Warning: BetPanda Refuses to Refund €5000 and Appears to Ignore EU Law

[Lisa12345]

BetPanda currently refuses to refund €5000 and, based on my analysis, does not comply with relevant EU and international laws. Their communications suggest they believe they can operate with impunity, while actively targeting EU consumers through a Dutch-language website and accepting deposits from EU countries.

⸻

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 applicable EU regulations (AMLD4/AMLD5, GDPR, Unfair Commercial Practices Directive) and internationally recognized standards (UNTOC, FATF, UDHR, OECD Guidelines).
   •   BetPanda responded by stating they have no EU presence, operate solely under Costa Rican law, and that their Terms & Conditions do not obligate them to refund deposits.
   •   I followed up to clarify that actively targeting EU consumers (Dutch website, acceptance of EU deposits, marketing aimed at EU residents) makes EU law applicable regardless of their registration jurisdiction.

⸻

2. Legal Concerns
   1.   EU Regulations
   •   AMLD4/AMLD5: Online gambling platforms serving EU consumers are required to implement Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to prevent money laundering and financial crime.
   •   GDPR (Regulation EU 2016/679): EU customers’ personal data must be properly processed, stored, and protected.
   •   Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (Directive 2005/29/EC): Misleading or unclear communication about licensing, legal status, and consumer rights may constitute unfair commercial practices.
   2.   International Standards
   •   UNTOC: Platforms should prevent transactions that may contribute to organized financial crime.
   •   FATF: Requires due diligence, reporting suspicious transactions, and preventing illicit financial flows.
   •   UDHR, Article 17: Protects property rights and prohibits arbitrary deprivation, relevant for withholding deposited funds.
   •   OECD Guidelines for Consumer Protection in E-Commerce: Require transparency, fairness, and protection against misleading practices.
   3.   Invalid Terms and Conditions
   •   Clauses attempting to circumvent EU law or shift full responsibility to the consumer may be considered null and void under EU consumer protection law.
   4.   Operational Issues
   •   BetPanda offers services to EU consumers without an EU license or official registration, potentially violating national and EU online gambling regulations.
   •   Active marketing, acceptance of deposits in euros, and Dutch-language content indicate intent to serve EU customers.


Ticket ID: 6QI2U7

[julerz12]

You might want to follow this format for your scam accusations.

Code:

[b][color=black]What happened:: [/color][/b]

[b][color=black]Scammers Profile Link: [/color][/b]

[b][color=black]Reference Link: [/color][/b]
[b][color=black]Amount Scammed: [/color][/b]
[b][color=black]Payment Method: [/color][/b]
[b][color=black]Proof of Payment: [/color][/b]
[b][color=black]PM/Chat Logs: [/color][/b]
[b][color=black]Additional Notes: [/color][/b]

Also, try reaching out to them again here in the forum, pm them directly, as perhaps another team member from BetPanda controls their account here, and maybe they could push your concerns higher up the chain to have it resolved faster.
Here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=3675233

[Lisa12345]

What happened:
BetPanda currently refuses to refund €5000 and, based on my analysis, does not comply with relevant EU and international laws. Their communications suggest they believe they can operate with impunity, while actively targeting EU consumers through a Dutch-language website and accepting deposits from EU countries.

Scammers Profile Link:
www.betpanda.io

Reference Link:
Ticket ID: 6QI2U7

Amount Scammed:
€5,000

Payment Method:
ETH


Additional Notes:
Legal Concerns:
   1.   EU Regulations
   •   AMLD4/AMLD5: CDD/KYC required to prevent money laundering.
   •   GDPR: Proper processing and protection of personal data.
   •   Unfair Commercial Practices Directive: Misleading communication about licensing, legal status, or consumer rights.
   2.   International Standards
   •   UNTOC: Prevent contributing to organized financial crime.
   •   FATF: Due diligence, report suspicious transactions, prevent illicit flows.
   •   UDHR, Article 17: Protects property rights; withholding deposits may violate this.
   •   OECD Guidelines: Transparency, fairness, protection against misleading practices.
   3.   Invalid Terms and Conditions
   •   Clauses attempting to bypass EU law or shift all responsibility to the consumer may be null and void.
   4.   Operational Issues
   •   Providing services to EU consumers without EU license or registration.
   •   Marketing in Dutch, accepting euros, indicates intent to serve EU customers.

[Lisa12345]

https://imgur.com/a/06EZPa2

[yahoo62278]

Use talkimg for screenshots as the forum no longer supports imgur.

Curious if you won or lost? You ask for a refund of $5000 so I assume you lost money. What if you had won? Would this post exist?

