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Account frozen then closed with vague explanation and without any further justification


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By Paul C.
8 years ago
So, I'm attempting this again, as there seems to be a misunderstanding as to what my is about. My complaint is that PokerStars Casino has closed my account with no reason as to why. Other than my account didn't pass a random screening process, despite my account be active for over 10 years. Only after I've deposited $140 was there ever a question about my account.
here is the email I received;
Hello Paul,

Thank you for your email.

In line with our internal security processes, we carry out periodic business risk assessments on randomly selected accounts.

We regret to inform you that your account has not passed this recent screening process, which has resulted in the permanent closure of your account.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Regards,

Joel
Stars Security

My issue is not regarding POKER, at all. My issue is they've closed my account and taken my money. All I am seeking is a resolution to this, either my account reopened (preferably), as I like to play there. Or refund my money, and I will find another casino to play at. Again I'm not a disgruntled player who's complaining the dealer is rigged, or what not.
Disputed Casino PokerStars Casino
Amount $140

Discussion

User name
During the course of the investigation AskGamblers Complaints Team realised that player was not honest with us and that his dispute with PokerStars Casino is a poker related.

AskGamblers Complaints Team maintains zero tolerance towards player trying to abuse our complaints service and not using it in a good faith, therefore we took the decision to reject this case either and moreover, to ban player from using our services in the future.
User name
During the course of the investigation AskGamblers Complaints Team realized that player was not honest with us and that his dispute with PokerStars Casino is poker related.

AskGamblers Complaints Team maintains zero tolerance towards player trying to abuse our complaints service and not using it in a good faith, therefore we took the decision to reject this case and moreover, to ban player from using our services in the future.

PokerStars Casino Complaint Stats

Resolved 208 / 223
Avg. Amount $3,477
Avg. Complaint Duration 7 days
Avg. Response Time 2 days

PokerStars Casino Complaints

See all complaints for this casino
Not being able to access my account

Dear AskGamblers Team,

I am filing this formal complaint against PokerStars with the utmost urgency. I understand a previous submission may have been rejected; however, subsequent events have escalated the situation to a level of deliberate psychological abuse that I believe constitutes a Responsible Gaming emergency and requires your intervention as mediators.

My case is not about a simple payment delay, but about a documented pattern of conduct by the operator designed to inflict maximum stress and emotional harm.

Before narrating the facts, I want to make it clear that I have evidence to support every point I am about to mention. I have the entire chronology fully documented; therefore, this case is not an attempt at defamation.

Detailed Summary of the Pattern of Abuse:

The obstruction process from PokerStars has included multiple acts of bad faith, but I wish to focus on three key events that demonstrate a pattern of manipulation:

First Deception (May 26, 2025): After a month of a frustrating verification process, I received two official emails from PokerStars informing me that my account had been "reinstated." However, upon attempting to withdraw my funds, I discovered the account was still restricted. When I complained, they responded that the account was under a "security review," proving the reinstatement notification was deceptive.

Second Deception (June 8, 2025): The pattern repeated. I received another official email assuring me my account was verified and active. Again, this was false. The account remained blocked.

The Final Low Blow (July 11, 2025): This was the most cruel and calculated act. The sequence of events was as follows:

a. The False Resolution (11:32 AM): I received an email from agent "Saketh" with "very good news," confirming my account was reinstated. This time, I was able to log in, giving me a real sense of relief and resolution.

b. The Cashier Trap: My sole intention was to withdraw my funds and end my relationship with the site. Upon accessing the cashier, all my withdrawal requests were blocked with an "unexpected error" message. Access to my money was still an illusion.

c. The Live Chat Stall: Seeking help, I contacted live chat. An agent deliberately kept me waiting for 30 minutes without providing any solution, increasing my anxiety.

d. The Punitive Closure: At the end of the wait, and without any explanation, my session was terminated. When I tried to log back in, the final message appeared: "Your Stars Account has been closed."

Analysis from a Responsible Gaming Perspective:

PokerStars' actions constitute a total failure in their duty of care and clear psychological abuse:

Deliberate Emotional Manipulation: The pattern of falsely reinstating an account only to block it again is a manipulation tactic that creates a cycle of hope and despair. It is extremely damaging to any player's well-being.

Creation of a Hostile and Unsafe Gaming Environment: A responsible operator must ensure a safe environment. PokerStars has done the opposite, creating an unpredictable, stressful, and punitive experience.

Punishment for Attempting to Withdraw Funds: I was penalized at the exact moment I tried to exercise my right to withdraw my own winnings. This is not only unfair but sends a dangerous message to the entire player community.

Requested Resolution:

I request the mediation of AskGamblers to achieve two objectives:

The immediate release of all funds that PokerStars is wrongfully withholding in my account.

That this pattern of conduct be investigated and formally recorded as a serious Responsible Gaming failure to warn other players of the psychological risk involved in dealing with this operator.

I trust that your platform will recognize the severity of these tactics and the need to protect players from this kind of abuse.

Sincerely,

<full name removed>

Status unsolved Unresolved
$150
Not withdrawal my dollar

After playing slot games on the PokerStars Casino website, my winnings are more than $5,724.11. But the pokerstars security team closed my account I can't get the remaining dollars in my account 2023-12-11 I received an email saying that you have permanently closed my account, so please withdraw the money. I have sent all the required documents but after a long time no reply security team- received On 01-18-2024, in order to withdraw money, please send a bank statement with information to withdraw money. I sent the documents as requested On 19-01-2024, I received an email asking me to send the bank statement of the ending 5203 completed card. I sent the documents as requested On 02-28-2024, please send me a screenshot showing the information of the internet bank that I use. I sent the photo as requested But on 04/23/2024, I was told that the address on your document does not match the address on pokerstars, so the document is not being accepted. because I contacted pokerstars live chat operator contacted Jeswina Jeswina checked my pokerstars account address but my pokerstars account and documents address matched she is told me 2024-05-06 I received an email from Pokerstars saying that your account is undergoing a security check, but my account already 2023-12-11 permanently closed pokerstars security team told me your account permanently closed because so please withdraw the money. I have sent all the required documents for 6 months passed but I can't withdraw the money 6 months ago, when the decision was made to close my account permanently and withdraw the money now 6 months after sent all the documents and requesting why again checking my account My account has already been checked and it has been decided that it will be permanently closed.

Status unsolved Unresolved
$5,742