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Online casinos to avoid
The following online casinos have been added to our blacklisted casinos list because they have not met our stringent standards and have consistently failed to deliver a high-quality experience to players.
Remember, this is an evolving database of disreputable operators so it’s always worth checking back to make sure you are aware of which sites to avoid.
| Online casino 🎰 | Reason ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| 123SlotsOnline | 🚫 Not registered |
| 21 Dukes | 🚫 Unprofessional behavior |
| Aztec Casino | 🚫 Questionable casino games |
| Bella Vegas Casino | 🚫 Accepting players from restricted countries |
| Blu Casino | 🚫 Payment problems |
| Cats Eye Casino | 🚫 Required multiple emails to KYC department for payout |
| Captain Jack Casino | 🚫 Fake bonus promotions |
| Euro Play Casino | 🚫 Payment issues |
| Gold VIP Club Casino | 🚫 Spammy bonus offers |
| Lake Palace | 🚫 Member of blacklisted affiliate network |
| Planet 7 Casino | 🚫 Incredibly slow payout speeds |
| Raging Bull Casino | 🚫 Operating without a valid license |
| Royal Ace Casino | 🚫 Slow payouts |
| Vegas Strip Casino | 🚫 Terrible customer support |
| Winward Casino | 🚫 Limiting player withdrawals |
Blacklisted online casino sites overview
At Covers, our expert team meticulously assesses online casinos and sports betting brands to ensure our reviews are balanced and well-informed. Whether you’re looking for the best online casino bonuses involving free spins or the latest sweepstakes casinos to play free slots games without worrying about any financial risk, we're committed to keeping iGaming safe for players everywhere.
Unfortunately, there are always bad actors in any industry. This is especially true of the online casino market, as any operations requiring you to disclose banking information online makes users vulnerable to criminal intent.
With this in mind, we need to establish which practices warrant a real money online casino being blacklisted — and explain what you can do to ensure no sites slip through the net.
While conducting our reviews, we're always on the lookout for rogue casino sites that employ unethical practices, offer less-than-satisfactory user experiences, or present security risks to players. Anything that could put our readers at risk, we find and flag to keep you safe.
Keeping up with the online casino industry can seem impossible without a team to support you, which is why we’re dedicated to regularly refreshing our blacklist information. We want you to trust what you read here and use our site as a reference when considering your gaming options.
- Allegations of unprofessional behaviour
- Withholding withdrawals
- Unwarranted account suspension
- Accepts players from restricted regions
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Spammy advertising strategy
- No evidence of a valid license
- Unresolved payment complaints
- Account verification issues and payout delays
Why do casino sites become blacklisted?
Online casinos find themselves blacklisted for a variety of reasons. Usually, it will be related to unethical or illegal practices or, sometimes, when we have identified that players are not adequately protected against cybersecurity risks.
When reviewing a casino site, our team assesses several factors to determine an operator's validity and trustworthiness. These include licensing, online security, customer service, and game integrity.
We also monitor online forums and player reviews from reputable consumer-driven websites such as Trustpilot. We listen to the feedback we receive from readers and consider how our own experiences compare to those we read online.
Here are some of the most common issues that are likely to warrant an online casino site being added to our blacklist:
Gaming experience and fairnessWe all want to have fun while playing real money online slots and other online casino games. This is only possible if titles come from established and reputable software developers, and your chosen platform has the technology to support your gaming session.
Red flags include a lack of game variety or content that appears to come from unknown providers. No evidence of game audits or unusually low RTP rates are also a concern. Remember, the industry average RTP for slots is 96%, which you can use as a benchmark.
You may experience frequent glitches when playing at dodgy sites, with games crashing or freezing. Legitimate online casinos will always keep their software updated to prevent interruptions to your gameplay.
If you experience repeat problems with gameplay at a particular casino site, it is probably time to switch operators, so don’t forget to share your experience with other players.
Customer service issuesProviding top-quality customer service is essential to the success of any online casino brand. It’s an easy win and a clear indicator of reliability.
When dealing with suspicious online casinos, you are more likely to encounter support issues that can significantly impact your experience. These might include a lack of contact options or unresponsive customer service representatives.
