# What should you do if an online casino will not pay?

Canonical HTML: [What should you do if an online casino will not pay?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/what-to-do-if-a-casino-will-not-pay/)

Published: 2026-10-30
Updated: 2026-10-30
Publisher: HowToCasino
Language: en-GB
Topic: Deposits & withdrawals

## The short answer

Identify the exact balance, withdrawal or game settlement being disputed, then preserve the relevant records and complain to the responsible operator through its published procedure. Ask for a specific explanation, calculation and complaint reference. In Great Britain, an unresolved gambling-transaction dispute can go to the operator’s named independent ADR service after the internal process reaches its final position or the applicable eight-week period ends. ADR is free to the customer, but referral does not guarantee repayment. A pending withdrawal, removed bonus and missing bank payment need different evidence.

![An invented £150 withdrawal request is divided into £60 actually received and £90 unpaid. A separate £30 available account balance is outside that withdrawal request.](https://howtocasino.uk/illustrations/unpaid-withdrawal-claim-ledger.png)

Fictional cash ledger: £150 reserved withdrawal = £60 received + £90 unpaid on that request. A separate £30 available balance is not part of that £90 claim. This illustration does not establish that any real amount is due or guarantee recovery.

## Is the money pending, declined, removed or already sent?

Start with the transaction rather than a broad claim that the casino has not paid. An account screen can show available cash, bonus credit and money reserved for a withdrawal at the same time. A declined request can put money back into the available balance without resolving the original reason for rejection.

| Recorded state | Question to resolve |
| --- | --- |
| Available own-money balance; no request made | What is available and what verified withdrawal route is supported? |
| Request pending operator action | Which step, explanation or reasonable information request remains outstanding? |
| Approved or sent; not received | Was payment actually sent, when, by which method and with what trace reference? |
| Request declined; money back in account | Why was the request rejected, and what supported route or correction is required? |
| Winnings voided or balance removed | Which accepted round, policy version and calculation justify the change? |
| Partial payment or proposed settlement | What remains disputed, and is there a full-and-final condition? |

An approved label alone does not prove receipt by a bank or wallet. Equally, an unprocessed request does not by itself prove confiscation or fraud. Our [withdrawal-stages guide](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/why-do-casino-withdrawals-take-time/index.md) explains processing and receiving-provider stages; this article deals with a discrepancy that needs a complaint.

Keep own deposits and deposit-derived winnings distinct from promotional money. UKGC guidance protects access to the deposit balance even with an active bonus, subject to general regulatory obligations; bonus wagering cannot simply be imposed on that pot. Fair, transparent terms may permit direct-cost processing charges and reasonable size or number limits for withdrawals smaller than the full deposit balance. Not every displayed balance is unrestricted cash.

Do not deposit or gamble more simply to make a disputed balance appear withdrawable. If the issue is removal of promotional funds, preserve the accepted offer and use the [bonus-cancellation guide](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/why-was-my-casino-bonus-cancelled/index.md) alongside the payment records.

Sources:

- [How to complain about a gambling business](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/how-to-complain) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: section 5, ADR requirements](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/5-adr-requirements) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Restrictions on withdrawing deposit and deposit winnings](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/restrictions-on-withdrawing-deposit-and-deposit-winnings) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.

## How do you calculate the amount still unpaid?

Use the original request, actual receipts and balance changes. Do not add a reserved withdrawal to an available balance if the same money is already included, and do not count a returned stake twice. A game return may include the stake; a pending withdrawal is not an additional win.

Here is a fictional all-cash example with no bonus, fee, other transaction or disputed game result. Opening cash is £100. A £50 deposit takes it to £150; a £10 wager reduces it to £140; a £40 total game return takes it to £180. The net result of that wager is +£30, because the £40 return includes the £10 staked.

| Subsequent event | Amount and state |
| --- | --- |
| Withdrawal request reserved | £150 leaves the available pot and enters the pending request |
| Cash left available | £30, separate from the reserved £150 |
| Payment actually received | £60 of the £150 request |
| Unpaid on that request | £150 − £60 = £90 |
| Separate remaining account question | The £30 available balance, if independently disputed |

The unpaid part of the original request is £90, not £120 or £150. If the separate £30 is also inaccessible, identify that as a separate balance issue rather than silently enlarging the withdrawal reference. The combined unpaid request and separate balance are £120 in this invented example, but the records alone do not establish an entitlement in a real case.

