A fraudulent online casino scam has been making the rounds, falsely claiming to be associated with South African businessman Patrice Motsepe.
Marketed as “Motsepe Casino,” this scheme is nothing more than a deceptive marketing ploy designed to funnel unsuspecting users into an existing gambling platform—YesPlayBet (yesplay.bet).
At its core, there is no real Motsepe Casino. The app itself does not operate as an independent casino, nor does it host any original games or offer its own platform.
Instead, users who download and install the app are automatically redirected to YesPlayBet, where they are encouraged to register and place bets—likely through an embedded affiliate link that financially benefits the scammers behind this deception.
A Fake App Store and Fabricated Reviews
Unlike legitimate gambling platforms, which are available through official app stores, this so-called Motsepe Casino is only accessible via luckybonus.click—a standalone website designed to resemble the Google Play Store.
From the moment a user lands on the page, they are met with a carefully constructed illusion:
- A fake 4.9-star rating, suggesting overwhelming approval.
- A phony “Editor’s Choice” badge to add an air of credibility.
- An “Install” button, which does not lead to any real app store but instead downloads an APK file.
- A flood of fake user reviews, all claiming unbelievably large winnings and fast withdrawals.
One of the more absurd reviews states:
“I still can’t believe it! I won R350,000 today! This is the best day of my life!”
Another, equally dubious, reads:
“Started playing a week ago, now I’m already buying myself a new iPhone with the money I won!”
These reviews are entirely fabricated—a classic scam tactic designed to create the impression that users are not only winning large sums of money but cashing out with ease.
Even more concerning is the fact that the so-called Motsepe Casino account replies to these fake reviews, reinforcing the illusion with responses like:
“This is a big win, you’re lucky!”
or
“We’re sure you can get even more!”
This kind of staged engagement is a deliberate psychological trick meant to make potential victims believe that winning is guaranteed—when, in reality, they are simply being funnelled into YesPlayBet through an undisclosed affiliate scheme.
The Hidden Purpose: An Affiliate Funnel to YesPlayBet
Once a user downloads and installs the Motsepe Casino APK, they are not actually playing on a “Motsepe Casino” at all. Instead, they are automatically redirected to YesPlayBet, a well-known South African betting platform.
The games featured in this so-called casino are not exclusive—they are the same standard slot games found on YesPlayBet, including:
- Sweet Bonanza
- Gates of Olympus
- Hot Hot Fruit
What this means is that there is no standalone “Motsepe Casino” platform. The entire purpose of the scam is to mislead users into registering and gambling on YesPlayBet, while the scammers collect commissions through an embedded affiliate link.
This is a textbook case of deceptive affiliate marketing, where scammers create a fake brand and false legitimacy to push unsuspecting users towards an existing gambling site.
Exploiting Patrice Motsepe’s Name and Image
What makes this scam particularly outrageous is its unauthorised and fraudulent use of Patrice Motsepe’s name and image.
Motsepe is not involved in the gambling industry in any way. He is a respected businessman whose work is rooted in mining, finance, and philanthropy—not online casinos. Yet, the scammers behind this scheme have gone to extraordinary lengths to fabricate an endorsement from him.
A Doctored News Broadcast to Sell the Scam
To add an extra layer of deception, the scammers have created a fake news segment, manipulating SABC footage to falsely present “Motsepe Casino” as a legitimate business venture.
The video, which has been circulating on social media, begins with a fake news chyron, reading:
“MOTSEPE SURPRISES THE WHOLE COUNTRY WITH HIS APP”
From there, a voice-over posing as a news anchor falsely claims:
“Businessman Patrice Motsepe has decided to distribute money through his app. This is news that impacts every South African. This time, Patrice Motsepe is taking a step that could help to change the lives of the people of South Africa for the better.”
The video then cuts to edited footage of Motsepe himself, with a dubbed-over voice falsely attributing the following statement to him:
“I founded this casino myself because I want everyone to have a chance to enjoy great entertainment while also having an easy way to earn money.”
Adding to the deception, a fake testimonial is presented, featuring a woman identified as “Lerato Zulu,” with the fabricated chyron reading:
“LERATO ZULU WON THE JACKPOT IN THE NEW CASINO FROM PATRICE MOTSEPE.”
Zulu, in her scripted endorsement, falsely claims:
“I’ve admired this person for many years, and what he’s doing for the people deserves great respect. Thanks to his app, I was able to fully pay for my education.”
The fake news segment concludes with a final fraudulent voice-over of Motsepe, urging people to sign up:
“There is a great bonus for new players. We have a variety of exciting and vibrant things, and my favourite is Gates of Olympus. Make your first deposit now, and get a chance to win your ticket to a happy life.”
Finally, the fake news anchor reinforces the call to action, claiming:
“Casinos are growing rapidly, the internet is full of videos showing people winning big amounts of money. To join in, simply download the app, register, and stay active as a player.”
This entire video is a fraud, designed to trick viewers into believing that Motsepe personally launched and endorses this gambling scheme.
The Final Verdict
The Motsepe Casino scam is nothing more than an elaborate bait-and-switch, in which unsuspecting users are:
- Deceived by a fake app page filled with fabricated reviews.
- Encouraged to download a non-existent casino, only to be redirected to YesPlayBet.
- Tricked into believing Patrice Motsepe personally endorses the app, thanks to a doctored news broadcast.
- Misled into gambling through an affiliate funnel that benefits the scammers financially.
This is not just a scam—it is a blatant case of fraud, and it is imperative that this deception is exposed and widely discredited.
What Should You Do?
- Avoid downloading the app.
- Do not trust any gambling platform that falsely claims celebrity endorsements.
- Report this scam to South African consumer protection agencies.
- Warn others—particularly those who may fall for the promise of easy money.
Motsepe Casino does not exist, and this entire scheme is a calculated effort to deceive users into registering and gambling on YesPlayBet under false pretences.
Let this serve as a reminder that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated—and that the only way to fight back is through awareness and exposure.
The post No, the Motsepe Casino App is Not Legit appeared first on Political Analysis South Africa.
