Casino on Telegram: a new illegal scourge?

Illegal gambling sites are nothing new. They have existed for many years, but a new form of illegal gambling is gaining ground: underground casinos on Telegram.

These gambling platforms evade regulation and expose players to significant risks.

What is a Telegram casino?

A Telegram casino is a casino on the Telegram messaging app. Unlike traditional online casinos, these casinos operate within private groups or through automated bots. The bot manages bets, transactions, and games. These casinos stand out for their immediate accessibility, their anonymity thanks to cryptocurrencies, and the lack of any official regulation. These factors make them a breeding ground for fraud and abuse.

Casino without control or regulation

Unlike gambling sites approved by the Gambling Commission (GC), Telegram casinos are not subject to any regulation. There is no identity or age verification required to access them, and there is no guarantee of payment for winnings. The lack of regulation encourages dubious practices such as money laundering and fraud.

A cybersecurity expert, questioned about the phenomenon, warns:

“These casinos exploit Telegram’s anonymity to bypass laws and lure unsuspecting players.”

Strict ban in Belgium

Belgian legislation strictly prohibits unapproved gambling. Only operators with an official licence from the Belgian Gambling Commission can offer online gambling. Any other service is considered illegal. Companies offering these games illegally, as well as players, are exposed to fines or even legal action.

Several of these platforms have been reported to Belgian authorities. However, due to the encryption of communications on Telegram, permanently shutting down these illegal casinos remains a challenge.

How do you play in a casino on Telegram?

Casinos on Telegram operate in a very simple manner, which attracts many players to these illegal platforms. You simply need to join a group or channel through an invitation shared on social media and then interact with the bot that simulates an online casino.

At Gambling Club, we support legal gambling and encourage players to always play on legal platforms approved by the authority in their country. This way, you benefit from the best protection and also have recourse in case of issues with the casino.

Why do these casinos attract so many players?

Given that these casinos are illegal, you may wonder why they attract so many players. Telegram casinos use several strategies to entice players:

• Ease of access: No lengthy registration, no strict verification.
• Anonymity: Cryptocurrency transactions are common.
• Attractive bonuses: Promises of high jackpots and promotions.
• Aggressive advertising: Massive use of social media and illegal sports sponsorship.

However, these apparent advantages conceal major dangers: non-payment of winnings, scams, and the absence of legal recourse in case of disputes.

Testimony: “I lost everything playing on a Telegram casino”

Julien, a 32-year-old player, shares his misadventure after testing a casino on Telegram.

“One day, I received a private message from a stranger inviting me to join a casino group on Telegram. At first, I hesitated, but the promise of easy winnings and the testimonials from other players convinced me.”

After depositing his first 100 euros, he wins quickly. Encouraged, he continues to play and reinvests his winnings.

“I started thinking this was a real opportunity to make money easily. I then increased my stakes.”

But very soon, problems begin. His winnings are never paid into his account, and when he tries to contact support, he gets vague responses and then total silence.

“I lost more than 3000 euros in total. When I tried to withdraw my winnings, my account was blocked, and I never heard from them again.”

Today, he regrets being so naïve and warns other players about these fraudulent platforms.

How to avoid the traps of illegal casinos?

Casinos on Telegram are a new threat in the world of online gambling. They are illegal in Belgium and expose players to significant financial and legal risks.
Here are some essential tips to avoid the traps of illegal casinos:

• Do not accept invitations from strangers: On Telegram, you may sometimes receive private messages inviting you to join a private channel or group. Some of these invitations can lead you to illegal casinos.
• Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true: Promises of easy winnings often conceal a scam.
• Check the licence: Only casinos approved by the Gambling Commission are legal. None of them operate on Telegram.
• Do not play on unsecured platforms: A casino without legal information is suspicious.
• Report dubious sites: If in doubt, you can always contact the Gambling Commission.