Curaçao Player Wins €495K After Casino Freezes His Crazy Games Winnings
A man from Curaçao has won a legal battle against online gambling operator Altacore NV after his €495,454.98 winnings from crazy games were frozen by SmokAce, one of its platforms. The company initially refused to pay, arguing that his wins violated bonus terms and exceeded the site's €550 withdrawal limit. A judge has now ruled in the player's favour, ordering Altacore to release the full amount.
The dispute began when the man accumulated a balance of €495,454.98 on SmokAce, primarily through high-stakes crash games and slot machines. He attempted to withdraw his funds in three separate €1,000 requests, but the platform froze his account. SmokAce claimed the winnings came from bonus money and breached their terms, despite the player insisting he had used real funds and was unaware of any restrictions.
The man took legal action, with his lawyer demanding an investigation into Altacore NV and its planned transfer of operations to Fortuna Games NV. The judge examined the case and determined that the gambling limits—set at just €550—did not justify withholding such a large sum. The court also noted that SmokAce's high-risk crazy games, including auto-cashout strategies and bonus-buy slots, lacked proper licensing and consumer protections under German law.
One week after the ruling, Altacore announced plans to move its casinos to Fortuna Games NV. However, the judgment remains enforceable, requiring the company to pay the full €495,454.98 to the player.
The court's decision confirms that the man is legally entitled to his winnings, despite SmokAce's initial refusal. Altacore must now transfer the entire sum of €495,454.98, though the company's shift to Fortuna Games NV could complicate enforcement. The ruling also highlights ongoing concerns about unregulated crazy mechanics in online casinos.
