Thunderpick

Key Points

• Company Overview: Thunderpick is a crypto-based esports betting platform and online casino, offering betting on esports titles (e.g., CS2, League of Legends), sports, and over 4,000 casino games.

• Regulatory Status: Licensed under a Curacao Gambling License, which provides some oversight but is considered less stringent than licenses from jurisdictions like the UK or Malta.

• Allegations: Serious customer complaints include account blocks, withdrawal delays, and accusations of scam tactics, such as demanding excessive verification documents or withholding funds.

• Customer Feedback: Mixed reviews, with positive comments on fast withdrawals and customer support, but significant negative feedback alleging fraud, blackmail, and poor service.

• Risks: High financial risks due to reported withdrawal issues, reputational risks from scam allegations, and legal risks due to operating in a lightly regulated jurisdiction.

• Cautionary Note: The severity of customer complaints and the Curacao license’s limited protections raise significant concerns for potential users.

Overview

Thunderpick is an online betting platform and casino launched in 2017, focusing on esports betting and catering to gamers and esports enthusiasts. It offers betting on popular esports titles such as Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, VALORANT, and Call of Duty, alongside traditional sports (e.g., soccer, basketball) and over 4,000 casino games, including slots, live casino, and video poker. Thunderpick operates as a crypto-centric platform, accepting major cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals, and promotes features like live betting, fast withdrawals, daily giveaways, and a VIP club. The platform is licensed by the Curacao Gambling Authority, which allows it to operate legally in certain countries but restricts access in others due to regulatory differences. Thunderpick emphasizes a community-driven experience, with public chat features and esports-focused content, such as blogs and influencer partnerships.

Allegations and Concerns

Thunderpick faces serious customer complaints and allegations, primarily from Trustpilot reviews, raising red flags about its operations:

• Account Blocks and Fund Withholding: Users report accounts being blocked after deposits, with Thunderpick allegedly demanding extensive verification documents and refusing to return funds. Example: A user claimed their account was blocked after a $1,000 deposit, with Thunderpick citing duplicate accounts despite the user’s denial.

• Scam and Blackmail Accusations: Some customers accuse Thunderpick of fraudulent practices, such as allowing deposits without verification but requiring excessive documents for withdrawals, threatening to confiscate balances if demands are not met. Example: A reviewer stated, “They trick you into thinking you can play … then blackmail you saying either you give them all the infinite private documents they need or else they don’t give you your money back.”

• Withdrawal Delays and Technical Issues: Complaints include prolonged withdrawal processes, with Thunderpick citing technical issues (e.g., email problems) as reasons for delays or ignored requests.

• Unfair Practices: Users report poor odds compared to competitors and a lack of post-signup bonuses, suggesting misleading marketing practices.

No specific lawsuits or regulatory actions are mentioned, but the volume and severity of scam allegations suggest potential operational or ethical issues.

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews on Thunderpick, primarily from Trustpilot, are highly polarized:

• Positive Feedback:

  • Users praise fast withdrawals, particularly with cryptocurrencies like XRP, and responsive customer support. Example: “Very fast withdrawals, very good customer service. Even bigger amounts 2k € + are handled in under 5 minutes.”

  • The platform’s game selection and community features, such as weekly races and lucky draws, are appreciated. Example: “The icing on the cake is that they have a VIP club for most active users. I want to thank my agent Janssen, who always responds fast, very friendly and provides best support.”

• Negative Feedback:

  • Serious allegations of fraud and scam tactics dominate negative reviews. Example: “Everything about this site is a scam … They refuse to give the money back until you give them the documents … every positive review on here is completely fake.”

  • Users report withdrawal issues and account blocks, often with dismissive responses from Thunderpick. Example: “I provided all the requested documents during verification, but they still ignore me … they say they have some technical problems with the mail.”

  • Complaints about poor odds and lack of bonuses post-signup are common. Example: “Crooked people do not pay out instantly. The website does not offer any bonuses once you’re signed up. Odds are terrible compared to more reputable sportsbooks.”

The stark contrast between positive and negative reviews suggests either inconsistent service or potential manipulation of positive feedback, as some users claim positive reviews are fake.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks:

  • Users face significant risks of losing funds due to reported account blocks and withdrawal delays, particularly for large sums.

