Fun, privacy, and above all else, fast payouts. These are the three main allures of internet casinos that keep bringing players back again for more. But what happens if the fast payout isn’t guaranteed?
Sometimes, casino sites don’t pay out. This is a scary “what if” shared by millions of online players in Canada and around the world.
At the end of the day, receiving your hard-earned profit or big win is dependent on the casino honoring its terms.
Keep reading to find out why casino websites refuse to pay out, what to do if they do, and what you can do as a player to prevent this from happening to you.
Why Do Some Casino Sites Refuse to Pay Out?
There are a few different events that can lead to a casino site refusing to pay out your winnings. We’ll address each of them individually:
Fraudulent Conduct
Falling into the clutches of a rogue casino is never a fun experience, especially if the site isn’t licensed. These shady casinos online will dupe you into investing your money, and somehow always seem to wiggle their way out of paying you your due.
You Failed to Meet Wagering Requirements
This is probably the most common reason for casinos to decline payment. When you accept a bonus of any kind, chances are it will come with wagering requirements.
You’ll need to meet these requirements within a specific amount of time if you hope to withdraw any winnings.
Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and skim over the terms and conditions of a bonus deal before accepting it. Usually, you’ll be required to wager the bonus amount a number of times until you’re eligible to withdraw winnings.
This can be quite a challenge depending on the rollover requirements in question. If you don’t manage to meet those requirements, and attempt to withdraw any bonus-won funds, you’ll likely be unsuccessful.
You Failed to Provide Verification Documents
Most licensed gambling websites need to verify that you are who you say you are. This is how they make sure they don’t get caught up in illegal activities like money laundering or drug dealing.
The typical verification documents are referred to as ‘Know your Customer’ or KYC documents.
Upon registration, new players usually need to submit these documents before being able to select a payment method. If you don’t show proof of who you are, licensed sites probably won’t let you withdraw your money.
You Connected with a VPN
A VPN, or ‘virtual private network’, is a program that enables users to hide their internet activity and protect online data from cybercriminals.
It’s quite common for players to use VPNs, as it allows them to play safely and get access to casinos that aren’t available in their countries.
However, a number of sites prohibit the use of VPNs, as they can violate laws and regulations when it comes to online gambling in specific countries. This is usually mentioned in a site’s user agreement.
If you’re caught using a VPN, your account may be suspended or deactivated, leaving you unable to withdraw any winnings.
Other Reasons
Some other reasons why casino websites may refuse to pay out include:
- You’ve opened your account with false or incorrect information.
- You’ve created multiple accounts on the same site.
- You’ve cheated at a game.
- You’re underage.
What Can You Do When A Casino Site Fails to Pay Out?
If you believe you’re in the right and haven’t personally violated any casino terms, you may be able to resolve the situation. If the casino is reputable and has a dedicated customer service line, you should be able to reach out and explain the situation.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly some sites will get back to you and resolve the issue. In the end, reputation is everything.
Other sites won’t be so compliant.
If you’ve been playing at a site with a relevant license, you should be able to raise the issue with a regulatory body or a third-party resolution service.
Here’s the process in steps:
Step 1: Gather Visual Evidence
This includes any communication from the site, such as winning announcements, bonus terms and conditions, as well as ‘error notifications’ you may have received when attempting to withdraw.
Step 2: Present Evidence to a Regulatory Commission
The commission or regulatory body you’ll need to contact depends on the license the problematic casino holds, as well as its location. If your payout issue stems from a licensed Canadian site, you’ll probably be able to reach out the Malta Gaming Authority or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
On the other hand, if the site refusing to pay is licensed in the UK, you’ll probably be able to reach out to the UKGC for help. eCogra is a good example of a third-party resolution agency that may be able to help you resolve your payout issue. The agency offers a reputable alternative dispute resolution service for players who’ve found themselves in a pickle.
Naturally, eCogra won’t be able to do much if the site in question isn’t certified by the agency.
How to Avoid Refusals by Choosing the Best Payout Casinos
The easiest way to avoid running into payment refusals is to be selective when choosing your home for online gambling. Instead of signing up at the first casino site that crosses your path, take some time to consider exactly what games you’re looking for, and the type of payout you’re looking to receive.
The best payout casinos in Canada always facilitate reliable payouts — provided that you meet your end of the deal.
As an added bonus, these sites also pay out relatively quickly (if not instantly). So, if you find payout refusals the stuff of nightmares, be sure to be careful when you select your next casino site. That’s a surefire way to make sure that you don’t end up losing out on any big wins.
