Gambling regulators

If an online casino has cheated a player – not paying out winnings, blocking an account without explanation, changing the rules of the game or using unfair methods – you need to take action step by step, keeping all evidence and contacting the relevant regulators in your country and the country where the online casino is registered. The first step is to record the facts of the violation. You should take screenshots of your gaming account, betting history, correspondence with support, and movements of funds on payment systems or bank accounts. In addition, it is important to keep a copy of the terms of use and bonus rules that were in effect at the time of registration, as these can be used to prove the operator's wrongful actions.

Next, you need to check where the casino is registered and licensed. Most legal sites operate under the jurisdiction of international bodies: Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, Curacao eGaming, Isle of Man, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Spelinspektionen in Sweden, and others. Licence information is usually located at the bottom of the website. If there is no licence or a fictitious one is indicated, the situation is considered to be the activity of an illegal operator, and in this case, you should contact the national cyber security centre, police or financial supervisory authority of the relevant country.

After checking the licence, it is recommended to send an official written request to the operator. The claim must contain the player's identification details, a description of the dispute, the amount of the claim and supporting evidence. The letter should be sent to the address specified in the user agreement, with a request for a response within a specified period, usually within 14 days. If there is no response or the response is unsatisfactory, the complaint is sent to the regulator that issued the licence. Regulatory authorities consider appeals within an average of twenty to forty days and may require the casino to make a payment, suspend the licence or request the operator's financial statements.

In the European Union and the United Kingdom, there is a mandatory ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) mechanism for resolving conflicts, i.e. independent consideration of the dispute by a mediator between the player and the operator. The most well-known organisations providing such services are eCOGRA and IBAS. Consideration of appeals in such structures is free of charge and usually completed within a month.

If the amount in dispute is significant, it is advisable to engage a solicitor specialising in gambling and international licences. A lawyer will help you determine the appropriate jurisdiction for filing a claim, prepare an official notification to the regulator or payment system, and, if necessary, apply to the court of the country where the casino is registered, for example, in Malta or Curacao. In cases where a deposit is withheld or a withdrawal is denied, you can contact the bank or payment system with a request for a chargeback if the payment was made by bank card. When paying with cryptocurrency, it is recommended to notify the exchange or payment platform through which the transaction was made. In European Union countries, you can also submit a complaint to the financial ombudsman. If it turns out that the operator does not have a licence and is acting fraudulently, you should file a report with the police or cybercrime unit. In the European Union, such complaints are accepted through the Europol Internet Crime Reporting system. When filing a complaint, you must attach screenshots, correspondence, financial receipts, and other evidence. In the future, to avoid such situations, you should only choose licensed sites with official permits from recognised regulators such as MGA, UKGC, GRA, KGC and others. You should check for a secure connection, the operator's legal address and a valid security certificate. Do not trust sites that promise instant winnings or play without identity verification. For secure transactions, it is recommended to use payment instruments with the possibility of refunds and to avoid anonymous crypto platforms without a reputation. If the situation requires an official appeal to the regulatory authority, you can prepare a legally correct complaint in English and send it to the regulator of the licensing country, indicating all evidence, amounts and circumstances of the dispute.

If an online casino refuses to withdraw your funds, delays payment, or makes new demands after you have won, it is important to act competently and consistently, considering the situation from a legal perspective. Problems with withdrawing funds are often associated with the operator violating the rules, not having a licence, or attempting fraud, so you must document every action. The first thing to do is save all evidence. Take screenshots of your personal account, the balance section, confirmation of the withdrawal request, correspondence with customer support and all notifications relating to the withdrawal. You should also record the date, amount and withdrawal method. If the casino refers to a 'security check' or 'verification', request an official document confirming the necessity of these procedures and clarify the deadlines for their completion.

The second step is to check whether the casino is licensed. Reputable operators always display their licence number and regulatory authority at the bottom of their website. The main regulators in the online gaming industry are: The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao eGaming, the Gibraltar Gambling Division, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, Spelinspektionen (Sweden) and the Hellenic Gaming Commission (Greece), as well as others listed in the tables above. If the casino is licensed by one of these regulators, you can contact them directly by filling out a complaint form on their official website. If there is no licence, or if it is impossible to determine where the operator is registered, this should be considered possible fraud.

The next step is to submit a written complaint to the casino itself. This should be sent to the official email address of the support service and, if available, the legal department. The letter should include your gaming account number, the amount withdrawn, the date of the withdrawal request, and a description of the problem. It is important to attach any relevant screenshots and correspondence, and to request a written response within a specified timeframe (for example, 10–14 days). If the operator ignores the complaint, you can contact the regulator.

If you have a licence, you must submit your complaint to the authority that issued it. Regulators usually have procedures for handling such disputes and may require the operator to make a payment. For example, the Malta Gaming Authority accepts complaints via an online form and reviews them within 20–40 days. In the UK, such complaints are submitted to the Gambling Commission or to designated alternative dispute resolution (ADR) bodies, such as eCOGRA or IBAS.

