Casino Complaint Casino Rewards won't refund my money.

Mr.Brindle

Banned User - bogus complaint - needs to quit gamb
Joined
Mar 25, 2015
Location
Warwick
Hello people, I'm at my wits end.

My brother has a history of gambling problems, and opened an account with a Casino Rewards casino called Golden Tiger. He proceeded to take £250 from my card and gamble it, having looked into it now it offers "bonuses" for 5 deposits. Which is what happened, he took 5 sums from me and as such frittered it away. The casino has no secure transaction process such as Verified By Visa which I am registered with to stop such instances occurring. He ran up £12000 of debts and as such my family have spent the past 12 months paying his debts off, he's not allowed any form of bank account, driving licence or ID because he'll clearly just take it to get more money.

The situation is that they keep asking for his ID, I've tried everything I can, all we found was a library card from his college. The problem is our family is destitute and have nothing, I am the main money maker and have told this to their "risk management team" who keep making me run through hoop after hoop asking for his ID. I have no possible way of getting any ID as he is not allowed anything given his history of gambling.

I spent 45 minutes desperately on the phone, upset, angry and pleading with them to try and see it from my perspective. To say "annabelle" couldn't care less would be an understatement. It's very easy for them to help me out, we have no money and he is the reason.

I need help getting my money back, and am feeling low, the kind of low where youre thinking about doing something stupid because it's not worth going on in this state.

Mr. Brindle
 
Please contact the forum rep. Go HERE, look to the left to find Send Private Message. Give Renee the pertinent details. Be polite. Be patient. It will be weekend soon so I suggest sooner is better. If you have not had a reply by Monday, let Casinomeister know the rep is out to lunch.

Edited to add: I forgot to suggest... Please be honest with the rep, or the hole you're in will only get deeper.
 
My brother has a history of gambling problems, and opened an account with a Casino Rewards casino called Golden Tiger. He proceeded to take £250 from my card and gamble it, having looked into it now it offers "bonuses" for 5 deposits. Which is what happened, he took 5 sums from me and as such frittered it away. The casino has no secure transaction process such as Verified By Visa which I am registered with to stop such instances occurring. He ran up £12000 of debts and as such my family have spent the past 12 months paying his debts off, he's not allowed any form of bank account, driving licence or ID because he'll clearly just take it to get more money.
OK, from what you posted here come some fairly obvious questions:

1. If you knew he had a gambling problem, why did you let him get hold of your card?
2. When he registered the casino account, did he use his OWN name and address, or yours?
3. When you say "He ran up £12,000 of debts", are you saying that's how much he lost at Golden Tiger? Or were most of those debts from earlier gambling?
4. If from earlier debts, how much did he actually lose at Golden Tiger, and when exactly.

KK
 
hmm call me a skeptic but something does not sound right here. As KK said was the 12k what was lost ? or 250 ? If what you are saying is true then it is a clear cut case of fraud and no doubt the casino could consider this as a police matter. I could be wrong on this but if I am not and what you are saying is bull in an attempt to get money back that was lost then you could be digging a deep hole for yourself.
 
Yeah sounds quite fishy to me too. Everyone is supposed to have an ID at least. Doesn't matter if they have a gambling problem or not...taking away someone's ID for that purpose...yeah it really sounds weird to say at least. I'm guessing this "brother" doesn't exist at all...just using this excuse to get the lost money back. But I might be wrong too! I hope I am!
 
report the charges as fraud at the bank downside is your bro will get charged some banks refund some money just ask your bank to block any transfers they should of alerted you about the payments if it was not normal for you to gamble on a regular basis
 
Over the years there have been many posts from new members with wayward relatives who have "gambling addictions" resulting in losses to the OP's credit card(s). It is a very sad circumstance and we all probably feel terrible for the poster (if the story as told is true). We just have to see how it plays out and how the OP handles the situation.
 
Hi there.