  • The crypto-based nature of transactions increases risk, as cryptocurrency transfers are irreversible, and disputes are harder to resolve.

• Reputational Risks:

  • Allegations of scams and blackmail severely damage Thunderpick’s reputation, potentially deterring new users and affecting long-term viability.

  • Negative reviews on platforms like Trustpilot amplify public distrust, especially given accusations of fake positive reviews.

• Legal Risks:

  • Operating under a Curacao license, which is less rigorous than licenses from the UK or Malta, exposes Thunderpick to limited regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of unethical practices going unchecked.

  • Potential for legal action from users if scam allegations are substantiated, though Curacao’s jurisdiction may complicate recourse for international customers.

• Operational Risks:

  • Reported technical issues (e.g., email problems) suggest operational inefficiencies that could disrupt user experience and trust.

  • Reliance on third-party game providers and crypto payment systems introduces vulnerabilities, such as service outages or security breaches.

Business Relations and Associations

• Regulatory Oversight: Thunderpick is licensed by the Curacao Gambling Authority, which favoriser, which provides legal operation but offers less consumer protection compared to stricter regulators like the UK Gambling Commission.

• Game Providers: Thunderpick partners with various game providers for its 4,000+ casino games, though specific providers are not named in the sources. These partnerships are standard for online casinos to offer slots, live casino, and other games.

• Influencers and Sponsorships: Thunderpick collaborates with esports influencers like Jake Lucky and n0thing, and sponsors events like the Thunderpick World Championship, won by FaZe in 2023, to enhance its brand visibility.

• No Notable Individuals: No specific executives or founders are mentioned in the sources, limiting insight into Thunderpick’s leadership.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Lawsuits: No specific lawsuits are reported, but user threats of police complaints over account blocks and fund withholding suggest potential for future legal action.

• Bankruptcy Records: No evidence of bankruptcy or insolvency is noted for Thunderpick.

• Unpaid Debts: No records of unpaid debts are mentioned, though customer complaints about withheld funds could be construed as financial disputes.

• Regulatory Compliance: The Curacao license indicates legal operation, but its lighter oversight raises concerns about accountability for user complaints.

• Customer Disputes: Significant user reports of funds being withheld or accounts being blocked without clear justification, as noted in Trustpilot reviews, indicate operational or ethical issues.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Analytical Summary: Thunderpick presents a high-risk profile due to serious customer allegations of scam tactics, account blocks, and withdrawal issues, despite its licensed status under the Curacao Gambling Authority. Positive reviews highlight fast withdrawals and strong customer support, but the volume and severity of negative feedback, including claims of blackmail and fraud, overshadow these strengths. The platform’s crypto focus and esports niche appeal to a specific audience, but the Curacao license offers limited consumer protection, and operational issues suggest inefficiencies or intentional misconduct. The lack of transparency about leadership and the polarized review landscape further erode trust, making Thunderpick a questionable choice for betting or gaming.

Pros:

• Licensed by Curacao, providing a legal framework for operations.

• Fast withdrawals and responsive support, as noted in some positive reviews.

• Wide range of esports, sports, and casino games, appealing to gamers.

Cons:

• Serious allegations of scams, blackmail, and fund withholding, with multiple user complaints.

• Curacao license offers limited regulatory oversight, reducing accountability.

• Polarized reviews, with accusations of fake positive feedback, undermine credibility.

Cautionary Advice: Potential users should approach Thunderpick with extreme caution due to widespread scam allegations and reported issues with withdrawals and account access. Verify all terms and conditions before depositing funds, and use only small amounts you can afford to lose, given the irreversible nature of crypto transactions. Enable 2FA and monitor account activity closely. Check Thunderpick’s licensing status with the Curacao Gambling Authority and consider more reputable platforms (e.g., Bet365, GG.Bet) with stricter regulatory oversight, such as UK or Malta licenses. If issues arise, document all communications and consider reporting to consumer protection agencies or crypto dispute resolution services, though recourse may be limited in Curacao’s jurisdiction.

Key Citations

• https://thunderpick.io
• https://www.trustpilot.com/review/thunderpick.io
• https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/thunderpick.io
• https://au.trustpilot.com/review/thunderpick.io