If the casino is not subject to a regulator or is registered in an offshore zone with weak controls (e.g. some Curaçao licences), you can also contact the payment system or bank. If you made a deposit or received winnings via bank card, you can submit a chargeback request to the issuing bank, stating that the service was not provided. For payments via e-wallets or cryptocurrency, contact the support service of the platform through which the transaction was made. If you have won a significant amount or have been refused payment for a prolonged period, it is advisable to engage a lawyer who specialises in international gambling and licensing. They will be able to send a pre-trial notice, file a complaint with the regulator and, if necessary, initiate legal proceedings to recover funds through the courts in the jurisdiction where the casino is registered. This will require evidence of all transactions, correspondence and operations.

If the licence is fictitious and the website does not contain any legal information and the operators are evasive, you should consider the casino's actions to be fraudulent. In this case, you should file a report with the police or cybercrime department. In the European Union, such reports can be submitted via the Europol Internet Crime Reporting portal. It is important to provide a detailed description of the circumstances in the complaint and to attach screenshots and bank statements. You should also indicate the website address. To avoid such situations in the future, it is worth choosing only casinos with an official licence, a proven payment history and a positive reputation. You should avoid using websites that promise instant winnings or no verification, or making deposits through anonymous crypto platforms. Verifying a licence on the websites of the MGA, UKGC or other regulatory bodies takes only a few minutes and can prevent you from losing funds.

Checking an online casino's licence is a key step before you start playing or making a deposit. A valid licence confirms that the operator has the legal right to accept bets, and that players' interests are protected in the event of a dispute. In countries with well-developed gambling regulations, such as those in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Malta, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar and Curaçao, supervisory authorities are required to maintain open licence registers that are available to the public.

Firstly, pay attention to the information posted at the bottom of the casino website. Reputable operators always display the company's full legal name, registration number, licence type and number, and the name of the regulatory authority. If the company is stated to be licensed in Malta or the United Kingdom, for example, this information can be verified in the regulator's official register.

This can be done by checking the public registers on the websites of the relevant supervisory authorities. In Malta, information about operators is published by the Malta Gaming Authority; in the UK, supervision is carried out by the Gambling Commission; in Curaçao, licences are issued by the Curaçao eGaming Authority; in Gibraltar, by the Gambling Division; on the Isle of Man, by the Gambling Supervision Commission; in Canada, by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission; and in Scandinavia, by national regulators such as Spelinspektionen in Sweden and Spillemyndigheden in Denmark. Each registry contains information about the legal entity, licence number, date of issue, and current status, e.g. 'active', 'suspended', or 'revoked'.

If a casino claims to have a licence but this information is not present in the registry, it may mean that the licence is fictitious or belongs to another operator. There are also cases where the licence has been revoked, or where the company operates under an affiliated name that does not hold its own licence. It is important to pay attention to the domain of the regulator's website, as unscrupulous operators often create fake pages that imitate official bodies. Real government websites are located in domains ending in '.gov' or '.org' and belong to the relevant institutions.

When checking a licence, it is worth considering its type. Licences can be for organising gambling (B2C), supplying gaming software (B2B), or managing a white label platform. For players, a B2C licence is the most reliable as it confirms that the company is authorised to accept deposits and make payments to individuals. If verification reveals that the licence is active and confirmed by the regulator, the operator can be considered legal. However, if the licence is missing, incorrect, or issued by a jurisdiction without proper control, the risk of financial loss increases significantly. In such situations, it is advisable to refrain from playing and to choose an operator that is supervised by a recognised authority. If you doubt the authenticity of a licence, you can send an official request to the relevant regulatory authority, providing the website's name and screenshots containing licence information. You should receive a response within a few days, allowing you to verify whether the operator has a legal permit to operate.

You can get a refund from online gambling platforms if the operator has violated the terms of the contract, refused to pay out winnings, withheld a deposit without reason or has been operating without a licence. The refund procedure depends on whether the casino is operating legally and which payment channels were used for the transactions.

The first thing you need to do is gather evidence. Save screenshots of your gaming account, betting history, correspondence with support, payment transaction confirmations and the terms and conditions that were in effect at the time of registration. You will need these materials when filing a claim or contacting your bank, regulator or court. Next, check the online casino's licence. If it is regulated by an authority such as the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao eGaming, Gibraltar Gambling Division or Spelinspektionen, you have the right to file an official complaint. Regulators review complaints relating to non-payments, rule violations, and other abuses, and they may require the operator to refund the funds.

You should then send a written complaint to the operator itself. This should include your registration date, gaming account number, deposit or winnings amount, and a clear description of the problem. Attach screenshots and statements, and request a written response within a specified period (for example, ten or fourteen days). If the casino refuses to respond or provides an unsatisfactory response, you can proceed to the next stage of contacting the regulator.

Complaints to the regulatory authority are submitted via the official form on the relevant authority's website. Most regulators review complaints within one to two months, and if violations are confirmed, they issue an order to return the funds to the player. If the operator is licensed in a jurisdiction that requires the involvement of intermediaries (ADR – Alternative Dispute Resolution), you can contact an independent arbitrator. Organisations such as eCOGRA and IBAS consider disputes between players and operators free of charge and issue decisions that are recognised by the regulator. If the casino operates without a licence or is registered in an offshore zone where there is no effective supervision, a refund can only be obtained through a payment system, bank, or legal proceedings. If you paid for the deposit or bet by bank card, you must submit a chargeback request to the issuing bank, stating that the service was not provided or that the terms and conditions were violated. When paying via an electronic wallet, you should contact the relevant provider's support service with a complaint about the recipient. If you paid in cryptocurrency, you can send a request to the exchange or payment platform through which the transaction was made to block the recipient's address.

