How to File a Complaint Against an Online Casino?

What is the process to file a complaint against a gambling operator in the US? What should you do if the online casino or sportsbook is not respecting the rule of the law or the terms of a welcome bonus? We tell you how to file a complaint and get heard when you are wronged by a casino in the US.

How to File a Complaint Against an Online Casino

  1. Raise the issue with the online casino or sportsbook and save all details and documentary proof of their reply or lack of it. Preferably wait for a few days before going to the next step.
  2. Visit the complaint resolution web page of the gambling regulator in your state as listed here:

    PA Online Casinos: patron dispute form
    Michigan Online Casinos: Complaints and disputes page
    WV Online Casinos: Sports and iGaming Complaint form
    NJ Online Casinos: Division of Gaming Enforcement complaints FAQ page with dispute filing location

  3. Follow the instructions on the page to lodge your complaint. Some gambling regulators, such as those in Michigan and West Virginia, will require that you have raised a support ticket or used the casino’s dispute resolution process or online form first. Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) requires that you wait for 10 days for response from the gambling company before raising the matter with them.
  4. Provide all the details in the online form or in the email message. Include your name, address, phone number, email address, complaint type (casino or sportsbook), date of incident, name of casino or sportsbook operator and the issue you raise. Attach documentary proof of casino complaint where needed while reporting the site.
  5. Give complete details of how the casino company has violated the acts and rules. For example, Michiganders will need to explain how the casino complaint involves a violation of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Lawful Sports Betting Act or related Administrative Rules.

Michigan gambling- complaint form

Can I Send an Online Casino Complaint Physically?

Yes, you can send a filled form by post. Gambling authorities in different states allow citizens to send online casino complaints by physically filling the complaint form and sending it to the official address.

For example, you can access the Michigan physical complaint form at this link. Download the form, fill it, and send it to the following address: Michigan Gaming Control Board 3062 West Grand Blvd., Suite L-700 Detroit, MI 48202-6062 Telephone: (313) 456-4100 or email it to [email protected].

To find the email address or postal address where you can raise a dispute against the casino or sports betting site, follow the instructions on the official regulator website.

How to File a Complaint Against a Tribal Casino

You can raise a complaint with the Indian National Gaming Commission (INGC).

The Commission, through its Compliance Division, “conducts routine site visits at tribal gaming facilities and performs audits to monitor compliance” with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

NIGC processes each complaint in the following ways:

  • It can start an investigation or conduct and an audit or inspection into the Indian casino affairs
  • It can refer the matter to the tribal gaming regulator for appropriate review and action; or
  • It can refer the matter to a Federal agency or other law enforcement authority with jurisdiction over the matter, if deemed suitable.

Casino and gambling customers can also make prize claims if there is a dispute. Customers can also enquire the status of report by contacting the responding regional office or by mailing to [email protected].

How to Make Your Gambling complaints More Effective?

Try to include all important details while reporting an online casino or sportsbook. Always approach the correct regulatory authority: for example, if you have a complaint against an Iowa online casino or gambling site, then you need to petition the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC). The authorities will not be able to process patron disputes if the complaints are missing critical details like the following:

  • How were the gaming-related laws violated?
  • What are the specific details of the complaint?
  • When and where did it occur? At the mobile casino site, physical casino site, or a partner casino site of the online casino?
  • What specific rule, regulation or law was transgressed? Check our state gaming guide first if you are not sure of what is legal and where.
  • How did you first learn of the suspected violation?
  • Do you have first-hand knowledge of the matter?
  • If you are raising a patron dispute (such as a disagreement regarding a win or loss), give details explaining how the existing casino complaint mechanism was exhausted. Did you write to the customer care team first?
  • Do you have supporting documents, images of email, chat to support your allegation and dispute resolution mechanisms used so far?
  • Have you waited for at least 10 days before raising the matter with the online gambling authority in your state?
  • Did you play at a legal casino site or at an offshore casino site not legal in the US?
  • Did you start first by writing and calling the casino support team? This is step one in almost all dispute instances.
  • Are you unhappy with a sweepstakes casino? Find out how to lodge a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also complain to the gambling authority in your state if you are in Washington, Nevada or Michigan and the sweeps casino site admitted you as a player despite that knowledge.
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Author
Head of Content
Internationally renowned author Henri Ojala has spent more than a decade mastering the ins and outs of the gambling industry, focusing on online poker, sports betting, and casino games. With over 10 years of experience in the gambling industry, Henri shares his extensive knowledge of strategies, odds, and risk management, earning him recognition as an authority in the online casino field.