[Jovkov]

I opened Betfair account, deposited 100 € and got 100 € Bonus.

After one week, I had 658 € on my account and tried to withdraw.

After few days, since I saw that I still havent got my money, I wanted to log in to see if the money is still on my account but I couldn't log in.
I asked via Email what is wrong, why I cant log in,
they said I needed to send ID, proof of address, screenshot of my PayPal, and photo of my face next to my ID.
I sent everything and they accepted it; then they said, they wanted to call me but only on my landline phone.
In Austria almost nobody has landline phone.. neither me. If it would have been said I needed a landline for withdrawal I would've never opened account at Betfair. I made a complaint with SBR, and after SBR contacted them, they agreed to call me on my mobile phone. They said they will call me tomorrow evening, I waited and they didn't called. I called them and they said they will try to connect me with that security department.. I waited about 10 minutes, and the same man again said they cant connect me now, I will be called tomorrow on my mobile phone.
I waited tomorrow, they didn't called; I called them, they said they cant call me on my mobile phone.. I explained that it would be very hard to find landline because almost noone is using it in Austria; I have landline number at my work but of course I dont want to talk about betting in my office.. He agreed with me on that and said "Ok, we will call you on your mobile phone". I asked "Please confirm me that on Email" and shortly after our call he confirmed per Email that we have agreed about that call. Few days ago, instead of call, I got an email where they said again, they cant call me on my mobile phone, they need me to provide landline number... I called and asked why, they said "mobile phone is not enough secure" !?!
I complained again at SBR but got no reply. I also sent a complaint at Betfair management team, they just confirmed that they have got my email but didnt reply anything else.

Of course suing them would be one of solutions, there is nowhere in their T&C stated I would need Landline number to get my money, but I will try first with IBAS, MGA and Gambling commission. Do you have any other idea?
And, I am wondering how can they have such a good rating at SBR..

[littlekona]

something is a miss here...did you have another account with them and abused bonus? They must think you are connected with a land line number of a player I would think....That's why I never take deposit bonus because risk of this

[kkkkk]

phone verification is about 1-2 min. you have to repeat email and tan number or secret question. i hope you will find a landline number

[Jovkov]

As far as I know, noone of my friends has a landline number.. I have it in my office but I dont want them to call me there.

[Jovkov]

phone verification is about 1-2 min. you have to repeat email and tan number or secret question. i hope you will find a landline number

Well, we spoke already 2 times and both times they asked me email, name, answer to my secret question.. last time we spoke more than 10 minutes.. So they want to ask me same questions over the landline number, it is so silly.

[Alfa1234]

Sonetel.com, get an Austrian landline phone number and forward it to your mobile. It'll only cost you a few $ and will save you this headache.

[moojoo]

I think you couod maybe go to post office and use their land line for customers. Ask them if you could call them from land line yourself.
I think something is fishy here.

[Jovkov]

Sonetel.com, get an Austrian landline phone number and forward it to your mobile. It'll only cost you a few $ and will save you this headache.

It doesn't have format of real austrian landline; I dont think they would accept it.

I think you couod maybe go to post office and use their land line for customers. Ask them if you could call them from land line yourself.

I will ask but I think I cant call them, they have to call me.

I think something is fishy here.

When they decide to steal someones money, they are being gentlemen and chose women first, that's it.

[littlekona]

-3000 multi accounting and bonus abuse case here .xchanges wnNt your business as more bets equals more commission for them this seems like a bonus multi account situation here imo

[Alfa1234]

It doesn't have format of real austrian landline; I dont think they would accept it.

Simply not true, it's exactly like an Austrian landline and you can choose the area code and all so it matches with your adress.

I also smell something fishy.

[lonnie55]

-3000 multi accounting and bonus abuse case here .xchanges wnNt your business as more bets equals more commission for them this seems like a bonus multi account situation here imo

He's talking about the sportsbook not the exchange.

@OP: I don't believe you that you don't know anyone with landline number

[Jovkov]

@OP: I don't believe you that you don't know anyone with landline number

Ok.. it doesn't change anything if you believe me or not
But, why don't you think: I talked to them via cell phone, I asked them to call me on my cell phone.. and I don't want them to call the landline? Why I wouldn't, there is no difference for me.

Simply not true, it's exactly like an Austrian landline and you can choose the area code and all so it matches with your adress.

You can get landline with +43 1 ?
As I could see, there is only 720- code.

[moojoo]

You wanna say Linz,Graz,Wien all this cities have same area code?
If problem still persist why dont you get land line to your home and after 1-2 months turn off.
It maybe cost you 50e but youll get your money.

