What Happens When Online Casino Technology Fails Mid-Game?

Online casinos offer real-time gaming, but what happens when technology fails? If the stream crashes during mid-play, you could lose your bet.Who decides the outcome? Do casinos refund players? Moreover, some players suspect operators use glitches to avoid big payouts.

the author

Otto Bergstrom

date post

Feb 06, 2025

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Who Decides the Outcome if a Live Stream Cuts Out?

The casino’s system determines the result if a live stream disconnects while you’re playing. Sadly, not all online casinos handle this the same way.

  • Licensed casinos: Regulated sites use automated systems to track game progress. If a stream fails mid-game, the system records your bet and the dealer’s action. It voids the rounds and refunds all player bets.
  • Unlicensed casinos: Rogue operators may claim a “technical error” and refuse to refund bets. Without oversight, they can manipulate results as they please.

That’s why it’s important to check the casino’s rules before you deposit money. Some sites will even go as far as saying that “malfunctions void all pays and plays,”. More to the point, if a live stream disconnects, they won’t pay you.

Do Online Casinos Refund Players for Technical Issues?

Yes, but I never assume they will since it depends on the casino and the specific issue.

When a live stream fails before bets are settled, most licensed casinos void the round and refund your bet. This is the best-case scenario.


What Happens If the Dealer Disconnects?

The game continues, and the casino’s automated system will determine the outcome.
If I win, I expect a payout. If I lose, they will still take my money.

A reliable casino will correct errors and credit winnings automatically.

However, rogue sites may refuse to count the round, effectively stealing money.


How to Handle a Casino That Refuses Refunds

  • Gather evidence, including screenshots and transaction details.
  • Contact customer support and request a clear explanation.
  • If support refuses to help, escalate the issue to the casino’s licensing authority.
  • Play only at regulated casinos that have refund policies in place.

A trustworthy casino will not hesitate to fix real technical issues. If a site refuses, it’s a red flag to take your business elsewhere.

Where to Get Help in Case of Live Stream Payment Disputes


1. Regulatory Authorities

If a casino has a license, you can file a complaint with its regulator. They have the power to force casinos to resolve disputes or revoke their licenses.


2. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Services

Some regulated casinos work with official ADR services, meaning you can escalate your dispute for a fair review.

  • eCOGRA: Resolves disputes for many UKGC and MGA casinos.
  • IBAS: An independent adjudicator for UK gambling disputes.

3. Payment Dispute Resolution

If the casino refuses to pay due to a glitch, you can dispute the transaction through your payment provider.

  • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): File a chargeback with your bank if the casino is at fault.
  • E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller): E-wallets offer buyer protection, allowing you to dispute unauthorized charges.
  • Cryptocurrency Disputes: Crypto transactions are irreversible, but you can report fraudulent casinos to blockchain tracking services like CipherTrace or Chainalysis.

Exposing Rogue Casinos

If all else fails, I expose rogue casinos by posting on gambling forums like Reddit’s r/gambling, CasinoMeister, and Bitcointalk. A bad reputation can hurt a casino’s business, forcing them to resolve disputes.

A good casino won’t force me to fight for my winnings. If a site resists payouts or blames “glitches,” I take action immediately.

Do Casinos Refund Players for Technical Issues?

Yes, and it’s not as rare as you’d think. Some casinos have blamed software bugs to avoid massive payouts.

  • Betfair refused to pay a player’s $1.3 million roulette win in 2017. They claimed a software malfunction. The case gained media attention, and after legal pressure, Betfair settled.
  • European casino voided multiple blackjack wins in 2019, citing a “technical error.” The players lost their winnings, and the casino never provided proof of a glitch.

I don’t just assume the casino will pay me. I take steps to protect myself, especially at unregulated sites.

How I Handle a Suspicious "Glitch" Claim

  1. I take screenshots of my session. This includes my bet history, the dealer’s actions, and my balance. A casino can’t deny my win if I have proof.
  2. I contact customer support. I’ll request an explanation along with a written response. When a glitch occurs, I demand technical details.
  3. When the casino refuses to pay, I escalate the case. If the live casino operates with a license I file a formal complaint with the regulator. Now, if the site doesn’t operate with a license, I’ll warn players in forums and review sites like Trustpilot.

A reputable casino won’t hide behind vague “technical errors.” I’ll never play at live online casinos if they have a history of not refunding bets due to glitch issues. First-time players should always research a casino’s reputation before risking real money.

How to Protect Yourself from Online Casino Glitches

I never take chances with live casinos. If a game crashes, I want to know my money is safe. That’s why I only play at casinos that meet strict criteria.

  • I choose licensed casinos. The UKGC, MGA, or Curacao eGaming regulate sites, ensuring fair play. If a casino doesn’t operate without a license – I don’t trust it with my money.
  • I read the terms on disconnections. A good casino clearly explains what happens if a game fails. If I see vague language like “malfunctions void all bets,” I walk away.
  • I check player reviews. I look for real experiences on forums. If players report payout issues after technical failures, I avoid that casino.
  • I choose casinos with fast dispute resolution. Some sites work with third-party mediators. If a dispute arises, I want a fair process, not endless delays.

What I Do If a Live Stream Fails

If a stream cuts out, I act fast. I contact support requesting a refund. I ask for a written response, so I have proof if I need to escalate.

When the casino refuses to fix the issue I push the case further via the regulator. I’ll also expose the casino’s unfair practices on public forums like Casinomeister.

A legitimate casino won’t hesitate to correct real errors. But rogue sites use glitches as an excuse to steal money. That’s why I always do my homework and you should do the same.

Conclusion

I never assume an online casino will automatically fix a technical failure. If a live game crashes, I check if the casino voids bets or continues the round. A licensed casino tracks results fairly, but rogue sites use “glitches” to keep my money.

If I lose funds unfairly, I take action—contact support, escalate to regulators, and warn other players. A reliable casino won’t hesitate to fix technical issues.

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the author

Otto Bergstrom

the author

Otto Bergstrom, a casino and gambling veteran with 20 years of experience, writes for USAcasinos247. He is a Technical gambler and very few have his expert capability when it comes to Online Casinos and game play stratergies

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