666BET calls on Skrill to process player withdrawals

Embattled operator 666BET returned online on Friday and finally appears to have made it possible for customer to withdraw funds after striking a deal with payment firm Skrill to process withdrawals.

In a statement posted on its website on Friday, the operator asked players to register for a Skrill account as it would be the only way for players to withdraw funds and reopened its website in order to allow players to access their accounts and request withdrawals.

“In preparation for you being able to access your account and make a withdrawal can we ask that all customers who do not currently have a Skrill/Moneybookers account to please open one as soon as possible as this will be the only option to open customers in the near future,” the statement said.

Earlier this month 666BET, operated by Metro Play, said it was exploring “alternative routes” to pay customers and explained it had been trying to secure a white-label deal in order to get its site back up and running.

The firm said it had been in discussions with a third-party supplier since its licence was suspended on 20 March, and claimed that its prospective platform provider had said the white-label arrangement was under review by the Gambling Commission with a decision due on 13 April.

But the UKGC has since told the operator that it has not been asked nor is it required to sanction any such partnership, but has repeatedly said there is no restriction on the operator being able to release customer funds.

Angry customers have set up an online petition demanding the return of their funds, with some claiming they are owed monies ranging between £5,000 and £60,000 each and said their earlier withdrawals had been reversed.

The operator’s licences were suspended by both the Alderney and British regulator last month after its director Paul Bell was arrested amid an investigation related to a £21m tax fraud allegation.