How to Recognise Fake Casino Games Online

Last Updated on 02.01.2025
  

Sometimes, telling fake casino games from legitimate ones online can be tough. To equip you with the knowledge to spot scams, Online-Casinos.com experts show you the key differences by comparing screenshots of genuine and counterfeit slots.

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Article Summary
How to Spot Fake Online Casino Games:
  • Compare Versions
  • Test Game Buttons
  • Verify Network Jackpots
  • Check Features & Bonuses
  • Check for Regional Restrictions
  • Confirm Slot Availability
  • Inspect Source Code
  • Identify Pirated Games

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.

The Official vs Fake Book of Dead Slot
In the Photo: The Official Book of Dead Compared with the Fake

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.

  • Original Help Button in the Book of Dead SlotIn the Photo: The Original Book of Dead Slot with a Help Button
  • Missing Help Button in the Book of Dead SlotIn the Photo: Missing Help Button in the Fake Book of Dead Slot

Photo of Angelina Vodenicharova, Author on Online-Casinos.com

Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Expert
Our Expert’s Advice

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.

Choy Sun Doa by Aristocrat, a Discontinued Slot
In the Photo: The Discontinued Choy Sun Doa Slot, Still Available at Rogue Casinos 

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.

  • The Wrench Symbol in the Developer Edition of FirefoxIn the Photo: Click on the Wrench Symbol in Firefox Developer Edition
  • The Web Developer Tools in FirefoxIn the Photo: Open the Web Developer Tools in Firefox
  • Genuine NetEnt Server Source CodeIn the Photo: The Genuine NetEnt Server Domain
  • Fake NetEnt Server Source CodeIn the Photo: The Fake NetEnt Server Domain

Photo of Angelina Vodenicharova, Author on Online-Casinos.com

Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Expert
Our Expert’s Advice

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

Photo of Angelina Vodenicharova, Author on Online-Casinos.com

Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Expert
Our Expert’s Advice

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.

Photo of Angelina Vodenicharova, Author on Online-Casinos.com

Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
About the Author
With a background in marketing, Angelina has a keen eye for emerging trends and stays ahead of the curve on the latest game releases and payment innovations. Her expertise extends to the growing world of gambling apps, where her tech-savviness allows her to offer valuable insights on optimizing gameplay.