If it transpires that the website does not have a licence and there are signs of fraud, you should file a report with the police or cybercrime department. In European Union countries, such reports can be submitted via the Europol Internet Crime Reporting System. The report should describe the circumstances of the case in detail and include evidence and the website address. To avoid similar problems in the future, it is recommended that you only use licensed platforms with transparent payment terms. You should also check that a valid licence is available on the regulator's website, avoid anonymous websites without legal details and use payment systems that provide buyer protection. This will reduce the risk of financial loss and simplify the possible recovery of funds.

If a bookmaker or online casino refuses to pay out, you should take action step by step using legal protection mechanisms. Whether the operator has a licence and where it is registered determines which authority should be contacted and what measures can be taken. The first thing to do is record evidence of the violation. Save screenshots of your personal account, betting or gaming history, correspondence with the support service, electronic receipts for account replenishment and withdrawal requests, and the rules that were in force at the time of the bet or game. All these materials will form the basis of a claim or appeal to the regulator.

Next, you should verify that the bookmaker or casino is licensed. Reputable operators display the licence number and type at the bottom of their website, alongside the regulator's name. The main regulatory bodies in the gambling industry are the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao eGaming, the Gibraltar Gambling Division, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, Spelinspektionen (Sweden) and the Hellenic Gaming Commission (Greece). You can check the authenticity of a licence in the public registers on these organisations' official websites.

If the licence is confirmed, the first step is to submit a written complaint to the operator itself. Send an official letter to the provided email address, describing the problem in detail and demanding payment of the winnings within the specified timeframe. You should also attach evidence and request a written response. If the operator ignores your request or provides a formal response, you can submit a complaint to the relevant licensing authority. Regulators review player complaints and, if violations are confirmed, they may require the company to make the payment. For example, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gambling Commission and Curaçao eGaming accept complaints via online forms. A decision is usually made within 20–40 days. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, there is also an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism whereby an independent body considers the complaint and issues a binding decision. Such organisations include eCOGRA and IBAS.

If it transpires that the operator does not hold a licence or is registered in an unregulated offshore zone, you should take action through the payment systems. If you paid by bank card, submit a refund request to your bank stating that the service was not provided. If you used an e-wallet, you can contact the relevant platform's support service with a complaint about the recipient. If payments were made in cryptocurrency, it is recommended that you send a request to the relevant exchange and report the violation. If the disputed amount is significant or the operator avoids communication, it is advisable to consult a solicitor who specialises in gambling and international licences. A lawyer can draft a pre-trial notice, lodge a complaint with the regulator and, if necessary, initiate legal proceedings in the jurisdiction where the company is registered. This is particularly important for operators registered in Malta, Curaçao or Gibraltar, where case law on the return of winnings has already been established.

If the operator has no licence and is not subject to any regulator, their actions may be classified as fraud. In this case, you should file a report with the police or the cybercrime department. In European Union countries, such reports are filed through Europol Internet Crime Reporting. The report should describe the circumstances of the case in detail and include the website address, screenshots and bank statements. To avoid such problems in the future, it is recommended that you only use licensed platforms, check the licence status on the regulator's official website, carefully read the rules for withdrawing funds and avoid websites that promise quick winnings without identity verification. Legal operators are required to pay out funds within the time limits specified in the rules, and they are liable to the regulator if they fail to fulfil their obligations to players.

Verifying the legality of an online casino and exercising caution when choosing a platform are crucial in protecting yourself from fraud. To avoid becoming a victim of an illegal operator, you need to take a systematic approach, combining legal verification, licence analysis, and reputation assessment of the site. Firstly, it is important to check the licence and the jurisdiction in which the casino is registered. A reputable operator's website will always display the licence number, the name of the regulatory authority, and the legal entity that owns the platform. The absence of this information is a warning sign. You should check the licence in the regulator's official register to see if it is active, suspended or revoked. There are different licences for organising gambling, providing software and managing the platform. For players, the most reliable licence is a B2C licence, as this gives the right to accept deposits and pay out winnings.

It is also important to ensure the operator is transparent. Legal companies always have a registered address, registration number and contact details. If the website does not display the owner's company details and communication is only possible via an anonymous form, it is highly likely that you are dealing with a fraudulent site. You should also carefully read the terms and conditions, withdrawal rules, bonus programmes and verification procedures. Provisions that allow the operator to unilaterally change the rules or block an account without explanation increase the risk of losing funds.

Website security is crucial. Reliable operators use a secure connection (HTTPS) and a valid SSL certificate. You can check the age of the domain and its history using public services. If the website was recently created and the owner is hidden, it is not worth trusting. Legitimate casinos publish privacy policies, responsible gaming rules and anti-money laundering measures. Pay attention to payment methods. Bank cards and well-known payment systems that allow you to dispute transactions are preferable. Transfers in cryptocurrency or to anonymous wallets make it impossible to get your money back. Study the fees and withdrawal times carefully: if the operator constantly refers to "security checks" or unreasonably delays payments, this is a clear sign of dishonesty.

