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Gambling Self-Exclusion Failures

Gambling company let you bet when you'd self-excluded?

#At a Glance
Difficulty ā­ā­ Medium
Time to DIY 2ā€“4 hours
Potential Payout Full losses during breach period
Time Limit 6 years
Escalation IBAS / Gambling Commission / Court

#What Is It?

Gambling companies must allow customers to self-exclude (ban themselves). Once you've self-excluded, the operator must:

  • Close your account immediately
  • Refuse any bets from you
  • Not send marketing to you
  • Block new account creation where reasonably possible

If they fail and you gamble during a self-exclusion period, they've breached their licence and may owe you your losses.

#Types of Self-Exclusion

#Individual Operator Self-Exclusion

You self-exclude directly with one operator. They must prevent you betting with them.

#GAMSTOP (National Scheme)

Nationwide self-exclusion from all licensed UK online gambling. Operators must check GAMSTOP before accepting bets.

#Multi-Operator Schemes (Betting Shops)

Regional schemes covering physical betting shops (e.g., MOSES for some areas).

#Am I Eligible for Compensation?

#āœ… You may have a claim if:

  • You self-excluded from an operator
  • They allowed you to bet anyway during the exclusion period
  • They let you open a new account despite self-exclusion
  • They sent marketing during your exclusion
  • You suffered financial losses as a result

#āœ… Strengthening factors:

  • Clear documentation of self-exclusion
  • Losses during the exclusion period
  • Evidence of vulnerability (gambling addiction)
  • Operator ignored obvious warning signs

#āŒ Weaker claims:

  • You used false details to create new accounts
  • You went to significant lengths to circumvent blocks
  • No actual losses occurred

#Step-by-Step Process

#Step 1: Gather Evidence

  • Self-exclusion confirmation (email, letter)
  • Account statements showing bets during exclusion
  • Any marketing received during exclusion
  • Records of complaints to the operator

#Step 2: Calculate Your Losses

  • Total all losses during the exclusion period
  • Include deposits that were allowed
  • Document net losses (stakes minus any winnings)

#Step 3: Complain to the Operator

  • Explain that you self-excluded
  • Show evidence of bets/marketing during exclusion
  • Request return of losses
  • Give 8 weeks to respond

#Step 4: Escalate If Rejected

  • IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service) ā€“ for registered operators
  • Gambling Commission ā€“ can investigate licence breaches
  • County Court ā€“ for larger claims

#IBAS Adjudication

IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service) handles disputes with member operators.

  • Free service
  • Submit after 8 weeks with operator (or earlier if deadlocked)
  • Can award return of losses
  • Decision binding on operator

Website: ibas-uk.com

#Gambling Commission

The Gambling Commission regulates operators. They can:

  • Investigate licence breaches
  • Fine operators
  • Revoke licences

They cannot order compensation directly, but a Commission investigation strengthens your case.

Report concerns: gamblingcommission.gov.uk

#Responsible Gambling Failures (Broader Claims)

Beyond self-exclusion, operators must identify and interact with customers showing signs of problem gambling. Claims also exist for:

  • Allowing unlimited deposits despite problem signs
  • Accepting huge bets from clearly vulnerable customers
  • Failing to conduct affordability checks
  • Ignoring patterns of problem gambling

These cases are more complex but can result in significant compensation.

#Common Questions

Q: I used a different email/name to create a new account ā€“ do I still have a claim?

Maybe. Operators should have reasonable checks in place. If you used the same payment method, they should have flagged it.

Q: GAMSTOP says I was registered but the operator let me bet ā€“ what happened?

The operator failed to check GAMSTOP properly. Strong breach.

Q: I self-excluded but then asked them to let me back ā€“ who's responsible?

If they let you back before the exclusion period ended, they breached their obligations. They should have refused.

Q: My losses were Ā£50,000+ ā€“ is court the only option?

For very large claims, court may be necessary. Consider specialist gambling litigation solicitors (many work on "no win, no fee").