OK, from what you posted here come some fairly obvious questions:

1. If you knew he had a gambling problem, why did you let him get hold of your card?
2. When he registered the casino account, did he use his OWN name and address, or yours?
3. When you say "He ran up £12,000 of debts", are you saying that's how much he lost at Golden Tiger? Or were most of those debts from earlier gambling?
4. If from earlier debts, how much did he actually lose at Golden Tiger, and when exactly.

KK

Hi there.

What he did was he used to have his own cards, accounts etc. and he ran up the debt of £12000 at bookies, online and via phone betting. So my parents took everything off him and he went through a system with GamCare to help him. He has since lapsed.

On the 19th while I was at work he rummaged round my room and found my cards, coupons and keepsakes. He then went on the family pc and proceeded to gamble £250 at Casino Rewards. We're not sure how he got through the web filters I put in place but when he's desperate he's desperate. He tried to spend at several well known UK casinos with my name but I've already joined and self excluded or I have Verified By Visa which stops transactions online with their security passcodes and memorable words.

I hope this is clearing things up. You all worryingly sound skeptical and have to understand my plight.

Mr. Brindle
 
Okay I am confused, At first it sounded like he signed up using his own name and used your card but then from your last post it looks like he signed up in your name since you said you had self exclufed from other casinos.

The reason people sound sceptical on here is because they here this all the time and most times it turnes out to be lies.

I will take your word tho but it confuses me why the casino needs his ID if he used your name.

Anyway if you really need the money back the only way to guarantee that is to go to bank and police and report your brother for fraud. Get him charged and you will get money returned. By going to casino you have already informed them so if they did return deposits they would treat it as fraud and inform relevant authorities anyway.

Sorry but if you want your money back your brother needs charged with theft. If you don't want that happening then you needed to write off the money which might be too late now.
 
... He ran up £12000 of debts and as such my family have spent the past 12 months paying his debts off, he's not allowed any form of bank account, driving licence or ID because he'll clearly just take it to get more money....

...I have no possible way of getting any ID as he is not allowed anything given his history of gambling...
He's not allowed to have an ID because of his gambling history? Who makes that determination? You're in the UK, right? What government agency has a policy that problem gamblers are not issued passport, drivers licenses, etc.?

Or perhaps I've misunderstood you.

I'm looking forward to the casino rep's take on this.
 
You've misunderstood me.

He's not allowed to have an ID because of his gambling history? Who makes that determination? You're in the UK, right? What government agency has a policy that problem gamblers are not issued passport, drivers licenses, etc.?

Or perhaps I've misunderstood you.

I'm looking forward to the casino rep's take on this.

You have misunderstood me sir.

It's not a case of the government etc. it's a case of my family not trusting him, because of the debt. He won't get a driving licence because he can't afford one, and can't afford the lessons. My parents are very strict on the situation in that if he were to get a bank account, he'll surely do the same situation over again, landing us in more debt. So for best case scenario, he's not allowed them.

You can't get a bank account without documents, you can't get a driving licence without money. He has none of this with my parents being the reason. It's a matter of trust.

Mr. Brindle
 
Why are the family paying off his debts if it has rendered them destitute?

If the situation is THAT bad, maybe a better idea would be for the brother to get help with arranging an agreement with his creditors. It's the brother that owes the money, and if he has nothing, there is nothing much that creditors can do to recover the debt. Eventually, they will be forced to write it all off, and after 6 years or so his credit history should no longer show these unsatisfied debts, and he can start to rebuild his life again, hopefully steering clear of any form of gambling.

It may be better for him if the family do NOT bail him out, which will force him to really understand the scale of his problem. Stick to the essentials, feed and clothe him, and keep a roof over his head, but do NOT pay his debts for him where they are "unsecured", as there is nothing the creditors can do about it.

As for the home, don't rely on filters, make sure that it's impossible for him to find enough information through "rummaging" when you are away to use any of your own financial accounts for his gambling. Also, use the CIFAS system to place a marker on your credit file that should make it next to impossible for your brother to get credit in your name (which could be his next move in a time of desperation, if he has not already tried this).