[Lisa12345]

https://imgur.com/a/06EZPa2

Use talkimg for screenshots as the forum no longer supports imgur.

Curious if you won or lost? You ask for a refund of $5000 so I assume you lost money. What if you had won? Would this post exist?

Does it really matter whether someone won or lost? The point is that laws are being broken and vulnerable people are being targeted. It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about protecting people from illegal and unethical practices.

[yahoo62278]

Use talkimg for screenshots as the forum no longer supports imgur.

Curious if you won or lost? You ask for a refund of $5000 so I assume you lost money. What if you had won? Would this post exist?

Does it really matter whether someone won or lost? The point is that laws are being broken and vulnerable people are being targeted. It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about protecting people from illegal and unethical practices.

In your case it does a little as you had no issues with the company prior to depositing. You likely would have had no issues if you had won. Looks more like a disgruntled customer than a person that is truly concerned for others.

Now had you made this post without depositing, without sending emails trying to get a refund, I would have an easier time buying the story.

As far as the accusation its-self and people needing protected, someone is free to look into this.

[Lisa12345]

https://imgur.com/a/06EZPa2

Use talkimg for screenshots as the forum no longer supports imgur.

Curious if you won or lost? You ask for a refund of $5000 so I assume you lost money. What if you had won? Would this post exist?

Does it really matter whether someone won or lost? The point is that laws are being broken and vulnerable people are being targeted. It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about protecting people from illegal and unethical practices.

In your case it does a little as you had no issues with the company prior to depositing. You likely would have had no issues if you had won. Looks more like a disgruntled customer than a person that is truly concerned for others.

Now had you made this post without depositing, without sending emails trying to get a refund, I would have an easier time buying the story.

As far as the accusation its-self and people needing protected, someone is free to look into this.

Interesting that you feel the need to judge, when it’s pretty clear you’re not actually reading what I’m saying. But hey, being clever is always easier than actually understanding someone.

[Lisa12345]

@Holydarkness could you try to help me out here please? I heard you have some contacts in Betpanda?

[holydarkness]

@Holydarkness could you try to help me out here please? I heard you have some contacts in Betpanda?

Coming here from a summon. Umm, what exactly are you trying to achieve here, OP? If I may ask? Because reading your imgur screenshots [provided to talkimg below] they've explained in quite details of your situation with them, and absent further and/or other probable supporting evidence that say otherwise, I have to agree that this is a case of disgruntled player trying to get what they lost. Fairly.

[GeerieErik]

To be honest, whether the player is disgruntled or not does not really matter much, he or she is still in their right.
Betpanda is indeed illegally offering their services to Netherlands customers without a specific Dutch license, which all casinos offering services to Dutch players are obligated to have. Especially if you offer the website in full Dutch language.

[Lisa12345]

@Holydarkness could you try to help me out here please? I heard you have some contacts in Betpanda?

Coming here from a summon. Umm, what exactly are you trying to achieve here, OP? If I may ask? Because reading your imgur screenshots [provided to talkimg below] they've explained in quite details of your situation with them, and absent further and/or other probable supporting evidence that say otherwise, I have to agree that this is a case of disgruntled player trying to get what they lost. Fairly.

https://talkimg.com/images/2025/10/14/UMRrIW.png https://talkimg.com/images/2025/10/14/UMR17J.png

⸻

What BetPanda is saying here simply isn’t correct. They can’t just hide behind Costa Rican legislation. Once they offer their services to European players, they are required to comply with the relevant European and national laws, including consumer protection and fair gaming regulations.

The argument that “Costa Rican laws apply” doesn’t hold up when their platform targets or is accessible to players outside that jurisdiction. As a company operating internationally, they have a responsibility to follow the laws of the markets they operate in.

[The Cryptovator]

From the overall discussion here, I realised OP lost funds to Betpanda through gambling. Usually gambling sites don't refund upon losing funds there. So I believe instead of creating scam accusations, you should move on to take legal action through the legal authority. 'Scam' does mean they don't allow you to withdraw your winnings or initial deposits. But your case seems different. Your reference is just about the rules of your jurisdiction.

I am wondering why you are gambling on a site that hasn't been complying with the rules of your jurisdiction. But you raise concern when you have lost funds. In my jurisdiction gambling is illegal either online or offline. But still millions are gambling on the online platform. Should they all file a case to legal authority for refunding their lost funds?

[Rating Place]

Costa Rica is one of the most popular places for casinos to be located. They require a data processing license since gambling licenses don't exist. Most take customers from the EU although it does vary on which countries. There is no case here. The OP deposited and then lost €5000.

