More than a few people are a little wary of online Casinos. They wonder if it is safe to gamble real money online and if they have any recourse if a Casino tries to “stiff” them out of their winnings. First, it is absolutely natural to be worried about any online service, in particular when financial
transactions are involved. The majority of online Casinos, however, are legitimate businesses run by large corporations and in some cases even national governments. They want to attract and keep clientele and avoid a reputation for shady dealings. Do your homework. Most reputable online gambling sites are members of the e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance, or eCOGRA, which holds virtual casinos to high ethical standards. You can also access lists of the best-reviewed gambling sites as well as sites with tarnished reputations that may indeed be illegitimate.
Read the Terms and Conditions
Sometimes a dispute over payouts or charges comes about through a misunderstanding of actual policies. It’s all fair play and you can win considerable sums of money, but make sure you know the rules of the game before you bet. For example, sometimes progressive jackpot wins can exceed a withdrawal limit. At other times, the software might be malfunctioning or the casino might be closed for business in the host country on the day of your wager. Understanding the terms and conditions will also help you build your case if you have a legitimate dispute. Cashing Out in an Online Casino
Contact Customer Service as Soon as Possible
As soon as you find a valid issue, organize all the details and contact site support. Most online gaming sites actually have a “live chat” service, so you should be able to reach a customer service representative right away. Just like in any other business, it is in the interest of the online casinos to keep their customers happy and resolve issues promptly. Always keep a record of whom you spoke to when you spoke to them, and precisely what transpired. It is also a good idea to follow up in writing. The more solid evidence you have to support your case the more easily it will be resolved.
If All Else Fails
If you have been ripped off by an online casino and the issue is not being satisfied through regular channels, you can move on to the next step which is an adjudication. If the online casino has an eCOGRA seal, then you can turn to eCOGRA as an adjudicator. You can also contact the gaming authority which has jurisdiction over the location where the casino has been licensed. Public gaming forums can also be a good resource to find out if other players have had similar complaints with the site in question.
There is Help Available
Of course, it is possible to lose money gambling, it’s all part of the thrill. But online gambling sites are not out to steal your money. There are systems in place to protect players. If you do find yourself questioning the actions of an online casino, you can find support.
