Shazam Casino Review | Avoid This Offshore Operator

Emma Trotter

Updated by Emma Trotter

Editor

Timothy Lewoc

Fact Checked by Timothy Lewoc

Last Updated 13th Sep 2024, 03:57 PM

 

Shazam is an offshore casino operating under the gambling laws of Curacao, meaning it is not available for US players. Let’s be clear: There are tougher licensing bodies out there, such as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Michigan Gaming Control Board, so this isn’t really reassuring. Plus, Curacao e-gaming doesn’t provide any dispute resolution services. 

This not only means that the site lacks regulatory oversight in the US but also that you are not legally protected if anything happens to your personal and financial private information. Considering Shazam’s poor track record among players, it is simply not worth the risk of creating an account with them. Let me show you why in my detailed Shazam Casino review. 

Does Shazam Casino Have a License?

Shazam Casino is an offshore gambling site licensed in Curaçao. While some people might be reassured by this license, let’s set some things straight: being licensed in a foreign jurisdiction does not give the casino the go-ahead to operate its services in the US. 

Unlicensed operators must first gain approval from a reputable state regulatory body if they wish to operate in the country. The fact that Shazam has yet to receive regulatory approval is a surefire sign that the site is not up to scratch for US players.

To make matters even worse, Shazam is clearly marketing its services to US players. Although this isn’t entirely illegal, it is a big red flag that the casino’s main customer base is in a location where it is not actually authorized. 

If you want to be absolutely sure that a casino site is legit, then look for a certificate from a state licensing authority like the West Virginia Lottery Commission or the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. That way, you can be sure the casino follows strict gambling regulations regarding player safety, data protection, responsible gambling, and fair gaming.

Platform Usability

I found Shazam Casino difficult to navigate. The layout isn’t the most intuitive, and the overtop graphics made everything take forever to load. I’m all for a casino trying to think outside of the box, but if usability is sacrificed, then it’s just a waste. I’d much rather use a generic site that is easy to use than a site that lacks intuitive organization and is difficult to navigate. I can say it till I’m blue in the face, but Shazam Casino just isn’t worth the stress.

Warning Banner IconPlayer Safety Warning: This casino has been placed on our blacklist
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Operating offshore without a U.S. license, this casino lacks regulatory oversight, which can lead to unsafe gaming conditions and unfair practices. Your security and privacy are at risk when playing on this platform. For a secure and fair gaming experience, please consider using one of our recommended licensed casinos.

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Deposit and Withdrawal Issues

Shazam Casino supports a limited range of payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards, alongside cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. While the casino claims to support PayPal transactions, you can only use this payment method to buy crypto to deposit with. This means that unless you want to get involved with cryptocurrencies, your options are very limited. 

Your options are limited even further when you try to make a deposit. When you use Visa or any other credit/debit card linked to a bank account, your bank needs to process the transaction. Thanks to US regulations around online fraud and money laundering, banks are not allowed to knowingly process a transaction to an illegal casino. So even though Shazam casino supports card payments, your bank may block the transactions for your own protection. 

It’s also worth mentioning that US state regulators do not allow licensed casinos to offer cryptocurrency as a payment method. Shazam’s support for crypto is a clear sign that the operator does not respect US gambling laws and is not permitted to operate anywhere in the country. 

Shazam doesn’t have the worst track record when it comes to withdrawals, as long as you don’t mind waiting a couple of weeks to receive your hard-earned winnings. However, don't accept any freebies or promos from the casino - the murky T&Cs have been used to forfeit winnings and deny withdrawal requests, according to online complaints. What also annoyed me was the site changing the daily withdrawal limit whenever it saw fit. Now, I’m no rocket scientist, but this seems like very fishy behavior to me. Reputable casinos will have clear payment policies and fair terms in place that cannot be manipulated or changed.

Customer Support Experience

With so many issues with the site’s licensing and payment methods, the likelihood that you’ll need to contact Shazam’s customer support is pretty high. The casino currently offers assistance via live chat, email, and phone, which is advertised as being available 24/7. After multiple tests, I can confirm this is a bit of a stretch.

Live chat is my usual go-to, so I tried this out first. Not only did I have to wait far too long for a response, but the agents often didn’t know how to help me with my problems. Half the time, their dismissive responses left me with even more questions. 

Unfortunately, email responses aren’t much better either. Support staff were very slow to respond, sometimes not at all. It seems I am not the only one who was left less than impressed here. The fact that there are dozens of complaints online about the customer support issues at Shazam is the final nail in the coffin.