These problems are particularly frustrating when you’re trying to resolve payment issues, and are a surefire sign of an unreliable operator. We always recommend ‘try before you buy’ — reach out on the live chat or even over social media channels before signing up for an account.
Security and licensing concernsLicensing and security standards are fundamental to ensuring player safety and should always be the first port of call when determining the trustworthiness of an online casino. If an operator fails to display correct licensing information or operates in a jurisdiction not covered by its gaming license, it can put you at unnecessary risk without protection.
A valid license from a reputable regulatory authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority, guarantees that a casino adheres to strict guidelines designed to protect players. These ensure fair play, transparent operations, and reliable dispute-resolution mechanisms. They also stipulate suitable security implementation to protect personal data and financial information.
Sites not covered by relevant licensing are more likely to mishandle your personal information, commit privacy violations, or allow security breaches that leave you vulnerable.
Banking and withdrawal problemsBanking issues are another sign of a rogue operator and represent a severe breach of confidence. User reviews often highlight payment problems, as banking is a topic players are most vocal about. Withdrawing your winnings is an integral part of your casino experience, and it’s important to check for any reported problems before depositing funds.
Signs of nefarious activity might include prolonged withdrawal processing delays, frequent verification hurdles, or repeated requests for documentation that further stall the withdrawal process. You might also encounter excessive fees, high minimum withdrawal restrictions, or, in extreme cases, sudden deactivation of your account without explanation.
Avoid these issues by sticking to reputable online casino sites with transparent and fair banking practices that offer fast payouts, no hidden fees, and clear T&Cs.
Bonus and promotion concernsBonuses and promotional offers are an exciting part of playing at online casinos, whether they’re generous welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonus offers, reload promos, or loyalty rewards.
Unfortunately, less-than-ethical operators can also use these bonuses to exploit players. They attract new players with over-the-top offers and encourage large deposits with the promise of rewards that can never be cashed in. This can be achieved by providing misleading information on advertising materials, writing unclear terms and conditions, or hiding restrictions that are not immediately apparent.
Warning signs include unrealistically high bonuses (if it seems too good to be true, it probably is) or excessive wagering requirements that are impossible to hit. For example, terms might state '30x wagering' but also apply to your deposit amount as well as your bonus funds, essentially doubling the amount you’ll need to wager before you can access any winnings.
You may also find incredibly short validity periods around a bonus, where your funds expire long before you can satisfy the playthrough. You should also look out for unfair restrictions— does the bonus include a withdrawal cap on your winnings or even a capped win value? Perhaps the free spins from your bonus package can only be used on games with incredibly low RTPs?
While not strictly illegal, such practices are certainly unethical, as they mislead you with what feels like false advertising. It is so important to thoroughly check the terms and conditions before claiming any online casino bonus.
Reporting problematic casinos
We’re committed to our community of iGaming enthusiasts and believe that together, we can make the online casino space safer for everyone. We encourage our readers to actively participate in this community through our Covers online forum, by email, or on our socials.
We’re open to investigating concerns raised with us and will always ensure we update our content accordingly to bring you accurate information you can trust.
If you’d like to contact our team and report any issues or concerns you may have, whether related to online casinos, sweepstakes casinos, or other sites, we’re always keen to hear your stories.
How we remove casinos from the blacklist?
Once a casino makes its way onto our blacklist, it takes a lot to clear its reputation. Removal would only happen if the online casino takes significant action to address and fix any issues raised.
These changes most likely come about following a change of management or if the business has been sold, but we love to see an operator clean up its act without the need for such a dramatic shake up.
If such an event occurs, our expert review team will revisit the online casino to assess improvements and determine if it makes the cut. Quite frankly, it’s easier to avoid our blacklist altogether than to try and remove your site once it’s been banished.
How to find reliable online casinos?
Choosing a trustworthy operator is key to enjoying your online casino experience. This is why so much effort goes into our Covers BetSmart Rating system. We want our readers to feel safe and secure when gambling online, so it's important you know how we rate casinos.