The casino's reputation is one of the most reliable indicators. You should read independent reviews, forum posts and expert reviews. If many users complain about the same issues, such as account blocking, cancelled winnings or endless verification requirements, it is better to avoid such a site. The quality of the customer support service is also an important factor. Reputable operators always provide email, phone and chat support, and give specific answers to questions about withdrawing funds. If employees avoid giving direct answers, this is a sign of potential issues. Before making a deposit, make sure that the platform accepts players from your country and does not violate local laws. Attempting to bypass blocks or using a VPN may result in payments being refused and you losing the right to protection.

For added security, you can start with a minimum deposit and test the withdrawal procedure with a small amount. This will allow you to check the payment systems and transaction speeds. Keep all receipts and confirmations so that they can be used to request a refund through a bank or regulator if necessary. If you have any doubts after registration — for example, if the operator has changed the terms and conditions, is delaying payments, or is requesting additional documents without explanation — you should stop making deposits and record the evidence. You can then send an official complaint to the operator, providing details of the amount, date and nature of the violation. If the operator has a licence, the complaint should be sent to the relevant licensing authority or, if provided for by the rules, to an independent arbitration structure (ADR).

If there is no licence and the operator is registered in an unregulated offshore zone, you can only get your money back through a bank or payment system, or by going to court. If you paid by card, use the chargeback procedure. If you paid with cryptocurrency, contact the exchange or payment platform and request that they block the recipient's address. If you suspect fraud, you must file a report with the police or cybercrime department, providing the website address and any evidence you have collected. For large sums, it is recommended that you hire a lawyer who specialises in gambling and international licences. They will be able to determine the jurisdiction and file a claim with the relevant authority.

To avoid such situations in future, only use licensed websites. Check for a licence in the official register and carefully read the withdrawal rules. Do not trust platforms that promise quick winnings without identity verification. Legal casinos are accountable to regulators and must pay out funds within the time limits specified in their rules. Illegal sites, on the other hand, almost always lead to financial losses.

If this happens, you need to act in a legally competent manner and document all the circumstances. Such situations are often associated with a violation of the rules by the operator, or with illegal activities. It is important not to panic, but to develop a strategy to protect your rights. The first thing to do is record all the evidence. Take screenshots of your personal account, balance, betting and winnings history, correspondence with customer support, notifications, and payment receipts. You should also keep the current version of the site's rules and the terms and conditions of the bonus programme that were in effect at the time you won. These documents will form the basis of any appeal to regulatory authorities or the courts.

Next, check whether the operator has a valid licence. Reputable companies always display their licence number and the regulator that issued it. Jurisdictions with transparent regulation, such as Malta, the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, Sweden, the Netherlands and Greece, are considered reliable. You can check the licence in the official online register of the relevant regulator. If the operator is licensed, players have legal protection. However, if there is no licence, or if it has been issued by an offshore jurisdiction without supervision, it will be more difficult to recover the funds. Next, you should send an official complaint to the operator. This should include your gaming account number, the date, the amount won and a detailed description of the situation. All supporting evidence should be attached to the claim, such as screenshots, correspondence and receipts. The letter should demand payment of the funds within a specified timeframe (for example, fourteen days) and request a written response. Send the claim via the official contact details listed on the website, as well as through customer support and email.

If there is no response, or if the operator refuses without explanation, you must contact the regulatory authority that issued the licence. Gambling regulators review such complaints and may require the company to make the payment. The Malta Gaming Authority, the Gambling Commission, and other supervisory authorities provide online forms for submitting complaints. Complaints are usually reviewed within twenty to forty days. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, there is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism. Players can file a complaint with an independent organisation that resolves disputes between users and operators. Organisations such as eCOGRA and IBAS analyse the documents and issue decisions that the regulator must take into account. This procedure is free and conducted online. If the casino or bookmaker is registered in an offshore zone and not subject to control, it is necessary to act through the payment system or bank. If you made your deposit by bank card, you can submit a refund request through the issuing bank, stating that the service was not provided. If e-wallets were used, a complaint should be sent to the relevant system's support service. When paying with cryptocurrency, it is recommended that you contact the exchange or platform through which the transaction was made and request that the recipient's address be blocked.

If the amount won is significant, or if the operator does not respond, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who specialises in gambling and international licences. A lawyer can help you determine the relevant jurisdiction, prepare a pre-trial notice, and submit a complaint to the relevant supervisory authority. If necessary, they can initiate legal proceedings in the country where the operator is registered. If there is no licence and signs of fraud are present, a report should be filed with the police or cybercrime unit. In the European Union, you can contact Europol's Internet Crime Reporting Unit; in other countries, you can contact the relevant national authorities. The report should include all website details, supporting evidence and a description of why the winnings were not paid. To avoid such situations in future, it is important to choose licensed websites, check licences via the official register and carefully read withdrawal rules. You should also avoid platforms that promise instant payments or allow play without verification. Reliable operators always comply with regulatory requirements and pay out winnings within the specified timeframe. If a casino hides its details, delays payments, or requests additional documents without justification, you should stop playing immediately and record all the facts for filing a complaint.