[lonnie55]

Ok.. it doesn't change anything if you believe me or not
But, why don't you think: I talked to them via cell phone, I asked them to call me on my cell phone.. and I don't want them to call the landline? Why I wouldn't, there is no difference for me.

Doesn't matter what YOU want. You have to follow the instructions of the book when you want to get your money. If you like it or not.

I'm from Germany and know a lot of Austrians. You can't tell me that you have NO ONE in your family, neighborhood or any friend that has a landline phone. It's not like Austria is a country in East Africa where everybody has a cell phone but no landline.

[Jovkov]

You wanna say Linz,Graz,Wien all this cities have same area code?

No; I wanna say Grac has 43316 Vienna has 431 and if you get this service with 720 its obvious that its not a normal ladnline.

If problem still persist why dont you get land line to your home and after 1-2 months turn off.It maybe cost you 50e but youll get your money.

I dont know how much does it cost and if I have to get a contract for 1-2 years, but even if it is 50 Euro why would I lose my money and time just for their stupid rules

Doesn't matter what YOU want. You have to follow the instructions of the book when you want to get your money. If you like it or not.

It does matter what it has been written in their T&C. Even the calling is barely legal, let alone requesting me to have a landline number. I dont have it and I dont need it for anything.

I'm from Germany and know a lot of Austrians. You can't tell me that you have NO ONE in your family, neighborhood or any friend that has a landline phone. It's not like Austria is a country in East Africa where everybody has a cell phone but no landline.

I can tell you, I dont know anyone.. maybe some of them have but I dont know. I even didnt ask. I dont want to bother myself and friends.. and then, if I want that my friends don't know that I am betting, I should ask them "Please leave me alone why I am expecting the call on your landline, I cant tell you who will call me"

[lonnie55]

It does matter what it has been written in their T&C. Even the calling is barely legal, let alone requesting me to have a landline number. I dont have it and I dont need it for anything.

It does not even matter what they say in their ToS. Follow the instructions or forget about your money. That's how it works.

I can tell you, I dont know anyone. I even didnt ask.

No more questions.

[moojoo]

I cant decide if he is scammer or some spoiled person thinking only his opinion is valid.

[lonnie55]

I cant decide if he is scammer or some spoiled person thinking only his opinion is valid.

Whatever he is, he is spending more time crying in a forum about some verification issues instead of just following the instructions.

Get a landline number and you will get your money. It's that easy. Doesn't matter if it's in their ToS or not, we all know that ToS of sportsbooks are ridiculous anyway.

[cashin81]

Side with the OP.

Its the principle, he has a point. What if he lost, thats okay he doesnt have a landline?
Not everyone kisses the books ass like they are doing them a favour.

[Alfa1234]

The choice is entirely his, of course. But they don't ask that for no reason, which means they have strong suspicions he is multi-accounting/bonus hunting.

He is free to fight them on this, through regulators, court or whatever...with a fairly small probability of sucess. The easiest thing to do would be to simply get a landline. No point in arguing about it...the principle doesn't matter. They decided they want to call him on a landline and there's nothing he can do about it.

[cashin81]

The choice is entirely his, of course. But they don't ask that for no reason, which means they have strong suspicions he is multi-accounting/bonus hunting.

He is free to fight them on this, through regulators, court or whatever...with a fairly small probability of sucess. The easiest thing to do would be to simply get a landline. No point in arguing about it...the principle doesn't matter. They decided they want to call him on a landline and there's nothing he can do about it.

Im in UK.

No one in UK will get a landline because the book "told them to".

If it is multi accounting, then they should say we have flagged ure acc for suspicious betting - then thats a diff story.

[Jovkov]

Im in UK.

No one in UK will get a landline because the book "told them to".

If it is multi accounting, then they should say we have flagged ure acc for suspicious betting - then thats a diff story.

Thank you, @cashin81, I couldn't say it better. that is the point, why would I waste my time and money to install a landline.. I am not their slave and the money is mine. If they would have other reasons they would tell me immediately.. they are doing it just for the purpose if making it hard for me. First they tried with all possible documents, hoping I wont provide them. Then they agreed for mobile phone hoping I wont answer.. and now landline, "mobile phone is not secure enough".
If nothing other helps, I will provide it somehow.. but it is shame if they are allowed to request whatever they want.

The choice is entirely his, of course. But they don't ask that for no reason, which means they have strong suspicions he is multi-accounting/bonus hunting.

Her. Im female.