Preserve the wording attached to a payment. IBAS distinguishes collecting an undisputed part from agreeing a full-and-final settlement. Do not assume that every partial receipt waives the rest, or that a full-and-final condition can safely be ignored. If the proposed agreement is unclear or significant, seek independent advice before agreeing to it.

Sources:

- [How to complain about a gambling business](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/how-to-complain) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [IBAS Consumer FAQs](https://ibas-uk.com/consumer-faq/) — Independent Betting Adjudication Service. Checked 2026-10-30.

## What should a clear casino complaint contain?

Confirm the exact website and legal operator. Follow the complaint channels published for that service, which may differ from a physical casino’s procedure. A general message to an unrelated group brand or a public review is not a reliable substitute. Our [licence-check guide](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-to-check-casino-licence/index.md) helps where the responsible entity is unclear.

- Account identifier and withdrawal/round references, sent only through the verified private process.
- A dated chronology: request, first complaint, material replies, information requests and actual receipts.
- The amount and money category: own cash, deposit-derived winnings, bonus credit or a disputed game settlement.
- Relevant account history, payment evidence and the applicable terms or offer version.
- The precise decision or missing credit disputed, and the explanation or correction requested.
- The complaint reference, recorded first-received date and written final position when available.

Ask which clause and version were applied, how the amount was calculated and what remains outstanding. A term appearing in today’s policy does not by itself establish that it governed the transaction or was fair. The current fair-terms condition requires transparent, fair terms and compliance with them.

If checks are cited, identify the specific outstanding request and respond promptly through verified channels. The [identity condition](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/why-do-casinos-ask-for-id/index.md) does not permit a withdrawal to trigger information that could reasonably have been requested earlier, but information required then by another legal obligation can still be sought. Some legal investigation details may not be disclosable. Do not assume all later checks are unlawful.

> **Adapt this complaint outline**
>
> I am complaining about withdrawal [reference], requested on [date] for £[amount]. I have received £[received], leaving £[remaining] unpaid on that request. The specific issue is [decision or missing payment]. Please explain the status, relevant clause/version and calculation, identify any outstanding information request, and confirm the complaint reference and first-received date. If this is your final response, please identify the relevant independent ADR route.

Keep originals and send relevant copies in the format requested. Redact unrelated financial activity where appropriate without obscuring evidence the recipient reasonably needs. Do not post passwords, identity documents, full payment details or unredacted account records publicly. HowToCasino does not receive your account evidence or act as a claims handler.

Sources:

- [How to complain about a gambling business](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/how-to-complain) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: section 3, Complaints handling requirements](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/3-complaints-handling-requirements) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [7.1.1 Fair and transparent terms and practices](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/7-1-1-fair-and-transparent-terms-and-practices) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [LCCP 17.1.1: customer identity verification](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/17-1-1-customer-identity-verification) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Key issues and expectations concerning account withdrawals](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/blog/post/key-issues-and-our-expectations-concerning-account-withdrawals) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.

## When does the eight-week complaint period start?

The overall process runs from when the business first receives the complaint, not automatically from the withdrawal request. A complaint can be spoken or written dissatisfaction about licensed activity; it does not become one only when a later email uses the word formal. Preserve earlier chat or email and ask for the recorded receipt date. A routine status enquiry and a complaint are not necessarily the same message.

| Event | Effect on the process |
| --- | --- |
| Business first receives the complaint | Starts the overall complaint period |
| Internal referral to another team | Remains within that overall process; not eight fresh weeks |
| Reasonable request with delayed customer engagement | An appropriate pause may apply; ask for dates and reason |
| Customer resumes cooperation after a valid pause | Clock continues from where it stopped |
| Earlier final response or deadlock | Can complete the internal process before eight weeks |
| Applicable eight-week period expires unresolved | The ADR referral route becomes relevant without waiting indefinitely for a new internal stage |

UKGC guidance permits appropriate pauses for delayed engagement with a reasonable information request. Its seven-day non-response example is not a universal automatic stop rule. Nor does every operator information request restart the clock. Keep the request, your response and any stated pause dates so the timeline can be checked.

The eight weeks concerns complaint handling. It is not a normal withdrawal-processing allowance, a promise that money will arrive on day 56 or the time in which ADR must decide the case. An earlier final position can allow referral; a missing deadlock letter does not erase the separate route after the applicable overall period ends.