If an online casino has cheated you and stolen your money, you must act immediately and strictly within the legal framework. In such cases, it is important to record all evidence, determine the jurisdiction in which the casino is registered and contact the relevant authorities, including payment systems, regulators and the police. Following the correct sequence of actions will significantly increase your chances of getting your money back. Firstly, you need to collect and save all the evidence. Take screenshots of your personal account, deposit and withdrawal history, and correspondence with support, as well as of any bank or cryptocurrency transactions. If the casino has changed your balance, cancelled your winnings, or blocked your account, you must document these actions. It is also important to keep copies of the terms and conditions that were in effect at the time of registration, as these form the legal basis for the dispute.

Next, determine where the casino is registered and whether it has a licence. Legal operators always display their licence number and the regulator's name at the bottom of their website. The main regulatory bodies in online gambling are the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao eGaming, the Gibraltar Gambling Division and the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, as well as other European supervisory authorities. You can check licences in public online registers on the official websites of these regulators. If the operator is not listed, then either the licence is invalid or a fake number is being used. Once you have checked the licence, you should send an official written complaint to the operator. This should describe the situation in detail and specify the amount, date and circumstances of the incident. You should also attach evidence. Send the complaint to the email address listed in the contact section or user agreement. The letter should demand a refund and specify a timeframe for a response, for example ten or fourteen days.

If the operator ignores the complaint or refuses without explanation, you should contact the regulatory authority that issued the licence. These authorities accept complaints from players and, if violations are confirmed, they may require the company to refund the funds or suspend its licence. For example, the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission consider complaints submitted via official forms on their websites. The European Union and UK jurisdictions also provide an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism. Independent bodies such as eCOGRA, IBAS and The Pogg conduct free reviews of disputes between players and operators, and their decisions must be taken into account by regulators. If it is found that the casino is illegal and unlicensed, you should take action through your payment system or bank. If you paid by bank card, you can file a chargeback request stating that either the service was not provided, or the transaction was conducted in violation of the terms and conditions. Banks are obliged to consider such requests in accordance with the rules of international payment systems. If you used an e-wallet, you should file a complaint with the relevant provider's support service and request that the recipient's account be blocked. If the transactions were made in cryptocurrency, you should contact the platform through which the payment was made and notify its security service.

In cases involving large sums of money and obvious signs of fraud, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who specialises in international gambling and refunds. They will determine the jurisdiction, prepare a pre-trial notice and help you file a complaint with the regulator. They will also initiate the recovery procedure. In some cases, it is possible to file a lawsuit in the country where the operator is registered. If the operator does not have a licence and there are signs of fraud, you should file a report with the police or cybercrime unit. In the European Union, such reports can be submitted via the Europol Internet Crime Reporting System. The report should provide a detailed description of the incident and include evidence, such as screenshots and payment transaction data. In some cases, it is possible to initiate criminal proceedings for fraud and block related domains.

To avoid such situations in future, only choose licensed platforms and check for a licence on the official websites of regulators. Avoid sites with anonymous owners and promises of instant winnings. A secure platform will always have a legal address, full company details and clear rules for withdrawing funds. Never send money to private crypto wallets or use anonymous transfers. If funds have already been stolen, it is important not to waste time. Record the evidence and contact several organisations at once: the regulator, bank, payment system, and law enforcement agencies. The sooner the violation is reported, the greater the likelihood of retrieving the funds and shutting down the fraudulent resource.

Complaints against online casinos depend on the nature of the violation and the jurisdiction in which the operator is registered. If the casino refuses to pay out winnings, blocks the account without explanation or violates the terms of the agreement, action should be taken in stages using official channels to protect players' rights. The first step is always to contact the operator itself. Send a written complaint to customer support describing the situation in detail and attaching screenshots, correspondence, and payment confirmations. The letter should include the gaming account number, the date, the amount, and the specific request (e.g. to pay out winnings or refund the deposit). It is important to request a written response and set a deadline for its provision. This is a mandatory step before contacting the regulators.

If no response is received, or if the operator refuses to meet the requirements, you should contact the licensing authority. Most licensed casinos are regulated by state or intergovernmental gambling regulators. These authorities review player complaints and, if violations are confirmed, they may require the operator to refund funds, suspend the licence, or impose a fine. Regulators' official websites always provide a complaint form where you can enter your personal details, information about the operator, and a description of the situation. You can also attach evidence. Some jurisdictions have an alternative dispute resolution procedure whereby an independent organisation reviews conflicts between players and casinos. You can appeal to these bodies if the operator refuses or fails to respond within the specified time frame. The independent mediators analyse the submitted documents and make a decision that may be binding on the licensed operator. However, if the casino is registered in an offshore zone or does not have a licence at all, it will not be possible to contact the regulator directly. In this case, you will need to act through the payment system or bank that processed your deposit. If you paid by bank card, you can request a refund if the service was not provided or if the operator violated the terms and conditions. If you used an e-wallet, submit a complaint to the payment provider's support service. For cryptocurrency transfers, contact the exchange or payment platform through which the transaction was made.

In some countries, you can also file complaints with national consumer protection authorities, which handle disputes with internet companies operating within the country. European Union citizens can file cross-border complaints through the ECC-Net network of consumer protection centres. If you suspect fraud, contact the police or the cybercrime department. In your statement, describe the circumstances in detail and provide the website address. Attach screenshots, correspondence history and financial documents. Law enforcement agencies can then initiate an investigation and block the resource's activities. Before filing a complaint, make sure that the casino has actually violated the rules and is not operating within its own terms and conditions. For example, this could be when verifying identity or complying with withdrawal limits. If the violation is obvious, action should be taken in several areas at once: the operator, the regulator, the payment system and, if necessary, law enforcement agencies.

