Yeah, exactly — I’ve always found it strange that even sites like Casino Guru don’t highlight these kinds of practices more clearly on their review pages.
There should be upfront warnings that these casinos operate without UKGC (or equivalent) protection, and that players have zero recourse if something goes wrong. Right now, too many people assume they’re safe just because the sites look polished or have decent ratings.
I would advise everyone to not even bother trying to contact these merchants anymore. Only about 1% of them even bother to refund directly and even if they do reply they just try and get information out of you... Just go to the bank and try approach it from the best angle. I have messed up some of my chargebacks by giving the merchants my details, they used them against me to create fake accounts and invoices etc...
There are some deposits I made where I was truthful about the gambling because I had enough evidence to prove it was transaction laundering. For some others where I had found the merchants website etc, I just told them I bought goods and never got them. Always refer to the merchants terms & conditions if you can find them, as most of them have these on their website.
Most importantly, take this as a lesson to never gamble again because if we all keep using these websites, they will continue to make fake companies etc. It is all being funded with OUR money...
My life has been nothing but stress and anxiety, financially and mentally since last December because of this bs. I've learnt my lesson and I urge any of you that do get your money back , hide it away and dont go back!