Sources:

- [6.1.1 Complaints and disputes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/6-1-1-complaints-and-disputes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: section 2, Defining complaints and disputes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/2-defining-complaints-and-disputes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: time limits and escalation](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/4-time-limits-and-escalation-of-complaints) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: section 3, Complaints handling requirements](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/3-complaints-handling-requirements) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.

## What can the named independent ADR service consider?

Use the independent ADR service named in the operator’s current complaint procedure. The covered licensee must provide a free customer route for unresolved disputes. The provider checks whether the case falls within its procedure, whether the internal route is complete and what evidence is needed. Referral is not a decision that the customer is owed money.

A dispute over an accepted transaction, retained balance or applicable terms can be different from dissatisfaction with service or a refusal to accept future custom. For example, a closed account can still have a disputed retained balance; closure alone does not answer whether the financial dispute is eligible.

1. Locate the named provider through the verified operator procedure and check that provider’s current submission rules.
2. Supply the final response or the relevant complaint chronology, plus the clearly defined transaction and amount.
3. Include the applicable terms, calculation, records and earlier replies rather than only a general accusation.
4. Respond to reasonable case-file requests and read the procedure for outcomes, binding effects and any available appeal.

Provider requirements differ. A customer-agreed resolution can be binding, and IBAS says it does not itself guarantee payment. Do not treat a referral, proposed settlement or provider decision as an automatic bank transfer. Read the exact effect of the outcome before agreeing to a full-and-final resolution.

If a provider declines the case, ask for its scope or eligibility reason and any stated review route. Do not send the same sensitive records to unrelated intermediaries merely because they promise recovery. For court action or a significant settlement, obtain independent legal advice about the actual facts and jurisdiction.

Sources:

- [6.1.1 Complaints and disputes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/6-1-1-complaints-and-disputes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Taking a complaint to an ADR provider: updated 15 May 2026](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/taking-your-complaint-to-an-alternative-dispute-resolution-adr-provider) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: section 5, ADR requirements](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/5-adr-requirements) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [What IBAS does not cover](https://ibas-uk.com/what-ibas-does-not-cover/) — Independent Betting Adjudication Service. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [IBAS Consumer FAQs](https://ibas-uk.com/consumer-faq/) — Independent Betting Adjudication Service. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [ADR Policies and Procedures for Assistance](https://ecogra.org/adr-policies-and-procedures-for-assistance/) — eCOGRA. Checked 2026-10-30.

## Should you report the casino to the Gambling Commission?

Regulatory reporting and recovery of an individual payment are different processes. The Gambling Commission says it cannot decide individual gambling-transaction complaints or get money back for a customer. Relevant information may inform regulatory work, but reporting does not replace the operator and appropriate ADR route.

Be precise about the allegation. An unexplained withdrawal does not alone establish a rigged game, and a losing sequence does not prove money was withheld. Where the amount itself depends on a disputed round, preserve the accepted bet, result and settlement evidence; our [fairness guide](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/are-online-casinos-rigged/index.md) explains those distinctions.

The practical next step is a clear record: which transaction, which amount, which decision, when first complained about, and what response remains missing. Keep support and complaint correspondence without placing another wager to test whether the problem repeats. A general guide cannot determine whether a particular withholding is justified or promise a recovery.

Sources:

- [Why UKGC cannot resolve individual complaints or recover money](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/contact-us/guide/page/why-we-cant-resolve-individual-complaints) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [6.1.1 Complaints and disputes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/6-1-1-complaints-and-disputes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [How to complain about a gambling business](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/how-to-complain) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.

## Related questions

### Must I wait eight weeks before making a complaint?

No. Complain through the published procedure when there is a specific unresolved issue. Eight weeks is the overall internal complaint-handling period before the referral requirement applies, with relevant cooperation and pause qualifications; it is not a waiting period before complaining.

Sources:

- [6.1.1 Complaints and disputes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/6-1-1-complaints-and-disputes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: time limits and escalation](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/4-time-limits-and-escalation-of-complaints) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.

### Does the clock start when I request a withdrawal?

Only if that event is also when the business receives the complaint. Otherwise, identify the first actual complaint and preserve its receipt record. An internal escalation or later formal email does not automatically start a new period.

