How to distinguish a reliable casino from a fraudulent one

1. License and jurisdiction

Check official permits: a reliable casino has an ACMA license (sports betting) or a state license (casino/lottery). An additional plus is international licenses MGA, UKGC.
Lack of a license is the first sign of fraud: without permission, operators are not required to comply with the rules of responsible play.

2. Transparency of RTP and RNG audit

Published RTP: Slot games have a clearly defined return rate (usually 94-97%). If the site is silent about RTP, be careful.
eCOGRA/GLI/iTech Labs certificates: seals and links to third-party audit reports of algorithms and payment integrity.

3. Real reviews and reputation

Independent sites: Trustpilot, AskGamblers, Reddit - check not only the ratings, but also the nature of the complaints.
Recurring patterns: Complaints of "no winnings," long payout delays or accounts suddenly closing down when attempting to withdraw.

4. Bonus terms without catch

Understandable vager: turnover x20-x35, transparent deadlines and exceptions.
Clear limits: there are no hidden requirements for the minimum rate or maximum amount of withdrawal of frispins.

5. Payment Security and KYC

SSL encryption: the site address must start with "https\://" and have a lock icon.
Variety of methods: local methods (POLi, BPAY, Apple/Google Pay, AUD) and reliable crypto wallets; minimum fees and instant credits.
KYC procedures: Age and identity checks ensure that you are not a victim of fraudsters giving out other people's data.

6. Responsible Play Tools

Deposit and bet limits: reliable casinos allow you to set hard boundaries with a "freeze" on changes (24-48 hours).
Reality checks and timeouts: regular reminders of time spent and a "pause button" for 1 hour-30 days.
Self-Exclusion: Support for BetStop (sports) and local casino self-exclusion registry.

7. Quality of support service

24/7 chat and phone: reliable operators answer quickly and essentially, including questions about RG tools.
Answers to complaints: fraudulent sites ignore appeals or close tickets without a solution.

8. Testing and caution

1. Demo mode and minimum deposit: Start with free spins or pay a minimum amount to check your payout speed and balance is correct.
2. Check payments: Request a small withdrawal amount and note the time and fees.
3. Change monitoring: Stay tuned for updates on terms, bonus rules and licenses - scammers often change the "rules of the game."

Conclusion
A reliable casino can be easily distinguished by the presence of licenses, transparent RTP and RNG audit, honest bonus conditions, secure payment methods, high-quality support and full-fledged responsible gaming tools. Any gap or contradiction in these criteria is a reason to choose a different platform and protect yourself from losses.