[Lisa12345]

From the overall discussion here, I realised OP lost funds to Betpanda through gambling. Usually gambling sites don't refund upon losing funds there. So I believe instead of creating scam accusations, you should move on to take legal action through the legal authority. 'Scam' does mean they don't allow you to withdraw your winnings or initial deposits. But your case seems different. Your reference is just about the rules of your jurisdiction.

I am wondering why you are gambling on a site that hasn't been complying with the rules of your jurisdiction. But you raise concern when you have lost funds. In my jurisdiction gambling is illegal either online or offline. But still millions are gambling on the online platform. Should they all file a case to legal authority for refunding their lost funds?

It absolutely is a scam — and here’s why.

It doesn’t matter whether someone won or lost. A loss through legitimate play is one thing; a loss caused by deception, withheld funds, or false information is something completely different.
When a platform deliberately misleads users, hides behind fake licensing, or refuses withdrawals under false pretenses, that’s not gambling — that’s fraud.

You can’t claim to be a regulated and trustworthy company, accept European players and payments, and then suddenly say “we’re under Costa Rican law” when users demand their rights.
That’s not a legal argument — that’s a cover-up tactic used by shady operators to avoid accountability.

Under international and EU law, once a company targets European consumers, it must follow EU and national regulations, including:
   •   EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) – requires transparency and fair business practices.
   •   EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC) – prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct.
   •   E-Commerce Directive (2000/31/EC) – says companies targeting EU users fall under EU jurisdiction.
   •   GDPR (2016/679) – applies automatically when processing EU citizens’ data.
   •   Dutch Remote Gambling Act (Koa) and the Betting and Gaming Act (Wet op de Kansspelen) – require a valid license from the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) for offering gambling services in the Netherlands.

If Betpanda operates without those licenses, misrepresents its legitimacy, or blocks user withdrawals without valid reason, it fits the legal and practical definition of a scam.

Because a scam isn’t just “someone lost money.”
A scam is when a company intentionally deceives people to take their funds, violates regulations, and uses foreign registration as a shield to avoid responsibility.

So yes — this is a scam.
And no, hiding behind Costa Rica doesn’t change that.
If you take money from European users, European law applies. Full stop.

[Rating Place]

In the jurisprudence of your country or the country where you are currently staying, gambling and/or games of chance may be prohibited. You are responsible for being compliant to such restrictions and / or bans. It is up to you to ensure that you act in accordance with the laws of your home country or the country where You currently reside.
You warrant that all information that You provide to Betpanda.io during the term of validity of this agreement is true, complete, and correct and that you shall immediately notify Betpanda.io of any change of such information; Failure to do so constitutes a breach of the crypto casino terms and conditions, which may result in immediate termination of Your account on Our Services and Website.
You are solely responsible for reporting and accounting for any taxes applicable to you under relevant laws for any winnings that you receive from Betpanda.io.
In case of violation of our crypto casino terms and conditions, Betpanda.io reserves the right to block and/or immediately close the account and you lose all winnings/balance.

[yahoo62278]

From the overall discussion here, I realised OP lost funds to Betpanda through gambling. Usually gambling sites don't refund upon losing funds there. So I believe instead of creating scam accusations, you should move on to take legal action through the legal authority. 'Scam' does mean they don't allow you to withdraw your winnings or initial deposits. But your case seems different. Your reference is just about the rules of your jurisdiction.

I am wondering why you are gambling on a site that hasn't been complying with the rules of your jurisdiction. But you raise concern when you have lost funds. In my jurisdiction gambling is illegal either online or offline. But still millions are gambling on the online platform. Should they all file a case to legal authority for refunding their lost funds?

It absolutely is a scam — and here’s why.

It doesn’t matter whether someone won or lost. A loss through legitimate play is one thing; a loss caused by deception, withheld funds, or false information is something completely different.
When a platform deliberately misleads users, hides behind fake licensing, or refuses withdrawals under false pretenses, that’s not gambling — that’s fraud.

You can’t claim to be a regulated and trustworthy company, accept European players and payments, and then suddenly say “we’re under Costa Rican law” when users demand their rights.
That’s not a legal argument — that’s a cover-up tactic used by shady operators to avoid accountability.

Under international and EU law, once a company targets European consumers, it must follow EU and national regulations, including:
   •   EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) – requires transparency and fair business practices.
   •   EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC) – prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct.
   •   E-Commerce Directive (2000/31/EC) – says companies targeting EU users fall under EU jurisdiction.
   •   GDPR (2016/679) – applies automatically when processing EU citizens’ data.
   •   Dutch Remote Gambling Act (Koa) and the Betting and Gaming Act (Wet op de Kansspelen) – require a valid license from the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) for offering gambling services in the Netherlands.

