National alternative addresses: safety first
Many online casinos use more than one address: country domains, alternative addresses when a domain becomes unavailable, or old versions that redirect to the current one. These are often called "mirrors". The trouble is that the same word also covers fake sites imitating the original.
The risk of imitations
A fake site can copy the look, logo and even the games of a real casino. Its aim is to harvest login details, payment data or deposits that never reach a real account. Slots, with graphics that are easy to reproduce, make the imitation convincing.
Confirming the right address
- Use only addresses provided by the operator itself or by an offer button on a site you trust.
- Check the domain in the address bar before signing in.
- Distrust addresses received by message, social media or unsolicited e-mail.
- Never enter payment details on a site whose domain you do not recognise.
Licensing and domains
In many countries a licensed operator must serve local players from a specific domain registered with the regulator. Where that applies, a licensed operator does not need mirrors for those players, and the regulator's register lists the exact domain. Check it.
Signs of a suspicious site
- A domain with spelling errors or an odd ending.
- Payment requests outside the usual cashier.
- Disproportionate promotions.
- No terms, privacy policy or licence information.
If you suspect fraud
Do not enter any data, change the password of your real account and contact your bank if you shared payment details. Report the address to the operator's support.
And the games?
On a fake site the games may be imitations that do not follow the original studio's rules. One more reason to play only where you have confirmed the domain and to read each game's panel, as described in the catalogue.
Bookmarks beat searches
Once you have confirmed the correct address, bookmark it. Typing the name into a search engine or clicking ads each time increases the chance of landing on a look-alike.