It seems surprising that despite his problems, you left a valid card just lying around where he could get hold of it rather than taking them all with you, or locking them away and taking the key with you.
 
Why are the family paying off his debts if it has rendered them destitute?

If the situation is THAT bad, maybe a better idea would be for the brother to get help with arranging an agreement with his creditors. It's the brother that owes the money, and if he has nothing, there is nothing much that creditors can do to recover the debt. Eventually, they will be forced to write it all off, and after 6 years or so his credit history should no longer show these unsatisfied debts, and he can start to rebuild his life again, hopefully steering clear of any form of gambling.

It may be better for him if the family do NOT bail him out, which will force him to really understand the scale of his problem. Stick to the essentials, feed and clothe him, and keep a roof over his head, but do NOT pay his debts for him where they are "unsecured", as there is nothing the creditors can do about it.

As for the home, don't rely on filters, make sure that it's impossible for him to find enough information through "rummaging" when you are away to use any of your own financial accounts for his gambling. Also, use the CIFAS system to place a marker on your credit file that should make it next to impossible for your brother to get credit in your name (which could be his next move in a time of desperation, if he has not already tried this).

It seems surprising that despite his problems, you left a valid card just lying around where he could get hold of it rather than taking them all with you, or locking them away and taking the key with you.

I didn't leave it lying around sir. It was hidden and he went rummaging around as I stated earlier.

Essentially what everyone seems to be suggesting is to shut him out and let him deal with the debt, which he is by way of the income support he gets paid into my parents account. He is responsible for his debts, just not into his own accounts.

I think unless a rep can help me I should write this off as my fault and work a bit harder and longer to earn more money.

Mr. Brindle.
 
I didn't leave it lying around sir. It was hidden and he went rummaging around as I stated earlier.

Essentially what everyone seems to be suggesting is to shut him out and let him deal with the debt, which he is by way of the income support he gets paid into my parents account. He is responsible for his debts, just not into his own accounts.

I think unless a rep can help me I should write this off as my fault and work a bit harder and longer to earn more money.

Mr. Brindle.

Not hidden well enough. Maybe you didn't understand what you were letting yourself into. When an addiction takes hold, the normal boundaries of acceptable behaviour can be bent or broken. It does not matter how well hidden a means of payment is, an addict WILL go rummaging around given the time and opportunity.

You also said originally:-

He ran up £12000 of debts and as such my family have spent the past 12 months paying his debts off, he's not allowed any form of bank account, driving licence or ID because he'll clearly just take it to get more money.

Given his situation, he will need more than ID in order to get more credit, and in fact would not need ANY ID in many cases as such things tend to be assessed using databases, not presentation of ID. In his case, this database will be his credit file, which will now show some £12,000 of overdue debts. No amount of ID is going to get him a loan or credit card from any reputable lender. If there is a danger, it would be from the "grey" lenders, such as loan sharks and payday loans who do not routinely run credit checks. It's possible to get both without ID, and if he knows any of your bank details, he will just have to give them to whoever he manages to get a loan from.

If he is prepared to rummage around, find, and use your card, there is a significant risk that now that you have stopped this avenue, he will look for another.

One possible step you could take is to sign up at every casino that might accept your brother and then self exclude for life. This should block him from signing up under your name, and also it should raise a red flag if he signs up using your address, but his own name.
 
So let me get this straight, your brother is not allowed to have any money or ID? Does he work? You make it sound like he's some kind of prisoner to your whims.

My skepticism says that you are not being truthful with us. I am pretty sure that it's you who has racked up a gambling debt and are hoping to get a public reaction in order to get the casino to give you back your funds.

If it's this bad, why not call the police?
 
I seriously wish you all the best in getting this sorted somehow at least partly if not wholly in your favour.

However (and I apologise for being blunt) I can see no fault at the casinos end.