To avoid such problems in future, only choose licensed online casinos with transparent rules and a proven reputation. Carefully study the withdrawal conditions, verification policy and country restrictions, and keep all payment confirmations and correspondence with the operator. If the casino systematically violates the rules, contacting the regulatory authorities is a way to protect your rights and prevent further abuse by unscrupulous companies.

Victims of online gambling platforms can get their money back if they act quickly and legally. The procedure depends on whether the operator has a valid licence, which payment channels were used for transfers and how quickly the player reported the violation. Even in cross-border transactions, it is possible to obtain a refund if the relevant authorities, banks and law enforcement agencies are involved correctly. The first step is to secure evidence. This includes saving all correspondence with the operator, as well as screenshots of your gaming account, deposit history, withdrawal requests, transaction confirmations and bank or e-wallet statements. These materials will form the legal basis for your complaint. If the casino suddenly blocks your account, changes your balance, or cancels your winnings, it is important to record the violation with screenshots and a written request to customer support.

The next step is to determine the status and jurisdiction of the casino. Check whether a licence is indicated and who the regulator is. Reputable operators are regulated by bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao eGaming, the Gibraltar Gambling Division and the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. If there is a licence, you can file an official complaint with the regulator using the form on its website. Regulators consider complaints relating to non-payments, violations of terms and conditions or the unlawful blocking of accounts, and they may require the operator to return the funds. If the operator refuses to pay or does not respond to complaints, you should send a written claim to the email address specified in the site's rules. This letter should specify the date, amount and nature of the violation, and include evidence. It should also demand a response within a specified period. If there is no response, the complaint will be sent to the licence regulator and, if necessary, to an independent organisation that deals with disputes between players and operators (ADR).

If the casino is illegal and does not have a licence, a refund can only be obtained via the payment channels used. If you paid by bank card, you must submit a refund request to your bank, stating that the service was not provided. Banks consider such requests based on the rules of international payment systems. For transfers via e-wallets, you should contact the payment provider's support service and report the fraud. For cryptocurrency transfers, you must notify the exchange or payment platform through which the transaction was made and request verification of the recipient's address. If the amount lost is significant, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who specialises in obtaining refunds from illegal gambling projects. They will help you determine the company's country of registration, prepare an official notice of violation and send a complaint to the regulatory authority. If necessary, they can also file a lawsuit. In a number of jurisdictions (e.g. Malta, the United Kingdom and Curaçao), case law on such matters already exists.

If you detect any signs of fraud, you should contact the police or the cybercrime unit. Your statement should describe the circumstances in detail and include the website address. You should also attach screenshots and documents confirming the transfer of funds. Law enforcement agencies can then launch an investigation, block the domain, and initiate international cooperation with financial regulators. In cross-border disputes, European Union citizens can contact the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net), which helps to resolve conflicts between consumers and foreign companies. You can also contact your national financial supervisory authority or ombudsman if the casino used banking instruments from your country.

To increase your chances of getting a refund, act quickly: the less time that has passed since the transaction, the higher the probability of successfully getting a refund through the bank or payment system. It is important not to delete correspondence, not to reuse the same account and not to agree to offers from intermediaries promising a 'guaranteed refund' in exchange for a commission. To avoid such situations in future, choose licensed sites, check permits on regulators' official resources, and avoid anonymous payment methods. Keeping evidence, carefully studying the terms and conditions, and promptly contacting the regulatory authorities will allow you to get your money back and prevent further activity by fraudulent platforms.

Yes, you can take legal action against a bookmaker who has refused to pay out winnings. However, the success of such a claim depends on the jurisdiction, the operator's licence, and where the company is registered. In most cases, disputes with bookmakers are considered civil law conflicts between customers and operators, and can be resolved either through the courts or the gambling regulator. Firstly, it is necessary to determine the bookmaker's legal status. If they operate under a licence from an official regulator, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Gambling Division, Curaçao eGaming, Spelinspektionen or the Hellenic Gaming Commission, then before going to court, you must go through a mandatory pre-trial procedure. This involves submitting a written complaint to the operator and, if there is no result, sending an appeal to the licensing authority. Most jurisdictions consider player appeals and may oblige the bookmaker to make a payment without legal proceedings.

If the regulator has not resolved the dispute or the bookmaker continues to ignore the claims, legal action may be taken. The claim is filed in the jurisdiction in which the operator is registered, as the user agreement almost always specifies the applicable jurisdiction and the court authorised to hear disputes. For example, for companies licensed in Malta, this would be the Maltese courts; for operators licensed in Curaçao, the courts of Curaçao; and for British companies, the courts of England and Wales. The claim must set out the circumstances of the case and indicate the date and amount of the winnings. It must also include the terms of the bet and be supported by evidence in the form of screenshots of your personal account, betting history, correspondence with support, transaction confirmations and a copy of the bookmaker's rules in force at the time of the bet. In addition, correspondence with the regulator should be attached if a complaint has previously been filed. If the bookmaker does not have a licence or is registered in an offshore zone where there is no control by supervisory authorities, you can file a claim in your country's court if the operator accepted payments or advertising aimed at your jurisdiction. In such a case, you can refer to violations of consumer protection and anti-illegal gambling laws. Some European courts have recognised the right to file a lawsuit in the player's country of residence if the bookmaker deliberately offered its services to citizens of that country. For large sums and cross-border disputes, it is recommended that you engage a lawyer who specialises in international gambling law. They will help you determine the applicable law, prepare a pre-trial notice, draft a statement of claim, gather evidence and submit documents to the relevant court. In some cases, it is advisable to start arbitration proceedings if these are provided for in the platform's rules.

