Casino blacklist

What gets a casino on our casino blacklist

A casino goes on our casino blacklist when we have documented, verifiable evidence of a serious problem that puts players’ money or rights at risk. These are our criteria:

• No verifiable licence: the regulator’s register does not list the licence the casino claims, the licence number or holder does not match, or the domain is not covered. A copied seal or an expired licence counts as no licence.
• Regulatory action: a regulator has revoked or suspended the licence, or has published a warning naming the site. The Malta Gaming Authority, for example, regularly publishes notices about websites that falsely claim to hold one of its licences.
• Unpaid winnings with evidence: a player has shown us documents, such as account history, correspondence and transaction records, of winnings withheld without a valid reason in the terms, and the case remains unresolved after the complaint route was followed.
• Unfair confiscation: winnings voided on the basis of terms that were hidden, changed after the event or applied in a way the wording does not support.
• Impersonation: a site that copies the name, design or licence details of another brand or regulator.
• Ignoring player protection: documented cases of a casino accepting deposits after a confirmed self-exclusion or account closure request.

A casino without a licence we can verify never receives a score; under our rating method it is placed here instead.

What evidence we need

We only blacklist a casino on evidence that a third party could check. Anonymous claims and forum posts are a starting point for research, never a reason on their own.

For licence cases, the regulator’s register is the evidence, and anyone can repeat the check with our licence checker or our guide on how to check a casino licence. For payment disputes, we need screenshots of the account and withdrawal history, the casino’s messages, the version of the terms in force at the time and any complaint reference. We contact the operator for a statement before publishing, and we record its answer or the fact that it did not reply.

What does not get a casino blacklisted

Problems that are frustrating but within the rules lower a casino’s score instead of putting it on the blacklist. The distinction keeps the blacklist meaningful.

• Slow withdrawals that are eventually paid in line with the terms.
• High wagering requirements, low cashout caps or strict maximum bet rules that are clearly stated.
• Accounts closed or limited in line with the published terms after a proper process.
• A casino not accepting players from your country.
• Losing sessions. Every casino game has a house edge, and losing is not evidence of a rigged game.

How a casino is removed from the blacklist

A casino leaves the blacklist when the reason no longer applies and we can verify that. For licence cases, that means an active licence in the regulator’s register covering the domain; for payment cases, confirmation from the player and evidence that the money was paid. We note the date of removal, and the casino is then reviewed and scored like any other.

If a casino owes you money

A formal complaint to the casino, followed by the dispute route its licence provides, is the fastest way to recover a withheld payout. Our guide on what to do when a casino is not paying sets out the steps, and the guide on how to file a complaint covers regulators and dispute bodies.

The route depends on the regulator. In Great Britain, a player who is not satisfied with the casino’s answer can take the complaint to an alternative dispute resolution provider after eight weeks; the UK Gambling Commission describes this as a free, independent service. A dispute over money can be stressful, and it is not a reason to deposit more in the hope of winning it back; if gambling is starting to feel like a problem, the help listed on our responsible gambling page is free and confidential.

Frequently asked questions

What is a casino blacklist?

A casino blacklist is a list of online casinos that a review site advises players to avoid, with the reason for each entry. On our site, a casino is blacklisted only for documented, verifiable problems: no licence in the regulator’s register, regulatory action, unpaid winnings with evidence, unfair confiscation, impersonation or ignored self-exclusion.

Is a casino safe if it is not on the blacklist?

Not automatically. We blacklist only cases we have documented, so a casino can be risky without appearing here yet. Before depositing anywhere, check the licence in the regulator’s register, read the withdrawal and bonus terms and look at the casino’s score and sub-scores in our directory. Those checks matter more than the absence of a blacklist entry.

How can I report a casino that has not paid me?

First complain formally to the casino and keep a record of every message. If that fails, use the regulator or dispute service named in the casino’s terms. You can then send us your case through the contact page with screenshots of your account history, the correspondence and the terms in force at the time.

Can a blacklisted casino be removed from the list?

Yes. A casino is removed when the reason for the entry no longer applies and we can verify it, for example an active licence confirmed in the regulator’s register or proof that a withheld payout was made. We record the removal date, and the casino is then reviewed and scored under the same rules as every other casino.

Why are there no casino names in the text on this page?

The text explains our criteria; the entries themselves appear in the list above, each with its reason and evidence. That way every accusation sits next to its documentation, the date and the operator’s response, so each case can be checked on its own merits.

Sources: Malta Gaming Authority notice on unauthorised URLs, UK Gambling Commission: taking your complaint to an ADR provider