Gaming Fairness Concerns at Shazam Casino

Shazam Casino claims to offer a fair gaming experience to players. However, let’s be real here: it’s very easy to make those claims. But without a certificate from a reputable testing body like iTech Labs or eCOGRA, who can say those claims are correct? Until I see a valid fair gaming certification, I remain on the fence about playing at Shazam.  

The casino also keeps its payout rate under wraps, which is another red flag. However, after doing lots of digging, I found that the casino has a reported RTP (Return to Player) rate of 85%. This is lower than I’d expect and suggests that games at Shazam pay out less frequently than the average online casino game. 

Community Feedback and Reputation

A big part of my casino review process is reading what past players have to say on review platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit. Feedback from other players tells you a lot about the legitimacy of a casino and provides you with up-to-date information about its offerings. For instance, if a casino has a recurring pattern of negative complaints, it would probably be best to avoid that site and instead play somewhere more reputable. 

Judging by Shazam’s poor Trustpilot rating of 1.8 out of 5 stars, it does not have a good reputation among US players. In my opinion, this is all the evidence you need to steer well clear of Shazam Casino. But don’t just take my word for it; here’s what players with first-hand experience of the site are saying:

  • JustKeepingitReal (Trustpilot) – ‘Not only is this ‘casino’ a scam but I am certain the operators are also hackers. My email was hacked, filled with emails from this company...I tried to log into the site to cancel it, nothing registered with my name. The emails stopped after I changed my email password.... Coincidence? I think not.’
  • Owen Appelman (Trustpilot) – ‘Complete scam, as far as I can tell will only steal your money, have obscure rules about betting when you have received a bonus, and was told I have forfeited all my deposit (they are thieves) because I apparently did not read all of the page or more of small print prior to receiving a bonus. Do not give these people a cent, they are a website of offshore thieves designed to burn eager gamblers not aware of their thievery. I hope you read this before you give them a cent.’
  • Sherry Pacino (Trustpilot) - ‘They give you free money to play with and if you win, you can only withdraw $50, which is fine, but their minimum withdrawal is $100, so you have to deposit $50 of your own money and then meet more playthrough requirements and they won’t look at your verification documents until you make that deposit! I’m smelling scam all over.’

Conclusion: Is Shazam Casino a Legit Casino?

On the surface, Shazam Casino shapes up well. But unfortunately, I would not recommend it to anyone. This is because the site is licensed and regulated in Curacao, which means US players are not legally protected if their rights are violated. Additionally, Curacao licensees are not closely monitored or sanctioned for failing to comply with data protection and fair gaming regulations. Therefore, I recommend that you play at US-regulated casinos that prioritize players’ safety and enjoyment instead.

Other Casinos we DON’T recommend 🚫

Safe Gambling Guidelines

With so many online casinos to choose from, it can be a challenge to figure out which ones can be trusted. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here’s a handy checklist of things to look out for when searching for a safe and secure place to play online casino games:

  • License: Reputable casinos will be licensed and regulated by a state authority body like the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement or the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
  • Efficient customer support: A trustworthy casino will offer around-the-clock customer care and a variety of support channels to choose from. Player queries will be dealt with promptly, and support will be easily accessible. 
  • Fair games: Top casino sites will guarantee a fair gaming experience for players by using certified RNGs (Random Number Generators) in their games. These ensure outcomes are unbiased and free from any rigging.
  • Responsible gambling tools: Online casinos have a duty of care to their players, and it is essential that they actively promote Responsible Gambling. You’ll find various safer gambling tools like deposit limits and cool-off periods at trustworthy casinos in the US.  
  • Positive player reviews: A reputable casino will rank highly on review sites and come with an abundance of positive player reviews. If a site has a long pattern of negative complaints, it’s probably best that you stay away from it.

Casinos we DO recommend ✅

If Shazam Casino is blacklisted for US players, you might be wondering where you should go instead to play casino games online. To help you find a secure and reliable alternative, we've created a list of the best online casinos tailored to your state's regulations. Depending on where you live, you'll find options for real money casinos or sweepstakes casinos that offer a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Explore the list below to discover the ideal choice for you.

Warning Banner IconPlay Safely Here: We recommend these safe casino sites
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The casinos below are fully licensed to operate in the US. These casinos are regularly audited, work with licensed payment providers, and adhere to state regulations to ensure online security and fair play.

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Meet The Author

Emma Trotter
Emma Trotter
Editor Editor

Emma Trotter is a Senior Editor at Casinos.com. Emma has worked as a staff writer and editor for nearly two decades, extensively covering celebrity news and the Las Vegas entertainment, casino and tourism scenes. She spent several years in in-house roles at Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Las Vegas before stepping into iGaming affiliate site content.

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