Date: 02.10.2024

by Sebastian Warowny

Fake Casino Games Pose Growing Threat to Online Gambling Integrity

A recent report by CasinoReviews has uncovered a rising threat in the iGaming industry: the spread of counterfeit casino games. These fake versions, often marketed by unverified vendors, are manipulating game outcomes, leading to significant player losses.

Game design in online casino

The Rise of Counterfeit Games in iGaming

The study, titled The Fake Contagion, highlights how these unauthorized versions of popular games are causing significant financial harm to unsuspecting players.

According to the report, a number of unverified vendors are responsible for distributing these fake games. Unlike genuine products from licensed developers, these counterfeit versions are run on unregulated and untested game engines.

This lack of oversight allows the operators to manipulate game outcomes, leading to disproportionately high losses for players. One of the most concerning aspects of these games is the ability to customize the Return to Player (RTP) settings, enabling operators to unfairly adjust the odds in their favor.

These fake games are not only hidden in the shadows but are now being openly promoted through various online platforms, including social media. Vendors target both operators looking for cheap alternatives to legitimate products and players, luring them in with false promises of fair play. The study reveals that this practice is rapidly spreading, posing a growing risk to the entire industry.

Call for Stronger Regulations and Industry Cooperation

In response to these alarming findings, CasinoReviews has called for a united effort across the iGaming sector to combat this issue. Suggested measures include the introduction of unique verification seals for legitimate games, which would allow players to quickly identify and trust the products they are using. Additionally, increased transparency and stricter regulatory frameworks are essential to protect players from exploitation.

Duncan Garvie, a spokesperson for CasinoReviews, emphasized the urgency of addressing this threat, stating, “The spread of fake casino games represents a real and significant threat to the integrity of the online gambling industry. Not only are players being deceived, but the hard-earned reputations of legitimate developers and operators are being tarnished.”

He further stressed the need for the industry to take action, adding, “It is vital that the industry unites to tackle this issue and ensure that players are protected from exploitation.”