Five Crypto Gambling Scams To Watch Out For In 2025

Crypto gambling has become a fast-growing industry, with new platforms offering everything from slots and poker to esports betting. But with that growth comes risk. 

Fraudsters are targeting users with increasingly sophisticated scams— often hiding behind flashy interfaces or fake endorsements. In 2025, it’s more important than ever to recognize the red flags.

This article breaks down five of the most common — and  dangerous —crypto gambling scams you should watch out for this year. For each, we explain how the scam works, why it’s a threat in 2025, and what you can do to stay safe.

Fake crypto casinos and withdrawal scams

Some gambling sites look polished and professional but are fake operations. They promise huge welcome bonuses — like $10,000 in credit or no-deposit offers — to hook users. Once you play and start to win, the site blocks your withdrawal or asks you to pay a ‘verification fee’ before releasing your funds. Once paid, the casino vanishes or locks your account.

One site, FortunePlay.top (also known as Zentospin), credited users with large bonuses and then demanded 0.25 ETH to process withdrawals. Players never received their winnings.

These scams are spreading fast through Telegram, YouTube, and crypto Twitter. Many users, especially in emerging markets, fall victim due to lack of regulation and low entry barriers.

How to stay safe:

• Avoid casinos offering large no-deposit bonuses.
• Never pay extra fees to withdraw your own money.
• Stick to casinos with verifiable licensing and transparent terms.

Fake sports betting and jackpot scams

These scams trick users into thinking they’ve won huge prizes — like a $5million jackpot or a perfect sports parlay. Then they ask for a ‘tax’ or ‘fee’ in crypto before releasing the winnings. Once paid, they cut off contact.

In early 2025, a user was scammed by a site called SpinMe.club after betting on March Madness. He was told he won $4m but had to pay $1,000 in taxes. He paid — and never heard from the site again.

Scammers know that big events — like the Olympics or football finals — bring in new users. They build fake sportsbooks to exploit the hype, especially during betting spikes.

How to stay safe:

• Don’t trust sites that say you won without clear documentation.
• Never send crypto to claim a prize.
• Use sportsbooks that are officially partnered with known leagues or regulators.

Rigged games and fake provably fair systems

Many crypto casinos claim to be ‘provably fair’, meaning users can verify the randomness of games. But dishonest sites manipulate algorithms or hide seed information, making outcomes rigged in favor of the house.

ZKasino, a platform that claimed fairness using blockchain tech, ended up blocking user withdrawals and was later exposed as a $30m fraud. Authorities in the Netherlands arrested one of the founders.

New casino projects are launching with AI-generated games and fancy buzzwords. But many skip third-party audits or tamper with code to reduce payouts.

How to stay safe:

• Use platforms with open-source code or independent game audits.
• Test with small bets to see if the odds match the expected probabilities.
• Avoid platforms that refuse to explain or publish how their games work.

Malicious apps and wallet drainers

Fake casino or gambling apps — especially on Android — ask users to connect their crypto wallet. Once linked, the app quietly siphons funds via malicious permissions or drainer scripts.

In 2024, a fake WalletConnect app on Google Play stole over $70,000 from users by draining wallets after permissions were granted.

Many new crypto gambling apps are sideloaded or come from unofficial sources. As play-to-earn and mobile gambling grows, attackers are focusing on mobile exploits.

How to stay safe:

• Download apps only from verified app stores and check the developer name.
• Never grant full wallet access or unlimited approvals.
• Regularly check and revoke app permissions using tools like Etherscan or Revoke.cash.

Phishing and impersonation scams

Scammers set up fake websites or impersonate influencers and casinos on social media. They often post giveaways, VIP betting tips, or fake support channels. Victims are tricked into sending crypto or logging into fake platforms.

Scammers behind Zentospin falsely claimed endorsements from Elon Musk and posted fake testimonials. Many users were directed to fake URLs that mimicked real platforms.

Phishing scams are now enhanced with AI and deepfakes. Expect more realistic impersonations across Telegram, Discord, and Instagram.

How to stay safe:

• Always double-check domain names.
• Never click on casino links from random social posts.
• Confirm giveaways or endorsements from official sources.

Scam type comparison table

Final thoughts

Crypto gambling offers new opportunities — but also new threats. Many scams in 2025 rely on fake legitimacy, whether through flashy websites, influencer endorsements, or technical jargon. Before depositing or connecting your wallet, take a few minutes to verify the platform.

If something feels off — unusual bonus offers, strange withdrawal conditions, or suspicious URLs — pause and investigate. Awareness is your best defense.

And if you do fall victim, report it immediately to crypto security forums or regional regulators. Your warning could prevent others from being next.