Can A Bookmaker Refuse To Take A Bet?

Over the past few years, some of the most notable gamblers in the UK have voiced concerns over their online betting accounts being restricted or shut down. But the burning question is, is this within legal rights ? Are bookmakers allowed to deny bets under the backing of the law?

If you've ever experienced a bookmaker declining your wager, you understand how maddening this can be. However, the reality is that they possess the authority to do so. Although it may appear unjust, there is no regulation mandating that a bookmaker must accept every wager. As such, bookmakers are entirely within their rights to refuse any bet from a customer at their discretion.

Why Do Bookies Refuse Bets?

Even the best bookies have a reputation for putting restrictions on accounts. Ultimately, they are businesses operating in a fiercely competitive industry. As limited companies, they owe loyalty to their shareholders, which means they will take necessary actions to remain profitable.

Should they harbor doubts about a customer's potential profitability, they act within legal boundaries to impose limits on that account. They use systems designed to identify individuals they suspect of being professional gamblers. Sadly, these systems sometimes misfire, resulting in ordinary everyday bettors being caught in their net . There have been grievances from some of our members against companies like Betfred have quickly imposed restrictions on their accounts, even when there hasn't been a significant winning streak.

What Can I Do About It?

The landscape of bookies varies widely, with some treating their clientele more fairly than others. Hence, your initial step should be to explore reviews to pinpoint the most reputable bookies.

Yet, the reality remains that account limitations are an inevitable outcome if you continually hit the jackpot. Consequently, professional bettors resort to sophisticated tricks to circumvent these limits. Some go as far as establishing accounts under friends' names. Others enlist a network of small-time bettors referred to as “runners.” By dispersing a large sum among numerous minor bets, bookmakers remain oblivious to the bet’s original source.

While these workarounds are intricate to orchestrate and sustain, they also hinge on mutual trust. A more straightforward way is to engage with platforms that don't impose limits. Leading betting exchanges like Betfair allow you to wager against fellow punters, rather than the house. This shifts the risk, as they're indifferent to the volume of your winnings since it doesn't tap into their coffers.

For those whose accounts have been deactivated by other bookies, opening a Betfair account might be your sole sustainable solution in the long haul.