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Anyone who has spent any time online will have some idea that there are a huge number of scams on the internet. Unfortunately, this also affects the gambling industry and it is something online baccarat players need to keep in mind when looking for new places to play.
Another example of a gambling scam came to light earlier this month when several fake ads promoting online gambling at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, appeared across social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. The adverts falsely claimed that the casino was “officially” online and they were offering a $1,000 welcome bonus to new players together with 100 free spins.
In total, there were about 40 posts, all dated Monday, 18 November, and they featured Beau Rivage logos, images of its downtown Biloxi location, and what appears to be a slot machine ticket. The pictures were probably taken directly from the casino’s official website, which makes the adverts look more authentic and legitimate.
Mary Cracchiolo, the regional public relations director at Beau Rivage, simply said, “It’s not us” and she confirmed that the casino’s legal team is investigating the source of these fraudulent promotions.
Fake Adverts Becoming More Common
Jay McDaniel, the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, said that the ads were a hoax and that such scams are becoming more common. He explained that these fraudulent operations are often run from offshore locations, making it difficult to trace and prosecute the perpetrators.
While Facebook removed the fake account and its ads within a day or two, the situation is similar to a game of Whac-A-Mole, with new scams appearing on a very regular basis.
Unfortunately for baccarat players in Mississippi, the state law is very restrictive when it comes to online gambling and as such, Beau Rivage does not offer online casino games, which made the adverts entirely false.
However, since 2021, visitors to the casino have been able to download and use the BetMGM app for sports betting within its premises. Guests can use the app to place bets on their devices while at the casino, including while enjoying the venue’s pool or coffee shop. Deposits and withdrawals through the app can be made using PayPal, credit cards, or debit cards from anywhere in the U.S., so visitors are able to prepare in advance. Unfortunately, the BetMGM app does not allow online casino games, but it does give players the ability to track their Beau Rivage-specific offers and promotions.
Spotting Fake Casino Ads
To avoid falling victim to casino scams like fake Beau Rivage ads, there are a number of warning signs that people should watch out for. For instance, if the advert does not link to the official casino website, then it is very likely to be a scam. Similarly, if the advert features shortened or altered versions of the casino’s full name and it has not been shared through Beau Rivage’s official social media account, then it is unlikely to be legitimate. Any advert that directs users to suspicious verification sites before then linking to unrelated gaming platforms should also be kept away from.
Many of the fraudulent adverts remain online and there is a chance that unsuspecting players will have been tricked into spending money on unauthorized games. While authorities and casino teams are continually working to combat these scams, it is always necessary to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any online promotions related to casinos and online baccarat.
Hi, I’m Caroline, an experienced editor with a rich background in journalism. My career began at several Boston-based newspapers, where I specialized in editing and …
