Common Online Casino Withdrawal Problems and How to Avoid Them

Like you, I play online casino games for two reasons: for fun and to win money. Winning money isn’t my sole aim, but it’s a nice byproduct of matching slot symbols and hitting the right combination of cards.

Because money is part of the casino equation, I like to know that withdrawal requests are going to be processed in a timely manner. If they’re not, I want to know why. That’s where a bit of knowledge comes in handy.

Online casino withdrawal problems are rare, but they happen. So, in the interests of settling your mind and setting expectations, I want to talk about the reasons why payments get delayed. After that, I’ll show you what to do if an online casino won't pay.

Why an Online Casino May Reject a Withdrawal Request

Licensed US online casinos are legally obliged to honor all legitimate withdrawal requests. This means you’ll receive your money in almost all cases. I say almost because there are times when withdrawal requests are delayed or denied.

Don’t worry. An online casino not paying out is rare if you haven’t done anything wrong. However, as it is in life, things aren’t always perfect. Online casino withdrawal problems can happen, and they can happen for a variety of reasons.

In most cases, it’s down to user error. Other times, there’s a technical problem. Because of this, I’ve split my list of casino withdrawal problems into two categories:

User Error

The three most common user mistakes that lead to an online casino not paying out are:

1. Requesting an Incorrect Withdrawal Amount

The most common casino withdrawal problem I’ve seen people talk about on forums over the last two decades is a simple calculation error. By that, I mean people’s requests don’t meet a casino’s minimum withdrawal limit, or they’re asking to cash out more than their balance.

In most cases, requests that don’t meet the minimum requirement are flagged instantly. The same goes for requests for more than the value of your account balance. The problem comes when players aren’t paying attention.

It’s easy to open the cashier page, enter an amount, and tap “withdraw.” Because it’s a simple process, people often lose focus and take it for granted that their request has been accepted. It’s not until a few days later, when the money hasn’t arrived, that they check their account history and realize the request wasn’t accepted.

2. Breaking a Casino’s Terms and Conditions

Failing to comply with a casino’s terms and conditions is another user error that causes cashout requests to be denied. In most cases, people try to withdraw with an active bonus. Doing this forfeits the bonus, so it doesn’t necessarily prevent a withdrawal from going through. It can, however, delay the process.

The condition that will stop an online casino from paying out is cheating. This is a broad term, but it ultimately comes down to acting in a way that compromises the integrity of the casino’s ecosystem. For example, using software that exploits a casino’s RNG is regarded as cheating.

Anyone found to be in breach of a casino’s rules will not only have their withdrawal canceled but, in most cases, their account closed.

3. Using Offshore or Unlicensed Online Casinos

The final user-based error that causes online casino withdrawal problems is poor site selection. Specifically, if you use offshore or unlicensed casinos. These casinos aren’t regulated by US authorities, which, technically, means they’re illegal.

The fact that they’re not licensed in the US (or at all) means they’re not subject to the same regulations as BetMGM et al. Using them puts you at risk of having money locked up for months or, at worst, stolen. Because they’re based outside the country, US authorities can’t help you get your money back.

Technical Problems

The common technical issues that cause an online casino not to pay out are:

1. Software Issues

All websites and mobile apps are susceptible to cyberattacks. Although the top US online casinos have excellent security protocols that prevent the majority of attacks, they’re not invulnerable.

Criminals intent on causing trouble will stop at nothing. If they decide to target an online casino, there’s a small chance their attacks will be successful. DDoS attacks are the preferred method for criminals targeting gambling sites.

Most of the time, they’re unsuccessful. However, when they overwhelm an operator’s servers, it results in software issues, including slower loading times, pages crashing, and payments grinding to a halt.  

2. Payment Processor Issues

Sometimes, online casino withdrawal problems are the result of a communication error. These errors are the fault of payment processors such as Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and PayPal.

Although it doesn’t happen often, network disruption, often due to a hacking incident, forces processors to temporarily suspend their service.

This means an online casino operator can’t complete withdrawal requests. So, in this instance, it’s an online casino not paying out because of circumstances beyond its control.

3. KYC Problems

This problem could be classed as a user error, but I’ve put it into this category because it’s also a procedural issue. All licensed online casinos are required to conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.

