A new scam targeting casino-goers is spreading quickly on social media—and it’s becoming a growing concern for casino owners.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Casinos are giving a heads-up about a new scam that’s targeting Arkansans and trying to take their money.
“They’re using our identity, our good name, our goodwill, to try to trick you into turning over your information—your credit card number,” said Carlton Saffa, chief financial officer at Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff.
While it’s not often that casinos are the victims of scams, Saffa said this one is different.
“In the first quarter of this year, we began to see ads with our name and likeness on them,” he said. “Interestingly, we’ve used trademark protections to have them taken down.”
According to Saffa, Saracen has removed more than 300 separate ad sites falsely using their brand to promote fake promotions—many of them hosted on Facebook.
“Some of them are from countries in the Middle East, some from China,” he said. “But we use our trademark protections to take our image down, and we work aggressively. Normally it takes about 12 hours.”
And Saracen isn’t alone.
“This is not unique to Saracen, and it is not unique to Arkansas,” Saffa said. “In fact, the other Arkansas casinos have also been the subject of these scam casino ads. Don’t click the links—they’re not taking you to any website that needs access to your computer.”
So what can you do to avoid becoming the next victim?
“If you have any questions, always go to our Facebook page—Saracen Casino Resort—or check us out on X or Instagram,” Saffa said. “If you’re unsure, just ask. But look, if it’s somebody touting something that’s too good to be true… it is.”
For those questioning whether this is just another marketing tactic, Saffa insists there’s a difference.
“At least with a regulated, licensed casino, folks do win—and you do have a fair chance,” he said. “At best, you could be gambling with someone who’s playing a rigged game. At worst, it’s a complete and utter scam. Do not fall prey to these scammers online.”
Saffa said both the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office and the Arkansas Racing Commission are actively investigating the issue.
If you come across a suspicious or false ad, you’re urged to report it immediately.
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