Casino Guru reports Q1 2026 CRC Results: Nearly$5.3 million returned to players

The [Casino Guru](/directory/casino-guru) Complaint Resolution Center (CRC) has released its Q1 2026 performance data, highlighting continued growth in complaint volume, resolution activity, and evolving player concerns.

March emerged as one of the most active months in CRC history, recording the second- highest number of published complaints to date. At the same time, the number of ongoing cases exceeded 1,300, reflecting increased demand for mediation services.

Key markets
The majority of complaints originated from:

• Germany (657)
• United Kingdom (270)
• Canada (240)
• Italy (207)
• Australia (194)

These regions continue to represent the most [active player](/glossary/active-player) bases in terms of dispute
reporting.

Emerging trends
Delayed payments remained the most common issue reported by players. However, a significant shift was observed in March, when self-exclusion-related complaints rose to the second most frequent category for the first time in the Complaint Resolution Center’s history. This trend highlights growing awareness of [responsible gambling](/glossary/responsible-gambling) tools and increased expectations regarding their enforcement. KYC-related issues and

blocked accounts also remained among the most frequent complaint types, often linked to withdrawal delays.

Increasing role of mediation

The Q1 results underline the growing importance of independent mediation in the online gambling industry, as players increasingly seek resolution through trusted third-party platforms. Casino Guru continues to monitor industry trends and advocate for fair and transparent practices across the sector.