Key Moments:
- Fraudulent gambling sites have used Jeff Bezos’ image to falsely claim affiliation with Amazon.
- Italy’s long-standing gambling ad ban has not prevented fake casino ads from appearing on major social media platforms.
- Apps imitating Amazon-branded casinos are accessible on both the App Store and Google Play Store, falsely boasting thousands of downloads and high ratings.
Deceptive Use of Jeff Bezos and Amazon Identity
Fraudulent online casinos have emerged, masquerading as Amazon platforms and leveraging images of Jeff Bezos to mislead potential customers. These sites claim false associations with the Amazon founder, even though there are no legitimate ties.
One such operation, calling itself Amazon Slots, has conducted advertising campaigns in Italy, prominently featuring both Bezos and well-known influencer Khaby Lame. The enticing promises in their advertisements, such as “€1,500 free and no deposit” and 200 free spins, have appeared across widely-used digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Google.
Advertising Revenue and Internal Awareness
According to internal materials, Meta – which owns Facebook and Instagram – is aware of these scams and associated illegal gambling advertisements. Despite this, the company has set a ceiling on the amount of revenue, reportedly around 10% or $16 billion annually, that it is willing to sacrifice in efforts to combat such scams.
Persistence of Banned Gambling Ads in Italy
Italy has maintained a strict ban on gambling advertisements since 2018, covering all forms of gambling promotion, including sports and online gaming. Despite this prohibition, illicit ads for platforms like Amazon Slots continue circulating on Italian social media feeds.
A legal dispute is underway between Italy and Google regarding the presence of gambling ads on YouTube. Nonetheless, the prohibited advertisements remain visible in the country.
Fake Apps on Major Platforms
The fraudulent Amazon Slots application can be found for download on both the App Store and Google Play Store. This app claims over 50,000 downloads and holds a 4.6-star rating, both of which are used alongside Amazon’s logo to suggest authenticity.
Complicating matters, a legitimate company named Amazon Slots exists, but it features jungle-themed branding and does not resemble the retail giant’s imagery, which may confuse potential users further.
Multiple Scam Casinos Target Trust with Bezos’ Name
A second imitation casino, titled Amazon Slot Casino, also exploits the Amazon brand and goes so far as to claim Jeff Bezos as its founder. Both cartoon and real images of Bezos are used to advertise this platform as “The Official Slot Machine Amazon Experience.”
On its homepage, the site proclaims, “This is the casino for fearless gamers—available on iOS, Android, and desktop. No fluff. Just real slots, real stakes, and real wins. Let’s spin and conquer.” The platform also advertises a $1,500 sign-up bonus. However, when attempting to download the application, users are redirected to slotsandcasino.ag, a method frequently employed by scam sites.
Celebrity Impersonation in Online Gambling Fraud
Fraudsters are increasingly using the likenesses of public figures to conduct scams in the igaming sector. In a notable incident, Catene Media owner Erik Bergman lost $1.25 million through such a scheme this year. The scammers impersonated #MrBeast, Stake owner Ed Craven, YouTuber Adin Ross, and inventor Mark Rober during interactions with Bergman in a group chat.
Other scams have featured rapper Drake, leveraging his association with the online casino Stake. These tactics often involve initial small winnings to gain users’ trust, followed by requests for payment and ultimately blocking withdrawal requests.
Overview of Key Players and Claims
| Platform | False Affiliations Claimed | Promotional Offers | Distribution Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Slots | Amazon, Jeff Bezos | €1,500 free & no deposit, 200 free spins | App Store, Google Play Store, Social Media |
| Amazon Slot Casino | Amazon, claims Jeff Bezos as founder | $1,500 sign-up bonus | Website, Ads redirecting to slotsandcasino.ag |
- Author
Daniel Williams
