I paid £20 into my online Wink Bingo account by Mastercard, so that I could withdraw my winnings of £36.48. I was told by Wink that I would have to fax or e-mail them the following:
A copy of my photocard driving licence.
A copy of the credit card used (back and front).
A utiltiy bill.
A copy of the credit card statement showing the deposit.
They would then send me a cheque or banker's draft.
Also, they would be happy to wire me my winnings if I also supplied my bank account details.
Goodness, I don't even need to give that much information to receive a passport!
Apparently, there is some problem with a global mastercard policy re: gaming related refunds. I asked my bank, Lloyds TSB, was there any problem crediting my account and there is not. Plus Wink Bingo have my home address, I gave it to them when I joined. Today I received, through the post, some advertising items from them as it is their first birthday!
Also, there was nothing in their terms and conditions suggesting any problems with Mastercard (they accepted the deposit happily enough). On their banking site it says they accept Mastercard and Visa, but prefer Visa.
It is obviously a deterent to stop people claiming their winnings, so how may £1000's are they making extra? Plus, the other people playing in the bingo rooms were also being ripped-off since when I won, they couldn't and since I cannot receive my winnings without compromising myself - I'm between a rock and a hard place!
Plus, they have had an additional £20 I would not have paid, if I'd known the hoops I would have to go through to claim.
In addition, there should be a geographical location on their website and a named data protection controller, there is neither (apparently a legal requirement, even if they do have a remote gambling licence in Gibraltar). So, if I was to fax through the information, I wouldn't have a clue where it was going!
Thank you, Kay
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