When decided if a casino is legitimate or dubious, ask yourself the following questions
- Is the casino licensed to operate in your jurisdiction, and can you see proof of this?
- Is there evidence of appropriate site security, such as SSL certificates?
- Is the operator endorsed by independent assessors like eCOGRA iTech Labs or other industry bodies?
- Do the bonuses have realistic terms and conditions?
- Is it difficult to reach the support team?
- Does the games library have content from reputable providers?
Whether you are looking for the best sweepstakes casinos or you're keen to discover the latest international online casinos causing a stir on the world stage, it’s vital you feel confident in a site’s trustworthiness before providing any personal data.
Our top recommended casinos
Our team constantly monitors the industry for updates and news, and regularly revisits casino sites to ensure the information we provide is up-to-date and accurate.
Check out some of the top-performing online casinos in the U.S., as vetted by our expert analysts:
⭐ Caesars Palace Online Casino
100% Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Credits
Available in: MI, NJ, PA, WV
Covers BetSmart Rating: 4.5/5
Caesars Palace is an iconic casino brand that holds several operational licenses across the United States. It offers a generous welcome bonus for signing up and a fantastic selection of online slots, table games.
⭐ FanDuel Casino
$20 Bonus + Up to $1,000 Back
Available in: CT, MI, NJ, PA, WV
Covers BetSmart Rating: 4.5/5
Another well-established and prominent brand, FanDuel Casino offers a well-stocked casino lobby featuring a plethora of content from reputable game developers and a comprehensive sportsbook with competitive odds.
⭐ BetMGM Casino
100% Match up to $1,000 + $25 No-Deposit Bonus
Deposit match expires 30 days after account registration and $25 casino bonus expires three days after account registration. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. COVERS1000
100% Match up to $2,500, $50 No-Deposit Bonus + 50 Bonus Spins
One new customer offer per user. Minimum deposit of $10. 15x wagering requirements. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER COVERS2500
Available in West Virginia
Covers BetSmart Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re a fan of mobile casinos, you’ll love the on-the-go experience you receive from BetMGM. The operator delivers one of the best casino apps with an intuitive layout and sleek design. BetMGM is also known for its commitment to superior customer service and offers 24/7 live chat to provide help when needed.
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Why Trust Covers?
At Covers, we’re committed to bringing you unbiased reviews of online casinos and sportsbooks, information about the latest casino games to play, and where you can find the best odds across all your favorite sporting events. Our team's combined industry experience spans 50+ years, and we push a tough and rigorous testing process.
But don’t just take our word for it. Our experience is acknowledged the world over, and you can find our articles and expert opinions cited in some of the most well-respected news media outlets, including USA Today, ESPN, The New York Times, CNN, and MSNBC.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers boasts more than 28 years of sports betting and iGaming experience. Our long-standing relationship with regulated, licensed, and legal gaming sites allows our active community of 20-million users to access expert analysis and recommendations. Covers may receive an advertising commission if you visit a sportsbook or casino betting site via select affiliate links across our site, create an account, and make a deposit. However, no amount of money ensures that an operator will get listed.
Responsible gambling
Responsible gambling is a topic we take seriously. In order to enjoy an online casino experience, you need to set your limits and only gamble what you can afford to lose. Everyone is different, so adjusting your limits and bankroll to suit your preferences is key.
There are plenty of responsible gambling tools available at online casinos, such as time limits and deposit limits, to help you stay in control. Most regions and jurisdictions also have dedicated problem gambling resources online as well as helplines.
Check out the below resources if you, or someone you know, is struggling with problem gambling:
Casino blacklist FAQ
A blacklisted casino is an online casino site that we deem to be illegal or unethical, with the intention of exploiting customers. A casino on our blacklist may not have a license, could offer crooked games, or have a poor record of paying winnings to players.
You can use online casino blacklists like ours to learn about disreputable brands, but forums and user-generated reviews also give a good indication of whether a casino is trustworthy or not. A legitimate online casino will display its relevant licenses and will also have a robust customer support system.
If you feel like a casino deserves to be on our blacklist, you can get in touch via email or on social media and our experts will check it out. You can also report a casino to the local regulator.
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