Date: 14.01.2025

by Sebastian Warowny

Last update: 14.01.2025 12:48

Unibet Faces Backlash in the Netherlands Over Handling of Player Lawsuits

Unibet, a Malta-based gambling giant, is under fire in the Netherlands as former players accuse the company of blocking lawsuits aimed at recovering substantial gambling losses incurred before the legalization of online gambling in 2021.

Lawsuits Target Losses Before Legalization

Former Unibet customers are seeking to reclaim significant losses incurred before the Netherlands legalized online gambling in October 2021. While some lawsuits have been successful, recent developments have sparked controversy.

Many claimants report that they can no longer access critical account details, such as transaction histories. Unibet attributes this to changes in its operational structure and updated Maltese regulations, which it claims prevent the release of past data.

Accusations of Deliberate Delays

Lawyer Benzi Loonstein, representing thousands of affected players, has accused Unibet of intentionally stalling the legal process. Speaking to Dutch media, he said:

“Until 27 April 2024, the day the judge awarded the first damages, everything was fine. Then Unibet started to delay.”

Customers have received responses from Unibet stating that their account information is “not traceable” due to a corporate name change.

Loonstein argues this is a deliberate tactic to obstruct legal claims and has initiated further legal action to restore access to vital data.

Calls for Stronger Consumer Protections

The controversy has fueled demands for stricter regulations. Loonstein has urged Dutch politicians and regulators to enforce tougher licensing requirements for gambling companies that fail to uphold consumer rights.

Unibet’s suggestion that customers retrieve financial records from their banks has faced criticism, with Loonstein highlighting the limitations of such an approach:

“A retailer wouldn’t tell you to check your bank statements instead of providing a receipt. Gambling operators should be held to the same standard.”

Unibet, now operating under Trannel following its divestment from Kindred Group, has already paid out over €2 million ($2.04 million) in damages, including a record €700,000 ($714,000) settlement. Despite these payments, the company’s handling of ongoing lawsuits could tarnish its reputation in the Dutch market.