What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Betonic over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that Betonic - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.
What are they trying to censor
Betonic Casino a name that, at first glance, evokes images of thrilling games, enticing bonuses, and the promise of big wins. But as I delved deeper into the world behind the flashy interface, I discovered a different story. A story riddled with broken promises, questionable practices, and a seeming disregard for player welfare. As an investigative journalist, I couldn’t ignore the mounting complaints and red flags surrounding this platform. So, I rolled up my sleeves and embarked on a journey to uncover the truth about Betonic Casino.
The Illusion of Responsible Gambling
One of the most disturbing patterns I uncovered was Betonic’s handling of self-exclusion requests. Take, for instance, the case of a German player who, after self-excluding due to gambling addiction, was able to create a new account using the same personal details. Despite the casino’s knowledge of his addiction, they allowed him to deposit and play, only to later refuse a refund, citing a technicality in their system that didn’t flag the duplicate account. It’s as if Betonic’s commitment to responsible gambling is more of a marketing slogan than a genuine practice.
Then there’s the harrowing account of a Swedish player who sent 72 emails and engaged in multiple chats, pleading for her account to be closed due to severe gambling addiction. Instead of swift action, Betonic demanded full KYC verification—a process that required her to log in and provide sensitive documents, further triggering her addiction. The delay led to a relapse, with the player depositing €950 before the account was finally closed. It’s hard to see this as anything other than a systemic failure to protect vulnerable individuals.
The Bonus Trap
Betonic’s bonus terms are another area of concern. A German player found his €4,000 winnings voided due to exceeding the maximum bet limit associated with a bonus. While terms and conditions are standard in the industry, the enforcement of such rules without adequate safeguards—like automatic bet limits—raises questions. If the casino truly wanted to prevent such breaches, wouldn’t they implement systems to enforce these limits, rather than relying on players to navigate a maze of fine print?
The Withdrawal Maze
Navigating Betonic’s withdrawal process seems to be an exercise in frustration. A player from Iceland reported delays exceeding the stated 48-hour processing time, with support staff providing vague responses and, at times, abruptly ending chats. Another player recounted a scenario where, after winning €1,000, he faced a convoluted withdrawal process involving a single payment method, MiFinity. Attempts to use this method were repeatedly rejected, and support offered no clear guidance, leaving the player feeling scammed and helpless.
A Pattern of Neglect
These aren’t isolated incidents. Reviews and forums are replete with similar stories: accounts not closed despite repeated requests, winnings confiscated without clear justification, and support that seems more adept at deflecting than resolving issues. Betonic’s parent company, Bellona N.V., appears to operate with a level of opacity that should concern any potential investor or player.
A safe haven for problem gambling?
Betonic proudly markets itself as a responsible gaming operator, but the truth is far from the polished corporate slogans on its website. Numerous cases suggest that Betonic not only ignores pleas from self-excluded players but almost encourages them back into the trap. In Germany, a player who had self-excluded using his personal information was able to open a new account without any red flags from Betonic’s system. It wasn’t until he racked up significant losses that Betonic found the courage to point out the duplication and deny his requests for a refund. Responsible gambling? More like calculated negligence.
In another shocking case from Sweden, a player who suffered from gambling addiction pleaded through 72 emails and multiple chats to have her account shut down immediately. Instead of acting swiftly, Betonic put up bureaucratic barriers, demanding more KYC documents before any action would be taken. The result? She relapsed and lost hundreds of euros before the account was finally closed. For Betonic, it seems the suffering of problem gamblers is just another line item on their profit sheet.
The magical disappearing winnings
If there’s one thing Betonic seems to enjoy more than taking players’ deposits, it’s coming up with creative ways to void their winnings. Players have frequently reported that after finally securing a win, their funds were retroactively confiscated because they unknowingly violated a rule buried in the fine print, such as exceeding a bet limit attached to a bonus.
It raises an obvious question: if Betonic truly wanted to protect players from violating these rules, why not implement systems that prevent such bets in the first place? The answer is painfully obvious—they’d rather sit back, let players make the mistake, and swoop in to grab the winnings. Betonic’s enforcement of these rules is less about protecting players and more about protecting their bottom line.
Withdrawals? You might need to hire a detective
Navigating Betonic’s withdrawal process is like stepping into an escape room, except the escape is with your own money and the puzzles are designed to keep you trapped. Players have reported absurd delays that far exceed the stated 48-hour processing period, with customer support offering either vague excuses or radio silence.
One Icelandic player detailed an infuriating experience where his withdrawal method of choice, MiFinity, was repeatedly rejected with no logical explanation. Support agents would alternately tell him the method was both accepted and not accepted, leaving him to wonder if he’d stumbled into some kind of Kafkaesque casino hell. The result? Weeks of stress, wasted time, and no sign of the money he rightfully won.
Betonic’s parent company: Bellona N.V. – hiding in plain sight
Of course, none of this would be possible without Betonic’s elusive parent company, Bellona N.V., comfortably operating under the regulatory umbrella of Curacao. This jurisdiction is notorious in the industry for offering what can only be described as the most hands-off licensing process in the gambling world.
Bellona N.V. is known to run several casino brands that all seem to share the same shady DNA—opaque terms, ruthless enforcement of rules only when it benefits the house, and little to no regard for player protection. Curacao’s licensing body does little to intervene in these cases, leaving players stranded and helpless while the casino continues to rake in profits with near-impunity.
The censorship machine: Betonic’s desperate attempt to bury the truth
Perhaps the most telling aspect of Betonic’s operations is their obsession with censorship. Rather than addressing the growing pile of player complaints and negative reviews, Betonic’s go-to strategy has been to send legal threats, demand takedowns, and intimidate those who dare criticize them online.
Independent review sites, social media groups, and gambling forums have all faced pressure from Betonic and its legal representatives to remove negative content. This aggressive censorship campaign reeks of desperation from a company that knows its operations can’t stand up to scrutiny. Instead of cleaning up their act, they’d rather sweep the mess under the rug and silence anyone who dares speak up.
Betonic Casino presents itself as a premier online gambling destination, but the experiences of numerous players tell a different story. A story of neglected responsibilities, opaque practices, and a seeming indifference to player welfare. As someone committed to uncovering the truth, I urge potential players and investors to approach Betonic with caution. The glitz and glamour may be enticing, but beneath the surface lies a web of issues that demand scrutiny and, perhaps, regulatory intervention.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/39519970
- February 17, 2024
- Tufts Media Corporation
- https://nationaldailypaper.com/2023/04/17/sportwetten-ohne-oasis-die-besten-wettanbieter-ohne-spielersperre/
- https://www.sportwetten24.com/ratgeber/sportwetten-ohne-oasis-die-besten-wettanbieter-ohne-spielersperre.html
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
sportwetten24.com
Sports betting without OASIS: The best betting providers without player bans
- Red Flag
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
Maltego to identify and expose online censorship. In his personal capacity, he and his
team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related
to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes.
Additionally, his team provides
advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters
pertaining to intellectual property law.
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How This Was Done
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the 'back-dated article' technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a 'true original' article and back-dates it, creating a 'fake original' article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original
What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
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