WILLEMSTAD – A growing number of international users, primarily from Italy, are raising serious allegations against Curaçao-based online betting operator 1Bet, managed by Bellona N.V., over claims of systematic fraud, refusal to process withdrawals, and disregard for user protections. The accusations are now prompting calls for legal action against both the company and the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB), the authority responsible for issuing gaming licenses.
WILLEMSTAD –
A growing number of international users, primarily from Italy, are raising serious allegations against Curaçao-based online betting operator 1Bet, managed by Bellona N.V., over claims of systematic fraud, refusal to process withdrawals, and disregard for user protections. The accusations are now prompting calls for legal action against both the company and the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB), the authority responsible for issuing gaming licenses.
In a detailed complaint shared with various media outlets and authorities, a user described losing €4,830 after the platform allegedly refused to honor a legitimate withdrawal request, despite having received all required documentation. The user claims the site repeatedly requested the same documents and used what were described as “absurd pretexts” to avoid payment.
In a detailed complaint shared with various media outlets and authorities, a user described losing €4,830 after the platform allegedly refused to honor a legitimate withdrawal request, despite having received all required documentation. The user claims the site repeatedly requested the same documents and used what were described as “absurd pretexts” to avoid payment.
According to the complainant, 1Bet continues to operate without proper authorization in Italy, lacking a license from the Italian regulator ADM, while still accepting payments via Visa and MasterCard, creating what the user calls a “false impression of legitimacy.” Additionally, 1Bet is accused of using recognizable and reputable game providers—such as Fazi—to further mislead customers.
According to the complainant, 1Bet continues to operate without proper authorization in Italy, lacking a license from the Italian regulator ADM, while still accepting payments via Visa and MasterCard, creating what the user calls a “false impression of legitimacy.” Additionally, 1Bet is accused of using recognizable and reputable game providers—such as Fazi—to further mislead customers.
“Despite repeated requests, including from users with gambling addiction problems, 1Bet refused to close accounts, zeroed account balances without explanation, and ignored all formal complaints,” the user said. “This is systematic fraud that has already affected thousands of players.”
“Despite repeated requests, including from users with gambling addiction problems, 1Bet refused to close accounts, zeroed account balances without explanation, and ignored all formal complaints,” the user said. “This is systematic fraud that has already affected thousands of players.”
The complainant cites over 1,000 negative reviews on Trustpilot, indicating a pattern of similar behavior, and claims to be in contact with other victims to launch a class action lawsuit. The letter directly addresses GCB Director Cedric Pietersz, criticizing the Board’s refusal to handle individual complaints and promising collective legal action if no immediate steps are taken.
The complainant cites over 1,000 negative reviews on Trustpilot, indicating a pattern of similar behavior, and claims to be in contact with other victims to launch a class action lawsuit. The letter directly addresses GCB Director Cedric Pietersz, criticizing the Board’s refusal to handle individual complaints and promising collective legal action if no immediate steps are taken.
Concerns Over GCB Oversight
Concerns Over GCB Oversight
The Curaçao Gaming Control Board responded to earlier concerns by stating that it does not mediate disputes between players and operators and only acts in the case of proven license violations. However, critics argue that such a stance undermines Curaçao’s global reputation and opens the door to unchecked abuse by license holders.
The Curaçao Gaming Control Board responded to earlier concerns by stating that it does not mediate disputes between players and operators and only acts in the case of proven license violations. However, critics argue that such a stance undermines Curaçao’s global reputation and opens the door to unchecked abuse by license holders.
Bellona N.V., the parent company behind 1Bet, reportedly operates several other betting platforms under license 8048/JAZ2010-010, including Zodiac Bet, Slotimo, Silverplay, and 18bet.co, among others.
Bellona N.V., the parent company behind 1Bet, reportedly operates several other betting platforms under license 8048/JAZ2010-010, including Zodiac Bet, Slotimo, Silverplay, and 18bet.co, among others.
Key Allegations:
Key Allegations:
Refusal to process legitimate withdrawals
Refusal to process legitimate withdrawals
Sudden account closures or zeroing of balances
Sudden account closures or zeroing of balances
Failure to close accounts at users’ requests
Failure to close accounts at users’ requests
Lack of verification protocols, allowing minors to register and deposit funds
Lack of verification protocols, allowing minors to register and deposit funds
Misuse of reputable gaming software and payment platforms
Misuse of reputable gaming software and payment platforms
No response or resolution from licensing authorities
No response or resolution from licensing authorities
Urgent Calls for Action
Urgent Calls for Action
The complainant and supporting users are demanding:
The complainant and supporting users are demanding:
That Visa and MasterCard block 1Bet and associated brands from processing payments
That Visa and MasterCard block 1Bet and associated brands from processing payments
That game developers investigate and revoke access to their platforms if misused
That game developers investigate and revoke access to their platforms if misused
That international regulators and legal bodies initiate investigations into 1Bet, Bellona N.V., and the licensing structure provided by Curaçao
That international regulators and legal bodies initiate investigations into 1Bet, Bellona N.V., and the licensing structure provided by Curaçao
“If urgent action is not taken, thousands more users will fall victim to this unchecked fraud,” the complaint concludes.
“If urgent action is not taken, thousands more users will fall victim to this unchecked fraud,” the complaint concludes.
The Curaçao Gaming Control Board and Bellona N.V. have yet to issue a public response.
The Curaçao Gaming Control Board and Bellona N.V. have yet to issue a public response.
https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/allegations-of-fraud-surface-against-curacao-based-betting-site-1bet-users-prepare-legal-action/
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