What Is Reverse Withdrawal, and How to Manage It

The online gambling industry changes constantly, with new themes catching on and old ideas dying out faster than ever before!

Trends are always emerging, and it behooves smart players to keep up with the latest, to make sure that they’re taking advantage of the best opportunities out there.

Not every hot topic is worthy of attention, but one trend players should make sure to be on top of is known as reverse withdrawal.

It seems that not a week goes by without major news about the regulation of reverse withdrawal. Let’s take a close look at this phenomenon, why it exists, and what players need to know to be successful.

What is Reverse Withdrawal?

When playing at a brick-and-mortar casino, turning winnings into cash is as simple as walking up to the cashier and handing over your chips. When playing online, however, it’s not quite that cut and dry.

Online gamblers know all too well that there’s usually some waiting involved in an online casino withdrawal.

There are many reasons for this: identities, ages, and banking details need to be verified, there may be many withdrawal requests going on at the same time, and any attempts at money laundering or identity theft have to be thwarted.

While the withdrawal is pending, however, it has become common practice for casinos to offer players the choice of ‘reversing their withdrawal…’ that is, un-cashing out their chips, so that the funds can be again be wagered.

That turning of a withdrawal into a re-deposit is what’s called “reverse withdrawal.”

Why is Reverse Withdrawal Even a Thing?

From the casino’s point of view, the appeal is obvious.

Since the house always wins over time, any chance to convince players to continue gambling helps their bottom line… especially if the players in question makes their withdrawal because they have been winning so far!

There’s a second reason that casinos love reverse withdrawal. Processing withdrawal requests takes time and resources, so any measures that cut down on the quantity of withdrawals save the house money.

Ok, those are the benefits for the house. What’s the benefit for players? Easy!

There isn’t one. 

There’s not a gambler in the world who wants to wait to claim their winnings.

And for those dealing with problem gambling, reverse withdrawal can be especially insidious. It’s very hard for a gambling addict to walk away from the tables… and reverse withdrawal acts as if a casino employee in a brick-and-mortar casino were following them from the table to the cashier’s window, whispering over and over again: “are you sure you want to cash out? Maybe just one more bet? Maybe you’ll get lucky this time!”

(If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please strongly consider reaching out for help.)

This connection between reverse withdrawal and gambling addiction is a big part of what’s fueling current regulatory trends.

On Pending Time and Manual Flushing

So what can savvy players do?

First of all, even though it’s a pain, it’s always a wise decision to read the and conditions when playing at a new online casino. Withdrawal guidelines and pending time can vary a great deal. Some casinos (Scandinavian platforms that use NetEnt software come to mind) have reduced their pending time to almost nothing, while others really drag things out.

As always, the decision of where to play carries great weight. It’s also worth noting that high rollers, and those who have ascending to higher levels of VIP loyalty programs, often receive better treatment. This means fewer limitations, higher withdrawal maximums on a daily or weekly basis, and reduced pending time.

Secondly, more and more players are having success requesting what’s called manual flushing. And no, it has nothing to do with the toilet!

Manual flushing involves a direct request via casino customer service that a withdrawal request be “flushed” from a player’s during the pending period. Though there’s no reduction in wait time, the funds will be moved to a separate holding area – in other words, manual flushing takes reverse withdrawal off the table.

Though the extra step is a bit of a pain, manual flushing is increasingly common and can usually be requested in a matter of minutes via live chat.

Current Trends and Recommendations

As we’ve noted, reverse withdrawal is drawing lots of attention from regulators at the moment. It was recently banned in the UK, and other countries may soon follow suit.

At the same time, more and more providers seem to have gotten the message that players really care about simple, easy, and transparent withdrawal processes. After all, no one wants to wait when it comes to getting their money! The result is that casinos are finally making reduction of pending time and simplifying the withdrawal process and priority.

And course, players wholeheartedly agree!

When the interests of regulators, casinos, and players align, big changes can take place at lightning speed.

We expect reverse withdrawal is heading for the proverbial exit, especially among the most reputable casinos. Pending time is also likely to decrease.

In the meantime, smart players should prepare themselves to manage the temptation of reverse withdrawal when cashing out… or look to casinos that have already left it behind.