As the name suggests, these checks help an operator verify a customer's identity and financial situation. The aim is to prevent fraud and criminal activity. It’s also a way of keeping you safe because it prevents someone from using your account illegally.

Basically, KYC checks are not only necessary but also an integral part of a casino’s security framework. The issue, however, is that newbies are often unaware of the KYC process. They submit an initial withdrawal request and, after a few days, get told it’s been declined.

Requests like these are declined because you can’t make withdrawals until the KYC process is complete. Incomplete checks happen because you’ve not submitted the necessary documents to verify your identity, or the validation process is ongoing (it can take a few days).

Either way, you’ll run into casino withdrawal problems if the KYC process hasn’t been completed. The good news is that this is a one-time problem. As soon as your identity has been verified, you don’t have to do it again.

How to Avoid Withdrawal Issues at Online Casinos

I’ve given you six reasons why your money might be locked up in an online casino. Knowing them is important, but it’s not enough. Before I show you what to do if an online casino won’t pay, here’s how to avoid problems in the first place:

Requesting an Incorrect Withdrawal Amount: The Solution

This one is an easy fix. Firstly, check the casino’s terms and conditions (or our reviews) to find out what the minimum withdrawal for each payment method is. Doing this also tells you how long it takes for requests to be processed.

The other thing you can do is check your account balance. Sometimes, there’s a slight delay in your balance being updated after you exit a game. Therefore, you shouldn’t assume the figure you see immediately after closing a game is your true account balance. Wait for a few moments to see how much you’ve got in your account before requesting a withdrawal.

Breaking a Casino’s Terms and Conditions: The Solution

You’re less likely to break the rules if you know what they are, so familiarize yourself with a casino’s terms before you start playing. After that, just be a responsible player who cares about the community you’re a part of.

Using Offshore or Unlicensed Online Casinos: The Solution

Don’t use offshore or unlicensed online casinos. It’s that simple. Avoid them, and you’ll avoid unnecessary online casino withdrawal problems.

Software Issues: The Solution

There’s not a lot you can do in these situations other than wait. You could use a different online casino for a while, but ultimately, you’ll have to be patient.

Payment Processor Issues: The Solution

The best US online casinos allow you to use a variety of different casino payment methods, including debit cards, eWallets, and bank transfers. If your preferred method is being temperamental, try a different one.

KYC Problems: The Solution

Make sure your registered details match your ID documents. Even small errors, such as entering an old address or a spelling mistake, can cause a delay in the KYC process. When this process is delayed, withdrawals are delayed.

Who to Contact if You Have Online Casino Withdrawal Problems

You can’t always avoid problems, no matter how hard you try. Fortunately, there’s a process you can follow when something goes wrong and you’re not sure why.

Here’s what to do if an online casino won’t pay:

1. Log in and open your account history file (this is usually located in the settings page or the cashier page).

2. Look through your recent transactions to see if your request has been processed. If not, look for any reasons why it might have been declined.

3. If there’s nothing in your account history that looks problematic, contact a member of the customer support team.

4. It’s best to use the live chat option to raise the issue, then follow up with an email. Provide as much detail as you can. Moreover, be truthful.

5. Wait for a resolution. This could take up to a week.

If the situation isn’t resolved in a timely or acceptable manner, contact the local gaming authority. For example, if you’re in New Jersey, contact the Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Regulators typically don’t act as mediators, but they will put you in touch with third-party dispute resolution agencies that investigate the case and provide a ruling. So, if you want help from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, they’ll put you in touch with the NJ Casino Control Commission.

Dispute resolution services are a last resort, but it’s worth knowing that there are independent organizations that can help when an online casino isn’t paying out.

Online Casino Withdrawal Problems Are Rare

I’ve only run into online casino withdrawal problems twice in the last 15 years. The first time, it was a mistake on my part. The second time was down to a technical issue. My point here is that an online casino not paying is rare.

Hopefully, you won’t need to use any of the information I’ve put in this guide. If you join reputable online casinos and play by the rules, you’ll receive your money in a timely manner. That being said, it’s always worth being informed, and now you know what to do if an online casino won’t pay.