From what I've read the problem is your end, I do offer my sympathies but I think keeping the card with you, cancelling card with bank and ordering new one (so new 16 digit no is issued and not linked to any casinos) is what needs to be done as the first step.

Strong PC log on password, Casino log in passwords, router pass codes etc, I'm far from an expert at this sort of thing but I think If you 'get your heads together' with family etc you can solve this problem more or less yourselves.
 
You have misunderstood me sir.

It's not a case of the government etc. it's a case of my family not trusting him, because of the debt. He won't get a driving licence because he can't afford one, and can't afford the lessons. My parents are very strict on the situation in that if he were to get a bank account, he'll surely do the same situation over again, landing us in more debt. So for best case scenario, he's not allowed them.

You can't get a bank account without documents, you can't get a driving licence without money. He has none of this with my parents being the reason. It's a matter of trust.

Mr. Brindle


Is your 'brother' underage? If of age to gamble, open a bank account, etc., then I can't see how you or your family would be held responsible for his debts.

You must pardon our questions if they seem rather intrusive but most of us have seen same/similar situations posted here many many times over the years and you did come here asking for help.
 
Thanks everyone. I get the point.

Thank you everyone for your words, whether skeptical or supportive.

I thought I'd come onto a forum as I've not been in a situation like this for some time and wanted people's opinions.

I think in general or to sum up I have to chalk this one up to being my fault for putting my finances in a situation whereas they can be got to stupidly. It's my fault and I'll take the losses on the chin and put some extra hours in at work. You've been both helpful and informative. I did think the only situation was to as I said earlier and this has helped reinforce that, thank you all.

Mr. Brindle
 
As you understand, many raise doubt about your story.

If youre telling the truth, i dont see why the casino would pay you back. But if they are willing to do it, they could compare the playing pattern of you and your brother, to conclude youre telling the truth.
 
ideas

lock off the internet any computer or phone net for starters the only way i see you getting any financial outcome from this is if you charge him witch is a crap thing to do but you may get some funds back
once this is sorted out or hits a dead end change all family banks passwords and have no credit cards at all leave no cash about not even store cards think of it as a addiction to drugs anything can be used traded or sold "in uk english terms"down the high street for a few pounds
software on a pc wont stop determination but locking a pc from bios can stop use and having a wifi password changed weekly will help .
you may need the following things

proof you where not using your own cards yourself a work pay slip with a time you where there when the cards where used online. or other items like that
the big prob your going to have is proving it was not you. as there are dodgy people out there who pull this kind of thing on casinos."im not saying you are one of those" it has to be looked at from many points of view by many for a solution . good luck.... randomiam
 
Being in the UK the OP's story does add-up and does make sense regarding ID and bank accounts. Verified by Visa is a good protection for CNP transactions (cardholder not present) and I use it myself. I must say though that SOME casinos do not use the VBV system (like Grosvenor, Sky Vegas and Virgin to name but a few) and my transactions always go through in an instant.
So, if anyone had my card or simply a note of my card details and security code then they could deposit easily at many sites.

I fully believe the part about the deposit going through without VBV at CR. The point is, did his brother do it (when all the winnings would have come back to the OP if he withdrew....) or did the OP do it, then use the fact that CR don't use VBV as a get-out when he lost?? This is why some cynicism is present in responses here.

I could believe the bit about a driving license - it is expensive if you're on benefits and in debt you wouldn't have the money spare to get a provisional. The bit I don't get is that hitherto he must have had some form of ID because if he's an addicted online gambler he sure as hell would have been asked for it by now.....

And if you live as a family unit your brother would get no benefits anyway aside from contributions-based Jobseeker's Allowance which is yours irrespective of means or those you live with for 6 months if you've been in work for a period prior to losing a job. If he did get any income support it would be too tiny to service 12k of debt.

If he's no job and 12k of debt, get him to the nearest County Court for a bankruptcy. It won't affect you the OP.