Sources:

- [Complaints and disputes: section 2, Defining complaints and disputes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/2-defining-complaints-and-disputes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: time limits and escalation](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/4-time-limits-and-escalation-of-complaints) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.

### Can the casino request documents after a withdrawal?

Some requests can be required by another legal obligation at that time. But the identity condition says a withdrawal must not trigger additional information that could reasonably have been requested earlier. Ask what is outstanding and use verified submission channels.

Sources:

- [LCCP 17.1.1: customer identity verification](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/17-1-1-customer-identity-verification) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.

### Can I take an undisputed partial payment and challenge the rest?

IBAS distinguishes an undisputed part from an agreed full-and-final settlement. Preserve the wording and make the continuing dispute clear. Do not assume that every receipt waives rights or that a settlement agreement has no effect.

Sources:

- [IBAS Consumer FAQs](https://ibas-uk.com/consumer-faq/) — Independent Betting Adjudication Service. Checked 2026-10-30.

### Does a closed account make a payment complaint ineligible for ADR?

Not necessarily. Refusal of future custom differs from a dispute about an accepted transaction or retained balance. The named provider assesses the particular complaint under its current scope and procedure.

Sources:

- [What IBAS does not cover](https://ibas-uk.com/what-ibas-does-not-cover/) — Independent Betting Adjudication Service. Checked 2026-10-30.

### Will the Gambling Commission recover my winnings?

It says it cannot resolve individual gambling-transaction complaints or get money back. Complain to the business first and use the appropriate independent dispute route where eligible. Reporting a regulatory concern is separate.

Sources:

- [Why UKGC cannot resolve individual complaints or recover money](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/contact-us/guide/page/why-we-cant-resolve-individual-complaints) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.

## Sources and checks

- [How to complain about a gambling business](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/how-to-complain) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: section 5, ADR requirements](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/5-adr-requirements) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Restrictions on withdrawing deposit and deposit winnings](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/restrictions-on-withdrawing-deposit-and-deposit-winnings) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [IBAS Consumer FAQs](https://ibas-uk.com/consumer-faq/) — Independent Betting Adjudication Service. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: section 3, Complaints handling requirements](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/3-complaints-handling-requirements) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [7.1.1 Fair and transparent terms and practices](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/7-1-1-fair-and-transparent-terms-and-practices) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [LCCP 17.1.1: customer identity verification](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/17-1-1-customer-identity-verification) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Key issues and expectations concerning account withdrawals](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/blog/post/key-issues-and-our-expectations-concerning-account-withdrawals) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [6.1.1 Complaints and disputes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/6-1-1-complaints-and-disputes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: section 2, Defining complaints and disputes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/2-defining-complaints-and-disputes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Complaints and disputes: time limits and escalation](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/complaints-and-disputes-procedural-information-provision-and-reporting/4-time-limits-and-escalation-of-complaints) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Taking a complaint to an ADR provider: updated 15 May 2026](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/taking-your-complaint-to-an-alternative-dispute-resolution-adr-provider) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [What IBAS does not cover](https://ibas-uk.com/what-ibas-does-not-cover/) — Independent Betting Adjudication Service. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [ADR Policies and Procedures for Assistance](https://ecogra.org/adr-policies-and-procedures-for-assistance/) — eCOGRA. Checked 2026-10-30.
- [Why UKGC cannot resolve individual complaints or recover money](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/contact-us/guide/page/why-we-cant-resolve-individual-complaints) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-10-30.

## Keep exploring

- [Why do casino withdrawals take time?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/why-do-casino-withdrawals-take-time/index.md)

- [Why do UK casinos ask for ID?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/why-do-casinos-ask-for-id/index.md)

- [Why was my casino bonus cancelled?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/why-was-my-casino-bonus-cancelled/index.md)

- [How do you check if an online casino is legitimate in the UK?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-to-check-casino-licence/index.md)

- [Are online casinos rigged, and what evidence can you check?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/are-online-casinos-rigged/index.md)

- [What should you do if a slot game freezes or will not load?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/what-to-do-if-a-slot-game-freezes/index.md)

- [How do you close or delete a casino account?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-to-close-or-delete-a-casino-account/index.md)

- [What happens if an online casino closes?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/what-happens-if-an-online-casino-closes/index.md)

- [Can you get a casino refund or chargeback?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/casino-refunds-and-chargebacks/index.md)

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