He is free to fight them on this, through regulators, court or whatever...with a fairly small probability of sucess. The easiest thing to do would be to simply get a landline. No point in arguing about it...the principle doesn't matter. They decided they want to call him on a landline and there's nothing he can do about it.

I am pretty sure that regulators and court would help, it is a clear thing.. only that means more time (and maybe money).. but I will try everything.

[lonnie55]

Her. Im female.

There's the rub. Female accounts plus a certain betting pattern look suspicious to bookies. You are a statistical outlier.

I am pretty sure that regulators and court would help, it is a clear thing.. only that means more time (and maybe money).. but I will try everything.

Maybe money? I tried to sue a book but that was probably the biggest mistake in my life. The costs have exploded and I didn't even get a verdict. It will cost you money, time and nerves. It's not a thing you just do in passing.

[Jovkov]

There's the rub. Female accounts plus a certain betting pattern look suspicious to bookies. You are a statistical outlier.

Yes, it may look suspicious.. But, other book called me on my mobile phone, asked me 100 questions, and everything was ok and I got my money.. but why landline, that is the point.. Only because it is harder for me or how is landline more secure than mobile.. it is not something reasonable to ask for.

[Optional]

Of course suing them would be one of solutions, there is nowhere in their T&C stated I would need Landline number to get my money, but I will try first with IBAS, MGA and Gambling commission. Do you have any other idea?

http://ec.europa.eu/odr/ should be able to give you advise on options as an Austrian.

But realistically, the MGA probably will not intervene. I'd guess that Betfair terms say they can make any reasonable request to confirm identity and the regulator would probably let that stretch to this.

Whilst it does seem like an unreasonable request in normal circumstances, we don't know exactly why this is so important to them in your case. Maybe they believe you are not in Austria.

I'd be annoyed by this myself, but using my head, and if I know I have done nothing wrong, I think I'd just get a phone or find one I can use and avoid all the aggravation and expense of trying to legally challenge them.

[lonnie55]

why landline, that is the point.. Only because it is harder for me or how is landline more secure than mobile.. it is not something reasonable to ask for.

Yes, that's the point. Multiple account users just buy a prepaid card on ebay for 1 EUR and have a mobile number. It's not that easy to get a landline number as you already found out yourself.

[kkkkk]

he is foreigner in Austria and i really believe he has not many friends in Austria

the fishy part is why he say he is female, thus his member name here is a male name

[Jovkov]

he is foreigner in Austria and i really believe he has not many friends in Austria

the fishy part is why he say he is female, thus his member name here is a male name

He says he is female
Betfair already talked to me more times and they know if I am male or female
SBR has my real name as I sent a complaint... My nickname here is combination of my first and last name, you wise-guy

I'd be annoyed by this myself, but using my head, and if I know I have done nothing wrong, I think I'd just get a phone or find one I can use and avoid all the aggravation and expense of trying to legally challenge them.

Yes, I already said them in my email.. I will try everything what I can, if nothing helps I will find a landline number, even if I have to pay for it 100 €.. but it would be nicer, not only because of me, but because of all other users, to prove them that they cant request such ridiculous things.. if they do that to me they will to that to others.. and who knows what is the next request.

[moojoo]

For fs they can request,and in some sites that box is mandatory. You accept their terms and you must do what they say if you want your money.

[fried cheese]

are landlines that common now? i dont see why anyone would have one anymore.

[cashin81]

For fs they can request,and in some sites that box is mandatory. You accept their terms and you must do what they say if you want your money.

on their registration - they only ask for mobile number - there isnt even an option for landline.

the UK sign up online anyway.

[Jovkov]

are landlines that common now? i dont see why anyone would have one anymore.

It depends on the country.. In Austria very uncommon. I asked 14 people today and no one has it.

[lonnie55]

It depends on the country.. In Austria very uncommon. I asked 14 people today and no one has it.

50% of private housholds in Austria still have one. So you asked 14 people and not one had a landline number?

https://de.statista.com/statistik/da...ach-quartalen/

https://www.statistik.at/web_de/stat...te/023298.html

[Jovkov]

50% of private housholds in Austria still have one. So you asked 14 people and not one had a landline number?

Exactly. Very uncommon for people under 35 to have landline. I assume that 90% older people who live in smaller cities and villages still have one, hence 50% all together.

[lonnie55]

Exactly. Very uncommon for people under 35 to have landline. I assume that 90% older people who live in smaller cities and villages still have one, hence 50% all together.

and your cell phone provider doesn't offer you a landline number option or whatsoever?