# Eight red flags of a fake betting app or advert

> Eight warning signs of a fake betting app or advert in Ireland, from a missing GRAI register entry to pressure to pay outside the app, and what to do if you see them.

Source: https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/fake-betting-app-red-flags/
Updated: 2026-11-07

A fake betting app or advert shows one or more of eight signs: no entry in the GRAI register, someone else's licence number, a copied brand, a link that is not from a store, a request to pay outside the app, a promised win, no 18+ or help notice, or pressure to act at once. One sign is enough to stop.

## The eight red flags

**Red flag checklist. Source: Gambling Regulation Act 2024; ASA Code · checked 7 November 2026**

| # | Red flag | How to check | What it breaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No entry in the GRAI register | Search the register by licensee name | Betting without a licence is an offence (s.67(1)) |
| 2 | A licence number that is someone else's | Match number, activity and trading names on the register card | Posing as a licensee is an offence (s.111(2)) |
| 3 | The brand is copied | Compare name, spelling and developer with the operator's own site | ASA Code 4.35 and 4.36 |
| 4 | The link is not from a store | Does it end in an App Store or Google Play page? | Our rule: stores only |
| 5 | You are asked to pay outside the app | Does the app itself take the payment? | A stop sign in our method |
| 6 | A win is promised | Read the claim: does it promise an outcome? | ASA Code 10.12(k) |
| 7 | No 18+ and no help notice | Look for both on the page and in the app | ASA Code 10.10 |
| 8 | Pressure to act now | Is there a timer, a deadline or a threat? | A pattern we treat as a stop sign |

**In short:** eight signs; any one is a reason to stop.

## What each flag means

- **Flags 1 and 2.** A real licensee is on the [GRAI register](https://www.grai.ie/register/licence-register) with a number that matches. See [how to check a licence](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/check-a-betting-app-licence/).
- **Flag 3.** A copy of a known brand misleads you about who runs the service.
- **Flag 4.** A real app is installed from the App Store or Google Play ([why not a file](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/is-an-apk-download-safer-than-the-store/)).
- **Flag 5.** A genuine operator takes payments inside its own app or site.
- **Flag 6.** The ASA Code bars promising a win or showing unrealistic outcomes.
- **Flag 7.** ASA Code 10.10 asks each advert for a responsible gambling message and a source of information.
- **Flag 8.** Pressure removes time to check.

**In short:** every flag points back to one question: who runs this, and is it licensed?

## If you see a flag

- **Flag 1 or 2.** Do not install or deposit. Note the date.
- **Flag 3 or 4.** Delete anything you downloaded. Do not enter details.
- **Flag 5.** Stop paying. If you paid, contact your bank.
- **Flag 6, 7 or 8.** Close the page. Compare with the [pre-install checks](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/before-you-install-a-betting-app/).
- **Any flag.** Report it: [how to report a fake app or advert](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/report-a-fake-betting-app-or-ad/).

The GRAI can seek a High Court order against advertising or providing unlicensed betting (s.75).

**In short:** stop, do not enter details, then report.

## How we checked

- Law: ss.67, 75 and 111 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. ASA Code rules 4.35 and 4.36, 10.10 and 10.12(k).
- Not checked: any live fake app or advert. We did not look for examples.
- Still to capture: the current ASA Code wording on each rule, with the date.

**In short:** the rules are sourced; no live example was checked.

## What changed

- 7 November 2026: first version of this page.

**In short:** no earlier versions exist.

## Related questions

**Is it a crime to pose as a licensed betting operator in Ireland?** Yes. Posing as a licensee is an offence under s.111(2) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which is in force. Betting without a licence is an offence under s.67(1).

**What if a licence number is shown but I am not sure it is real?** Match it to the entry in the GRAI register: number, activity, dates and trading names. If it does not match, treat it as a fail. See [are betting apps safe](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/are-betting-apps-in-ireland-safe/).

**Where do I report a fake betting app?** Report the app to the store, the advert to the ASA, a consumer practice to the CCPC and unlicensed betting to the GRAI. See [complaining about a betting app](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/complain-about-a-betting-app/).

18+ only. Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Free 24/7 support: 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie. More on [responsible gambling](https://beforeyouinstall.com/responsible-gambling/).

**In short:** 18+ only; help is free and open 24/7.

## FAQ

**Is it a crime to pose as a licensed betting operator in Ireland?**

Yes. Posing as a licensee is an offence under s.111(2) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which is in force. Betting without a licence is an offence under s.67(1).

**What if a licence number is shown but I am not sure it is real?**

Match it to the entry in the GRAI register: number, activity, dates and trading names. If it does not match, treat it as a fail.

**Where do I report a fake betting app?**

Report the app to the store, the advert to the ASA, a consumer practice to the CCPC and unlicensed betting to the GRAI. The page on reporting has the steps.