Bookmakers can limit stakes, remove offers or close accounts, usually without saying why. The usual triggers are winning, taking only offers, backing prices that then shorten, and arbing. Exchanges don't restrict winners in the same way, because they take commission rather than the other side of your bet.
What restriction looks like
- Maximum stakes cut, sometimes to pennies, on some or all markets.
- Offers and free bets no longer appear in your account.
- Bets referred to a trader before they're accepted, then only part taken.
- In some cases, the account closed with the balance returned.
People often call this being "gubbed", mainly in matched betting.
Why bookmakers do it
A bookmaker makes money from its margin, as long as most customers lose over time. A customer who consistently beats its prices, or only takes the free money, costs it money. Its terms let it choose which bets to take.
- Winning over time, especially at prices that then shorten.
- Taking offers and rarely betting otherwise.
- Arbing, or betting patterns that look like it, such as odd stake amounts.
- Betting mostly on small markets where prices are weakest.
- Following popular tipsters, so many accounts back the same price at once.
What you can do
- Withdraw your balance. Restriction doesn't stop you taking your money out.
- Use round stakes and popular markets if you want accounts to last longer.
- Mix in normal bets alongside offers, if you're matched betting.
- Accept that it's within the bookmaker's terms. Complaining rarely changes the decision.
Never open accounts in someone else's name to get around a restriction. It breaks bookmaker terms, and your winnings can be withheld.
Where restrictions don't apply in the same way
Betting exchanges match you with other bettors and charge commission on winnings, so they don't need you to lose. Some charge extra fees to their most successful customers, but they don't limit stakes the way bookmakers do.
Work out exchange bets with commission.Lay bet calculator →How each strategy is affected
Matched betting, arbing, value betting and following tipsters all lead to restrictions sooner or later. Our reviews cover how each service deals with it.
Questions people ask
Is it legal for bookmakers to restrict accounts?
Yes. Bookmakers can decide which bets to accept under their terms. They must still let you withdraw your balance.
What does gubbed mean?
Slang for having a bookmaker account restricted, usually by losing access to offers or having stakes cut.
Can I ask a bookmaker to lift a restriction?
You can ask, but they rarely change their decision or explain it.