If the bookmaker is registered in an offshore zone and does not hold a valid licence, funds can only be recovered through international legal mechanisms or payment systems. In this case, alongside filing a lawsuit, an application can be made to the bank or payment system through which the payments were made, requesting a refund. Players also have the option of making collective appeals against operators who systematically violate the terms and conditions. If the problem is widespread, you can join forces with other victims and either file a class action lawsuit or send a joint complaint to the regulator. Legal proceedings against a bookmaker are lengthy and time-consuming, but if you provide evidence and take an active stance, they can lead to a refund and compensation for losses. Remember that legal bookmakers are accountable to regulators and courts for non-payment of winnings, whereas illegal platforms operate without control and will almost always result in losses. Thus, it is possible and justified to file a lawsuit against a bookmaker in cases where there is documented evidence of winnings and refusal to pay, provided that preliminary measures — a complaint to the operator and an appeal to the regulator — have been taken.

If a bookmaker operates without a licence, it means that it has no right to accept bets and bears no legal responsibility to players. In such cases, it is much more difficult to get your money back and protect your interests, but certain legal and practical measures are still possible. The first thing to do is to stop all financial transactions with the site. Do not make additional deposits, provide documents, or confirm transactions. Any new transfers will only increase your losses. Next, record all evidence by taking screenshots of your personal account, betting history, correspondence with support, and website pages containing details and advertising. Also save transfer receipts and bank statements. You will need these materials to file a complaint and when contacting law enforcement agencies. The next step is to find out where the site is actually registered. You can check the domain through international registries (WHOIS) or study the information on the terms of service page. Often, illegal bookmakers use offshore zones that do not provide real regulation. If the site does not display a licence, legal entity and address, this is an indication of illegal activity.

Next, notify the bank or payment system through which the transfers were made. If you made the deposit by bank card, you can request a refund, stating that the service was not provided and that the operator was operating without a licence. If you paid via e-wallets, you should send a complaint to the relevant provider's support service and request an investigation into the recipient. If you made the transaction in cryptocurrency, you should notify the relevant platform or exchange and request that the address be blocked. At the same time, you should also send a complaint to the cybercrime department or the national police. Your statement should describe the situation in detail and include the evidence you have collected, as well as the website address. If the bookmaker is targeting citizens of your country (e.g. advertising in the local language, accepting payments in the national currency or providing local contacts), this provides grounds for investigation. In the European Union, such complaints can be submitted via national cybersecurity centres or the Europol Internet Crime Reporting system.

If you have lost a significant amount of money, it is recommended that you consult a lawyer who specialises in international gambling or refunds from illegal operators. A lawyer can help you to prepare an official notification and send complaints to payment systems, banks, and relevant supervisory authorities. If necessary, they can also help you to file a lawsuit. In some countries, such as Germany, France and the Czech Republic, players have already succeeded in recovering funds transferred to illegal operators through national courts.

It is important to understand that unlicensed bookmakers operate outside the legal framework. They are not subject to any regulatory authority, their activities are not monitored and they often ignore user complaints. Therefore, victims should not only try to get their money back, but also prevent further activity by fraudsters by reporting the website to the relevant authorities. In future, you should always check for a licence before registering. Legal bookmakers always display their licence number, the name of the regulator, the legal entity and the address. You can verify this information in the official registers of the supervisory authorities. If a website does not display this information or refers to an obscure offshore jurisdiction, you should avoid using it. You should also use only payment systems that allow you to dispute transactions, and avoid crypto transfers to anonymous addresses. If a bookmaker is operating without a licence, you should stop interacting with them, record all evidence, notify the bank and payment services, file a report with the police and consult a solicitor. Taking these steps increases the chance of a partial refund and helps to bring the illegal operator to justice.

If you encounter problems, it is important to proceed step by step, documenting each stage. Situations where an operator delays payments, cancels winnings, or requests additional documents may be due to technical failures or violations of the law. To protect your interests and get your money back, you need to follow the procedure strictly. First, record all the circumstances of the problem. Take screenshots of your personal account, balance, betting history, withdrawal requests and correspondence with technical support. This evidence will be important when filing a claim or contacting the regulatory authorities. You should also save the terms and conditions of the site that were in effect at the time of registration, including the betting rules, bonus agreements and the procedure for withdrawing funds. Next, carefully study any notifications from the bookmaker. If the company refers to identity verification, security checks or suspicious activity, you should request an official document or letter confirming these grounds. Reputable and licensed operators conduct checks within the established time limits and do not withhold funds without explanation. If the bookmaker requests that you resend documents, delays the process, or does not respond, this may be a sign of dishonest behaviour.