If Betpanda operates without those licenses, misrepresents its legitimacy, or blocks user withdrawals without valid reason, it fits the legal and practical definition of a scam.

Because a scam isn’t just “someone lost money.”
A scam is when a company intentionally deceives people to take their funds, violates regulations, and uses foreign registration as a shield to avoid responsibility.

So yes — this is a scam.
And no, hiding behind Costa Rica doesn’t change that.
If you take money from European users, European law applies. Full stop.

You can try to make whatever argument you like, but everyone basically seems to agree that you are just a disgruntled player who lost and is grasping at straws trying to come up with  a way to get a refund.

Take responsibility for your own actions. You had the opportunity to review the sites Terms of Service and either didn't or didn't care. You deposited with no one forcing you to, and you gambled and lost.

I realize that you are not going to care what any of us say, you're going to stick with your wall of bs. If you feel that strongly about it, contact a lawyer and take them to court. I don't see a solution where you would be happy.

[bettingfede1998]

betpanda is scam, good luck OP
they dont care about laws

[Lisa12345]

From the overall discussion here, I realised OP lost funds to Betpanda through gambling. Usually gambling sites don't refund upon losing funds there. So I believe instead of creating scam accusations, you should move on to take legal action through the legal authority. 'Scam' does mean they don't allow you to withdraw your winnings or initial deposits. But your case seems different. Your reference is just about the rules of your jurisdiction.

I am wondering why you are gambling on a site that hasn't been complying with the rules of your jurisdiction. But you raise concern when you have lost funds. In my jurisdiction gambling is illegal either online or offline. But still millions are gambling on the online platform. Should they all file a case to legal authority for refunding their lost funds?

It absolutely is a scam — and here’s why.

It doesn’t matter whether someone won or lost. A loss through legitimate play is one thing; a loss caused by deception, withheld funds, or false information is something completely different.
When a platform deliberately misleads users, hides behind fake licensing, or refuses withdrawals under false pretenses, that’s not gambling — that’s fraud.

You can’t claim to be a regulated and trustworthy company, accept European players and payments, and then suddenly say “we’re under Costa Rican law” when users demand their rights.
That’s not a legal argument — that’s a cover-up tactic used by shady operators to avoid accountability.

Under international and EU law, once a company targets European consumers, it must follow EU and national regulations, including:
   •   EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) – requires transparency and fair business practices.
   •   EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC) – prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct.
   •   E-Commerce Directive (2000/31/EC) – says companies targeting EU users fall under EU jurisdiction.
   •   GDPR (2016/679) – applies automatically when processing EU citizens’ data.
   •   Dutch Remote Gambling Act (Koa) and the Betting and Gaming Act (Wet op de Kansspelen) – require a valid license from the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) for offering gambling services in the Netherlands.

If Betpanda operates without those licenses, misrepresents its legitimacy, or blocks user withdrawals without valid reason, it fits the legal and practical definition of a scam.

Because a scam isn’t just “someone lost money.”
A scam is when a company intentionally deceives people to take their funds, violates regulations, and uses foreign registration as a shield to avoid responsibility.

So yes — this is a scam.
And no, hiding behind Costa Rica doesn’t change that.
If you take money from European users, European law applies. Full stop.

You can try to make whatever argument you like, but everyone basically seems to agree that you are just a disgruntled player who lost and is grasping at straws trying to come up with  a way to get a refund.

Take responsibility for your own actions. You had the opportunity to review the sites Terms of Service and either didn't or didn't care. You deposited with no one forcing you to, and you gambled and lost.

I realize that you are not going to care what any of us say, you're going to stick with your wall of bs. If you feel that strongly about it, contact a lawyer and take them to court. I don't see a solution where you would be happy.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about someone “just losing” — this is about a company deliberately violating EU and Dutch laws by accepting money from European players without a license.

The fact that you don’t get that… that’s because you’re just too dumb. Seriously, do your homework on the laws before pretending this is simply “bad luck.”

And yes, I will pursue this legally. This isn’t a debate about “taking responsibility for losses” — this is a legal violation.

[Rating Place]

I'm not sure if you're just trolling or don't understand it. yahoo62278 is right. You are a disgruntled player. Dutch law is for casinos located in Curacao. Betpanda is in Costa Rica. The terms and conditions of Betpanda say that you are responsible for checking jurisdiction laws. Casinos in Curacao and Costa Rica aren't required to do KYC for deposits. They have no idea where you are from until they KYC.