Withdrawal Symptoms

As is with any industry, unfortunately the online gaming biz also has its share of, well... let's just say "less-than-honest" operators. However, while complaints among players will inevitably arise, the overwhelming majority of problems tend to be unintentional on the casinos part, especially given the fact that any shady operation will have its name and reputation splattered all over the Internet in less time than you can say bingo!


The most commonly reported complaints are alleged refusals by online casinos to pay withdrawals. Internet casinos making a habit of this practice are known as "rogue casinos" and with the industry comprising over 2000 gaming sites and little in the way of regulations, the probability that some operators will fail to pay players promptly - if at all - is a safe but sad bet. Some rogue casinos have been known to purposely holdup withdrawals with the hope that players will carry on gambling with the money in their account and eventually lose it all to the casino.


So what can you do to ensure you get paid? We at Casino Maze have prepared a few guidelines to help you overcome any obstacles you may be facing.


Step 1 - Keep Good Records
Whenever dealing with an online casino about a problem concerning withdrawing funds, you're best off communicating by email. This way you'll have documented records of all your discussions with the casino and the casino's personnel.


Step 2 - Seek a Higher Authority
If trying to resolve a problem with a casino's Customer Support representative is proving futile, either because the rep is somewhat unhelpful or totally incompetent, request to speak with a manager.


Step 3 - Enlist a Mediator
Should all your efforts to resolve a conflict with a casino fail, it's time to look for outside help. You're best off beginning by locating the source that referred you to the casino in the first place. This may have been through another website such as an affiliate or a promotional email.


Deal directly with the webmaster because he or she will most likely have a business relationship with the casino you're having the dispute with. After all, the webmaster's site probably directed you to the casino in the first place and, thus, may be able to help you. Also, if you clicked through to the casino via a link on the webmaster's site, the webmaster will recognize you as one of ‘his/her' players and probably enjoy a stronger negotiating position on your behalf.


If after all this you have still not managed to resolve your issue, fear not; there exist many alternatives and independent websites dedicated to assisting players.


Player Dispute Services
If you're convinced you've exhausted every means for resolving a conflict with an online casino, especially concerning problems like withdrawing your money, contact the company that licenses the gaming software to that particular casino. A number of software providers like Playtech and RTG (RealTime Gaming) offer "Player Dispute Services" for players experiencing difficulties with online casinos and poker rooms.


Because these high profile developers cannot afford to be associated with any illegitimate casino operators, especially given the gambling industry's traditionally suspect nature - however unfair - these software providers definitely want to hear from you about any criminal practices.


eCOGRA
Founded in 2003, eCOGRA (eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) was set up by software providers Microgaming and Cassava in order to serve as a regulatory service in what's a virtually unregulated industry. Casinos satisfying the organization's guidelines are permitted to display eCOGRA's "Play It Safe" seal of approval on their sites. For assistance, simply complete the Player Dispute Form on their website and submit it.


GPWA Players' Corner
The GPWA (Gambling Portal & Webmasters' Association) provides a forum known as "The Players' Corner" whereby players may post their complaints. The GPWA enjoys a large membership so chances are someone will know someone at the casino you're entangled with.


Online Casino Forums
While this is typically the first option most disgruntled players use, it's not necessarily the best. The last thing you want to do, yes last, is publicly accuse a casino. This will probably antagonize the casino to the point where it ruins any and all chances of an agreeable resolution. On the other hand, if all other measures fail, go for it.

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