Why You Should Avoid Unlicensed Gambling Sites

The regulations governing online gambling are becoming more complicated at the same rate that the online gaming industry is expanding. It's no surprise that many people today seek expert advice on what is legal in their jurisdiction. There is no country left where you will not find a variety of online gambling, and it's just

ByJoseph O'Neill

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Published on August 25, 2019

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Updated onAugust 25, 2021

The regulations governing online gambling are becoming more complicated at the same rate that the online gaming industry is expanding. It's no surprise that many people today seek expert advice on what is legal in their jurisdiction.

There is no country left where you will not find a variety of online gambling, and it's just as difficult to understand what gambling is legal in India as it is the United States. It is critical to understand that not all sites available in a country are licensed to operate. Gambling at such unlicensed casinos is a bad idea that could have dire consequences for you. So let’s look at why you should avoid these websites when you want to gamble online.

Gaming Licensing and the USA

Just as every good business needs to be officially registered with the appropriate authorities to be legally permitted to operate, gambling sites must also do the same. An operator that wants to set up an online gambling business must obtain a gambling license from the appropriate gaming authorities within their jurisdiction This license will allow the gambling site to operate within the jurisdictions that the gaming body caters to legally.

For a gambling site to receive this license, the site will present itself to an appropriate gaming authority and undergo some relevant checks. This authority will ensure that everything at the site is in tip-top shape and conforms to all the established laws and regulations. Should the gaming authority grant the license, it shows that such a site meets all the required terms and conditions and does enough to ensure fairness of games and players’ safety and security on its platform.

So, an online casino or betting site that sets up its business without a valid license from any gaming authority is what we refer to as an unlicensed gambling site. It means that since the sites have not submitted themselves to an appropriate gaming authority, there is no telling whether or not the actions that the operators are taking are legal. The casino games may be faulty or rigged to rip off players. You may not even be able to cash out money even if you manage to earn winnings from such sites. Anything goes with these sites.

Why you Should Stay Away

These unlicensed sites pose a high risk to players worldwide, and it is advisable to simply avoid them entirely so as not to fall into any trap. Here are some compelling reasons why we think it would be best for you to stay away from unlicensed gambling sites.

Fair Gameplay is not Guaranteed

One of the requirements that gaming authorities attach to gambling licenses is the fairness of gaming options, which is why most reputable casinos have third-party auditing. These third-party auditors regularly check through gambling sites' software to test for their games' fairness at any point in time. This guarantees that whenever a player plays at such an online casino, they can expect to experience fair gameplay.

On the other hand, unlicensed casinos will not subject themselves to such auditing. Therefore, unlicensed casino operators can manipulate the games to fit whatever they want, which will be bad for you as a player. For example, you could end up playing a game that will put you in an endless loop of losses without a single win.

Your Private And Financial Information is at Risks

In today’s ever-changing digital landscape, cyberattacks are on the rise, and cybercriminals actively target people for their own nefarious goals. Since unlicensed casinos have not undergone a thorough inspection by the appropriate gaming authorities, they usually won’t have top-notch security. This will open up the site to cyberattacks that could put your personal and financial information as players at risk.

Furthermore, since disreputable individuals usually operate these sites, they can also use your details for nefarious goals.

Financial Security at Risks

Playing at an unlicensed gambling site will not only put your private and personal information at risk but also endanger your funds. When you play their rigged games for real money, every single stake that you lose will put your funds into the pocket of the unlicensed operators. Also, many such unlicensed platforms have the habit of making deposited funds disappear or come up with excuses such as “technical flaws” to prevent players from accessing their funds.

Furthermore, you will find that withdrawal becomes impossible if at all you even manage to land some winnings from such sites. They will find excuses to prevent you from withdrawing your winnings or outrightly deny you access to it.

Closing Thoughts

Gambling authorities do their due diligence to ensure that any platform they validate conforms to specific standards before giving them a license.

So, whenever you want to sign up with any new gambling sites, always do your due diligence to check out the casino. Ensure that the casino is licensed and regulated by the appropriate gaming authorities and also check to see if the site has a good reputation on the market. Doing this will help minimize the risk of falling into the hands of disreputable platforms with nefarious objectives.

About the author

Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O'Neill

Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.

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