The $80 Casino Deposit to Withdraw Scam Explained

A new wave of fake online casinos has started targeting South African players with a simple but convincing trick. You register, play a few games, and suddenly you are on the hottest streak ever, winning max win after max win. When you try to withdraw your winnings, the site blocks the request and tells you that your account isn’t “verified.” To unlock your withdrawal, they claim you must first make a small $80 deposit to verify your account. That’s the hook. Once you pay, they either disappear, ask for another “fee,” or keep stalling your withdrawal. The entire system is designed to look legitimate, with fake Curacao licences, random verification emails, and demo games showing big wins. In reality, it’s just another form of advance-fee fraud dressed up as online gambling.

How the scam works

Scammers know most players are hesitant to part with large amounts of money, so they start “small”. An $80 request feels reasonable, especially if your balance shows a few thousand, or tens of thousands, in “winnings.” You’re told the deposit is needed for one of the following reasons:

• Account verification or KYC processing
• Security clearance or anti-money-laundering checks
• Payment of a “release fee” or “tax” before funds can be withdrawn

Once that payment goes through, they’ll tell you to wait 24 to 48 hours. Then, they’ll either ask for another payment or your account will vanish. No real casino or licensed bookmaker will ever ask you to deposit that much money just to verify your identity or release your own winnings, in South Africa the most you can expect to deposit in order to withdraw money earned from bonus funds is between R10 and R50, and will be covered in their bonus terms and conditions.

Warning signs to watch out for

These fake platforms are often cloned or newly registered, using names like Okbet, LuxuryWinClub or Sspin-88. The sites usually display a Curacao or UKGC logo that doesn’t link to any real licence. There are too many of these scams sites to mention, they all use various names. Here’s what to look out for:

• Upfront payments required
  If a site tells you to deposit funds to “verify” your account or to “release” winnings, it’s a red flag. Legit operators like Hollywoodbets, Lulabet, SuperSportBET, and Easybet don’t work that way.
• Poorly written terms and fake certificates
  Scam sites often have broken English, missing company addresses, and stock photos on their “licence” pages. Always check that the licence number actually appears on the regulator’s website.
• Unusual payment methods
  Many of these sites only accept crypto or e-wallets with no refund option. Once your money’s gone, there’s no getting it back.
• Suspicious communication
  Be careful of WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook messages claiming to represent a casino. Real brands don’t message users directly asking for deposits.

How to stay safe

Stick to licensed South African bookmakers that clearly display their local gambling board registration details. All legitimate sites will verify your identity before you can bet, not after you win. Avoid sharing screenshots of your balances or clicking on referral links from strangers. If you think you’ve been targeted, take screenshots, stop all contact, and report the page to your bank and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC). You can also warn other players in community groups by sharing the site name.

Final thoughts

The $80 deposit scam might seem easy to avoid, but it’s catching people daily because it preys on excitement. Whenever you see an offer that sounds too good to be true or a small payment that “unlocks” your winnings, take a step back and verify. Play on trusted platforms like Betway, Lulabet, SuperSportBET, Easybet, and 10bet, where your money and identity are protected, check out our list of safe and licensed sites in South Africa that you can safely play on.