Near-identical domain
A doubled letter, hyphen, different extension or lookalike character can lead to a copy.
Prevention · Impersonation · Reporting
Recognise a fake gambling site and respond without losing evidence
A fake site can copy a brand, logo, licence number and even an HTTPS padlock. Verification depends on the exact domain, legal entity and official source, never appearance alone.
If money or identity documents have already been sent
Stop communicating, do not pay any supposed release fee, preserve the evidence and contact your bank promptly where payment details are involved. Change every reused password from a trusted device.
01
Eight warning signs requiring an independent check
Licence cannot be matched
The displayed number does not resolve to the same company, domain or product in the official register.
Official logo used as proof
A regulator badge is a copyable image. Only the record reached from the authority’s own website is evidence.
Pressure and urgency
Expiring bonuses, threatened accounts, blocked withdrawals or a fake adviser discourage verification.
Unusual payment route
Mandatory crypto, transfer to an individual, prepaid cards or a further payment to release funds are strong warnings.
Identity requested too early
A doubtful service may collect a passport, selfie, address proof or card details for later fraud.
Support outside the domain
A free mailbox, recent social account or phone number not published by the real business proves no connection.
Impossible promise
Guaranteed profit, certain loss recovery or an “ANJ-approved” online casino conflicts with essential French rules.
02
Six independent matches
Restart from an official source
Type the authority’s address yourself or use a trusted bookmark. Do not follow the link supplied by the suspicious service.
Break down the domain
Read from right to left: extension, registered domain and then subdomains. A brand word in a subdomain may mislead.
Match the entity
Legal name, company number and contact details must correspond to both the register record and the website notice.
Match the product
A betting permission does not automatically cover poker, lottery, roulette, blackjack or slots.
Check date and status
Look for expiry, suspension, domain changes and recent action. An old screenshot does not prove current status.
Contact by another route
Find the official site or phone number through the register and make an independent call. Do not use details in the message received.
03
Preserve usable evidence
Before a page disappears, record the facts without altering original files. Never publish identity or banking details in a public report.
- full URL, date, time and time zone
- screenshots of the page, profile and terms
- emails with full headers and phone numbers used
- payment references, beneficiary and bank statement
- displayed name, claimed company and licence number
- short chronology of requests and responses
04
Choose the appropriate response
Before payment
Close the page, check the register and send no documents. Report the illegal offer to the relevant authority.
Login details disclosed
Change that password and every reused password immediately. Enable stronger authentication where available.
Card or transfer involved
Call the bank using its usual number, describe the suspected fraud and follow its instructions for blocking or disputing payment.
Identity disclosed or loss suffered
Keep the evidence, monitor affected accounts and use the official diagnostic, reporting or police channel appropriate to the case.
05
Official entry points in France
ANJ — illegal gambling
Check authorised operators, read warnings and report an illegal gambling website.
anj.frCybermalveillance.gouv.fr
Diagnose a digital incident, understand website impersonation and identify recommended action.
www.cybermalveillance.gouv.frService-Public — fraud
Find reporting, complaint, police and gendarmerie options for online fraud.
www.service-public.frWhat this checklist cannot certify
The absence of a warning sign does not prove safety. A legitimate site may be compromised and a copy may look perfect. For a sensitive decision, seek confirmation from the authority, bank, police or an appropriate professional.