Warning: BetPanda Refuses to Refund €5000 and Appears to Ignore EU Law
BetPanda refuses to refund €5000 and, based on my analysis, appears non-compliant with EU and international laws. Their communications suggest they believe they can operate with impunity while targeting EU consumers via a Dutch website and accepting deposits from EU countries.
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1. Context and Communication
• I deposited funds and participated in online gambling on BetPanda.
• On 17 September 2025, I sent a formal legal notice referencing EU regulations (AMLD4/AMLD5, GDPR, Unfair Commercial Practices Directive) and international standards (UNTOC, FATF, UDHR, OECD Guidelines).
• BetPanda claimed no EU presence, operates under Costa Rican law, and that their Terms & Conditions do not require refunds.
• I clarified that targeting EU consumers (Dutch website, EU deposits, marketing) makes EU law applicable regardless of registration.
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2. Legal Concerns
1. EU Regulations
• AMLD4/AMLD5: CDD/KYC required.
• GDPR: Protect personal data.
• Unfair Commercial Practices Directive: Misleading communication about licensing, legal status, or consumer rights.
2. International Standards
• UNTOC & FATF: Prevent financial crime, report suspicious transactions.
• UDHR Art.17: Protect property rights; withholding deposits may violate this.
• OECD Guidelines: Transparency and fairness required.
3. Invalid Terms & Conditions
• Clauses attempting to bypass EU law may be null and void.
4. Operational Issues
• Services offered to EU consumers without EU license or registration.
• Marketing in Dutch, accepting euros, indicates intent to serve EU customers.
Ticket ID: 6QI2U7
https://imgur.com/a/06EZPa2