Step 1: Compare the Game to the Official Version
To spot fake casino games, compare what you’re playing to the official version hosted on the provider’s website. Inspect the loading screen, symbols, and paytable. Any inconsistencies are a big red flag.
Step 2: Check All Interface Buttons
Ensure all interface buttons, such as the Help, Spin, and bet adjustment buttons, function as intended. If you press, but nothing happens, it might be one of those counterfeit games.
From my experience, malfunctioning Help and Home buttons are indicators of a fake game. They often don’t work or redirect to suspicious, unrelated pages—definitely a warning sign.
Step 3: Make Sure Network Jackpots Match
If the slot game is part of a jackpot network, ensure the current jackpot amount matches the figures displayed on another trusted casino or the provider’s website.
If there’s a difference, the site might be offering fake casino games. Just note that this only applies to network jackpots, not standalone jackpots. These are exclusive and may vary.
Step 4: Check the Features and Bonus Rounds
Pay attention to the bonus features and rounds. Fake online casino games might have altered (usually fewer) bonus rounds, free spins, or different symbol sequences compared to the authentic version.
Step 5: Check for Regional Restrictions
To enhance player safety, the UKGC has banned autoplay functions, limited spin speeds to a minimum of 2.5 seconds, and restricted other game features.
For example, if you’re playing Starburst or Gonzo’s Quest and still have access to autoplay or rapid spin features, it may indicate that you’re gambling in a casino with fake games.
Step 6: Watch Out for Discontinued Slots
Are you playing a game that has been updated, but you’re seeing an older version? If so, it could be a counterfeit.
Legitimate casinos only offer current versions of games, and discontinued slots like Choy Sun Doa by Aristocrat are a big no-no.
Step 7: Check the Official RTP of the Game
Online fake casino games often have a lower RTP than the original version. Verify its payout rate against the official statistics to detect potential fraud.
Pro Tip: Inspect the Source Code
If you’re a more technically savvy player, inspect the game’s source code. Using a browser like Firefox’s Developer Edition, click the wrench icon to open the developer tools.
Look for the server name, which should ideally match the official game creator. If the server name differs from the official developer, compare it to a demo version of the game on the provider’s website.
If the server name in the casino you’re playing at doesn’t match the official demo version, it could be a sign that the site offers casino games from fake developers.
Always double-check the server name precisely. In 2016, counterfeit NetEnt slots cleverly used casinomodul.com, mimicking the legitimate casinomodule.com server. One letter can reveal fraud.
The Authentic Servers of the Most Popular Developers
Here’s a list of some popular software providers and their legit servers. Ensure the names match when checking the source code to verify the game’s authenticity.
Developer | Server Name |
---|---|
NetEnt | casinomodule.com |
Pragmatic Play | pragmaticplay.net |
BGaming | bgaming-network.com |
Play’n GO | ascflyp.playngonetwork.com |
Yggadrasil | yggdrasilgaming.com |
GameArt | hg4dev.gahypergaming.com |
Quickspin | qs-gaming.net |
Thunderkick | thunderkick.com |
Endorphina | endorphina.network |
Be aware that legitimate server names may include a prefix, like longstreet-static.casinomodule.com. These prefixes are normal and don’t necessarily indicate fake online casino games.
The Most Pirated Casino Software & Games
There are many pirated games online, but some developers and their portfolios get targeted more than others. Here are some examples of slots I frequently see fake versions of:
Software | Casino Game |
---|---|
NetEnt | Starburst |
Microgaming | Mega Moolah |
Playtech | Age of the Gods |
Novomatic | Book of Ra |
Yggadrasil | Vikings Go Berzerk |
Betsoft | Good Girl, Bad Girl |
Pragmatic Play | Wolf Gold |
Big Time Gaming | Bonanza |
Quickspin | Sakura Fortune |
Red Tiger Gaming | Dragon’s Luck |
If you suspect a site may offer fake casino games, use this guide to check their authenticity or pick from our expert-reviewed slot sites – they are licensed in the UK and can be trusted.