The rep can't help you unless you get an Incident Number from the Police and report it as a crime. Then it would be for the BANK to refund you not the casino. Getting the Police involved may give him the kick up the arse he needs, as well as you getting your money back.
 
I have checked everything at gov. uk site and have no where found that he's not allowed to have a passport or driving license if he's got a problem with gambling, also if he has a birth certificiate (or u can get one for a tenner from local council where he was born) he can get a id card made

What you are saying is if true no gambler would ever have any ID as they all at some point bet a little more than they could afford(thankfully not happened to me yet but i believe at a certain time, everyone will gamble a tad more than they can afford)

Its a bit like saying, i'm an alcohlic so government wont give me passport or license

Only reason he wont have access to a passport is if he's currently charged with a crime and barred from leaving country in which case the police can confiscate the passport

Also even i think CR has verified by visa but even if they didnt, the supposed brother could have still made transactions as he had access to all ur details i-e dob, address etc

My best guess is you made a account, made 5 deposits to get a bonus and when u didn't get lucky u wanted your money back and have come up with a story that no sane person can believe(No driving license as he's a gambler)
 
You get it. You're clued up.

Being in the UK the OP's story does add-up and does make sense regarding ID and bank accounts. Verified by Visa is a good protection for CNP transactions (cardholder not present) and I use it myself. I must say though that SOME casinos do not use the VBV system (like Grosvenor, Sky Vegas and Virgin to name but a few) and my transactions always go through in an instant.
So, if anyone had my card or simply a note of my card details and security code then they could deposit easily at many sites.

I fully believe the part about the deposit going through without VBV at CR. The point is, did his brother do it (when all the winnings would have come back to the OP if he withdrew....) or did the OP do it, then use the fact that CR don't use VBV as a get-out when he lost?? This is why some cynicism is present in responses here.

I could believe the bit about a driving license - it is expensive if you're on benefits and in debt you wouldn't have the money spare to get a provisional. The bit I don't get is that hitherto he must have had some form of ID because if he's an addicted online gambler he sure as hell would have been asked for it by now.....

And if you live as a family unit your brother would get no benefits anyway aside from contributions-based Jobseeker's Allowance which is yours irrespective of means or those you live with for 6 months if you've been in work for a period prior to losing a job. If he did get any income support it would be too tiny to service 12k of debt.

If he's no job and 12k of debt, get him to the nearest County Court for a bankruptcy. It won't affect you the OP.

The rep can't help you unless you get an Incident Number from the Police and report it as a crime. Then it would be for the BANK to refund you not the casino. Getting the Police involved may give him the kick up the arse he needs, as well as you getting your money back.


You sir, you have just backed me up as best as anyone on here. I'll reiterate in that in this case I should have been more vigilant.

And whoever said he couldn't have a licence because of gambling is clearly misunderstanding the point.

The chain would go: get driving licence ( a form of ID ) thenhe can get a bank account with the ID. Cut the source and the problem will go away as temptation is not there.

I'm chalking this one up to being my fault. The bank can't help immediately because it's not covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Goods Act in the UK anyway. And I don't really want to point him in the direction of police, there's far worse crimes than a bit of money, like muggings and worse things.

This thread can be closed now as I have managed to come to a firm decision with the cooler heads here who seem helpful. Anyone I quoted is mainly the help.

Mr. Brindle.
 
NI card is not proof of identity.

Only one more thing to add to this. In uk you do not need photographic id to get a bank account. A birth certificate and proof of identity ie national insurance card and if he is on benefits proof of benefits etc. will suffice.

You are in some regards correct sir, although the NI card is not proof of identification as printed on the card. Anyway his benefits etc get paid into my parents bank. Wouldn't have the foggiest idea where his birth certificate etc is as we've moved many times over the years.

We'll sort it out and I'll chalk it up to plum stupidity. Again thanks for the input sir.

Mr. Brindle.
 

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