Withdrawal Delays: A Common Issue for Players in the UK and Canada

Recently, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) revealed that the most frequent complaint they receive from players is about delayed withdrawals. This is a persistent issue that the regulator has been tackling for some time, but it continues to be a significant problem. British operators have been warned that such behavior won't be tolerated, yet the complaints keep coming.

The UKGC receives around 2,000 complaints about delayed withdrawals each year. While this number is small compared to the total number of completed withdrawals, it remains the top issue for players. A common tactic used by operators is to introduce friction through account verification processes.

Similar Issues in Canada

Canada faces the same problem, with many players experiencing delays when trying to withdraw their winnings. The root cause often lies in the same tactics used by operators in the UK, where additional verification steps are requested at the time of withdrawal rather than at the time of deposit.

UKGC's Stance and Recommendations

The UKGC has advised operators to change their terms and conditions to request player verification before any deposits are made. Misleading players to gain a commercial advantage will result in punishment. The UKGC has also noted that some operators use "regulatory requirements" as an excuse to delay withdrawals without providing further details.

The regulator insists that proper explanations must be given for why casinos request additional information, refuse to process payments, or void winnings. By requesting more information at the withdrawal stage, operators potentially break the rules, as they should have requested this information during the deposit stage.

Regulatory Reminders and AML Tools

The UKGC reminds operators that requesting additional verification when players wish to cash out is against the rules. For example, asking to verify a source of funds during a withdrawal request should be avoided. This practice should be conducted as part of anti-money laundering (AML) procedures when deposits are made, not when payments are requested.

Conclusion

Both the UK and Canada face significant issues with withdrawal delays, frustrating many players. Regulators in both countries are working to address these problems by enforcing stricter guidelines and holding operators accountable. The casinos in all countries are interested in slow withdrawals, so that the players can lose the money. We recommend checking the Players’ Recommended casinos on our website since these casinos are approved by players.