The next step is to submit a written complaint to the bookmaker. The letter should include your gaming account number, the amount you wish to withdraw, the date on which you made the request and a description of the problem. Attach all supporting documents to the complaint and request a written response within a specific timeframe (for example, ten or fourteen days). Send the complaint via customer support and to the official address specified in the site's rules. If the bookmaker is licensed, you should file a complaint with the relevant regulatory authority. Authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Gambling Division, Curaçao eGaming and national commissions in EU countries review player complaints and may oblige the company to make a payment. Complaints are submitted via an online form where you provide your personal details, a description of the problem and supporting evidence. The review process usually takes one to two months. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, there is also an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism. If the bookmaker refuses to resolve the issue, the player can contact an independent organisation that acts as an arbitrator between the parties. Organisations such as eCOGRA and IBAS accept complaints free of charge and issue binding decisions for licensed companies.

If the bookmaker does not have a licence or is registered in an offshore zone with little to no regulation, payment issues can be resolved through a bank or payment system. When paying by bank card, you can submit a chargeback request stating that the service was not provided or that the funds are being withheld unlawfully. Banks are obliged to consider such requests in accordance with the rules of international payment systems. When using e-wallets or cryptocurrency platforms, it is advisable to contact customer support and explain the problem, asking them to verify the recipient's address. If the amount won is significant or the bookmaker systematically refuses to pay out, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who specialises in gambling law. They will help you determine the company's jurisdiction, prepare a pre-trial notice, and send a complaint to the regulator. If necessary, you can file a lawsuit in the country where the bookmaker is registered. If it transpires that the bookmaker is operating without a licence and deliberately withholding funds, you should file a report with the police or cybercrime unit. The report should describe the situation in detail and include the website address. It should also be accompanied by evidence and payment documents. In a number of European countries, law enforcement agencies are already working with financial regulators to crack down on illegal operators.

To avoid such situations in future, you should check whether the bookmaker has a licence in the official registers of regulators in advance, study the rules for withdrawing funds and avoid websites that offer instant payments or gambling without identity verification. Reliable operators always publish legal information and payment processing times, and have transparent feedback systems. If a problem has already arisen, it is important to take action promptly: the sooner claims and complaints are submitted, the greater the chance of getting your money back and holding the company accountable.

Yes, but the procedure and effectiveness of such an appeal depend on the operator's legal status, licence and country of registration. In most cases, disputes between players and casinos are considered civil matters, and the possibility of going to court depends on the terms of the user agreement and applicable law.

Firstly, you need to establish where the casino is registered and who licences it. If the operator has a valid licence from a recognised authority such as the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, Gibraltar Gambling Division, Curaçao eGaming or Spelinspektionen, you should carefully study the user agreement. This will usually specify the jurisdiction in which disputes can be considered and which law applies. For instance, Maltese operators are subject to the Maltese courts, whereas British operators are subject to the courts of England and Wales. Before going to court, you must go through a mandatory pre-trial procedure. First, you need to send an official complaint to the operator, providing your gaming account number, the amount in dispute and the circumstances of the conflict, and attaching evidence. This can include screenshots of your personal account, your deposit and betting history, your correspondence with support, your bank documents and a copy of the rules that were in effect at the time of registration. The complaint should be sent to the casino's official address or that of its legal representative, as well as via customer support.

If the operator does not respond or refuses to pay without explanation, the next step is to contact the regulator that issued the licence. Most supervisory authorities consider player complaints and can compel the company to fulfil its obligations. Regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority and the Gambling Commission accept complaints via online forms on their websites, which allow you to attach documents. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, there is also an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism that involves independent organisations considering conflicts between players and operators. Organisations such as eCOGRA and IBAS analyse documents and make decisions that the relevant regulator takes into account when monitoring the operator's activities. However, if the casino still refuses to comply with the decision after the dispute has been reviewed, legal proceedings are the only remaining means of protection.

Claims are filed in the court of the country where the operator is registered. For example, if the casino is licensed in Malta, the claim would be filed in a Maltese court. To assist with this process, you can hire a lawyer who specialises in international gambling law. They will prepare a pre-trial notice, determine the applicable law, and file a claim with the relevant authority. In some cases, class action lawsuits may be filed if several players have been harmed by the actions of one company. If the casino is unlicensed or registered in an offshore zone with no oversight, you may be able to file a lawsuit in your own country. This may be based on a violation of consumer protection legislation if the operator accepted payments from citizens of your country or advertised its services within its borders. In such cases, the court may recognise its jurisdiction, especially if the game was played using local currency or national payment systems.

When filing a lawsuit, you must provide all relevant documentation, including proof of winnings, correspondence with the operator, responses from customer support, payment confirmations and copies of appeals to the regulator. The more detailed the circumstances are, the higher the likelihood of a positive outcome. If the operator is fraudulent and does not have a licence, legal action may be ineffective; however, it is possible to initiate criminal proceedings for fraud. To do so, you need to file a report with the police or cybercrime unit, providing the website address and a description of the events, and attaching evidence. In general, legal proceedings against online casinos are a lengthy process requiring legal expertise, but if you have a licence and clearly documented violations, they can lead to a refund and compensation for losses. To avoid taking the case to court, it is important to only use licensed platforms, read the user agreement carefully and keep all confirmations of financial transactions and correspondence with the operator.