others are blocked or ignored.

It's a clever trick, but the results are random, and the "tipster" just plays the odds to keep the scam going.

6. Fake Casinos with Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

Have you ever seen an online casino offering massive welcome bonuses, endless free spins, or guaranteed returns? It sounds amazing — but these sites are often built to scam. The offers come with impossible conditions or hidden rules buried in fine print. Some fake casinos block your withdrawals or make you go through endless "verification" steps until you give up.

In some cases, the site disappears completely once they've collected enough deposits.

Stay sharp: If the deal sounds too good, it probably is. Check for a valid gambling license and read up on real user reviews.

7. Affiliate and Influencer Scams

Some scammers pose as influencers or gambling partners, promoting fake apps or websites through social media. They may show off fake wins or claim to have exclusive promo codes. Others send messages saying they want to sponsor you or offer affiliate income if you sign up — but the links lead to phishing sites or fraudulent platforms.

Red flag: Be cautious of social media accounts with no history, generic posts, or accounts created recently.

Why Are Some People More at Risk of Online Gambling Scams?

Scammers don't just go after anyone at random — they often target people who are more likely to take the bait. If you're stressed, new to online gambling, or trying to make quick money, you might be more vulnerable than you think.

Here are a few groups scammers often focus on:

New or inexperienced gamblers – If you're not familiar with how legit platforms work, it's easier to fall for fake apps or shady "bonuses" that seem like a great deal.
People under financial pressure – When money's tight, the promise of fast winnings or "guaranteed" tips can feel hard to resist. That's exactly what scammers count on.
Young adults – Many scams are run through social media or messaging apps, where younger users are more active — and often more trusting of peer reviews and influencers.
People who gamble alone or in secret – If you're not talking to anyone about your gambling, you're less likely to spot a scam. Having someone else to sense-check offers can make a big difference.

Knowing where you might be vulnerable isn't about blaming yourself — it's about staying one step ahead. The more aware you are, the less likely you are to fall for a trick.

How to Stay Safe on Online Gambling Platforms

Before you place a bet, spin a wheel, or join a poker table, take a moment to make sure the platform you're using is actually safe — and that your personal information and money are protected.

Start by doing a quick check:

Look for a valid license. Reputable gambling platforms are approved by well-known regulatory bodies. If you can't find licensing information easily, it's a red flag.
Read user reviews. Don't just skim the glowing ones. Look for complaints about blocked withdrawals, slow support, or strange odds — those are warning signs.
Be cautious with bonuses. Huge offers can be tempting, but they often come with tricky conditions. Always read the fine print.
Use scam detection tools like Bitdefender Scamio and Bitdefender Link Checker to detect phishing attempts and scams for free.

Once you've picked a platform, here's how to keep yourself protected while playing:

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to keep your accounts secure.
Don't share your login details, financial info, or ID with anyone — especially not through email or messages.
Monitor your bank and gambling accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
Avoid unsolicited offers or links sent via email, text, or social media — even if they look official.
Don't trust tipsters or influencers selling "insider knowledge" or guaranteed wins.
Download apps only from official stores like the App Store or Google Play, and check who developed them.
Set spending limits to avoid going over budget, and give yourself regular breaks.

Staying safe online doesn't take much — just a bit of attention and a healthy dose of skepticism.