There's one pressing question in particular that I've often wanted an answer to: 'Will I ever get my money back once an iGaming platform has my money?'
Below, I will explain what I know about getting refunds from casinos.
Comprehending Refund Policies
It's not only iGaming platforms - we all know that when it comes to getting money back, some companies make it tricky to understand. They will take my money rapidly, but it's a different story when I want it back.
Most platforms are excellent - I can't deny that.
The bottom line is that there are guidelines on what to expect and the steps to follow if you want a refund.
It is easy to conclude that refunds are more common where there is an evident fault in a service. For example, there are instances when a transaction doesn't go through or problems with the game, and it's bound to return to me.
But one thing is for sure: these casino sites do not typically develop a refund policy merely because you have lost a handful of times in a row. Knowing the program-specific details of their policies is essential.
Bonus-Related Refunds
I have had bonuses, and I have used bonuses, and not all were simple. For some reasons and reasonable warrants, it happens that a bonus doesn't work out as you'd expected—perhaps you didn't pay careful attention to the wagering aspects or the rules were, well, rather nebulous. To my knowledge, it is pretty much impossible to get the money back from a bonus, redemption, or any form of reimbursement. I can't say don't try...but I wouldn't. I feel like it's a waste of time.
Still, if there is a concern regarding how a bonus was implemented, say, for example, you did not receive the bonus, most likely there is room for corrections.
Try to submit a complaint about an online casino bonus issue.
What Are the Chances of Getting a Refund Because of Technical Problems?
One of the only reasons I've ever personally requested a refund is because of some technical glitches.
I have been a victim of it. You are playing a title and suddenly, the game freezes, or your internet goes off. It's super annoying, especially when you are on a winning streak or at the height of play, and it crashes.
I have noticed most sites offer a refund or compensation if this is the case, but it depends on their investigation. If your battery dies, you probably won't get a refund. If their website crashes, you probably will. Most of the time, they examine whether the problem was on their side or it was on yours.
How About Chargebacks?
Chargebacks are where I can contact the bank or card issuer to try and get a refund.
Though this may appear like a quick fix, I promise you, it isn't. If you've ever dealt with getting a refund from the bank and asking them to refund a payment from another source, you'll know they ask you to contact the online company for a refund. Most of these sites have zero-tolerance policies against chargebacks, and even including chargebacks on the platform may lead to locking your account.
I have noticed a few people who managed to recover their funds this way, but in most cases, this is the last thing you want to do. You will want to think about it only after all the other options, like contacting customer service or negotiating a refund, have ceased and failed.
Essential Circumstances to Be pAware of
These are the three essential circumstances where I think you're most likely to get a refund:
- Technical Problems: I've already mentioned this, but whenever a platform freezes or anything happens with the website, they should give you your money back.
- Mistaken Deposits: It is not uncommon to sometimes deposit the wrong amount (I have), and in this event, it will be necessary to call customer service without delay. So long as you don't touch it, they should get your money back.
- Bonus Misunderstandings: If you were confused about how a bonus was credited or why some amount was nowhere to be seen, you sometimes get a settlement. I have had this happen if I haven't spent the bonus.
In any case, I'd always recommend you check the terms of the platform to see what conditions apply regarding receiving refunds. I wouldn't say it's easy to get a refund, so don't jump into anything and spend money you can't afford to lose. I'd also recommend checking out responsible gambling tools that are useful and available on GambleAware to keep yourself safe.
So, the short answer is yes. The long answer is it depends on what refund you're trying to get and why. Hopefully I've given you some good advice to stop you from missing out on money that's yours.