Gambling companies are restricting bets from successful gamblers and those utilizing promotional offers, sparking concerns about exploitative practices in the gambling industry. The restrictions are allegedly aimed at encouraging high-risk customers to continue betting while limiting bets from successful gamblers who capitalize on promotions. Some industry sources justify these measures to prevent abuse of promotional offers, while others argue that promotions are used to keep losing gamblers engaged and prevent them from quitting.
Restrictions on Successful Gamblers:
More than a dozen gambling companies are limiting bets from individuals who make profits from promotional offers or those deemed to “bet in a manner which is not commercially viable.” Correspondence and evidence indicate that some bookmakers restrict bets from successful gamblers while encouraging those who lose the most money, sparking concerns about fairness and responsible gambling.
Use of Promotions for Engagement:
Promotional offers, such as “deposit matches,” are being utilized to keep losing gamblers engaged and prevent them from quitting. Industry insiders suggest that higher taxes have led to odds adjustments, and promotions are used to offset lost revenue. Some argue that these inducements encourage bad gamblers to keep betting and contribute to their higher losses.
Manipulation of Promotions:
Groups of gamblers often target promotions, manipulating the market by creating multiple accounts in other people’s names to use the offers multiple times. Bookmakers reserve the right to cancel or restrict accounts based on factors like exclusively betting on promotional markets or showing traits of professional gambling.
Account Restrictions and Communication:
Gambling companies send emails to inform customers of account restrictions, stating reasons such as betting predominantly on promotional markets or exploiting promotions. Restrictions may include limited betting amounts on certain markets, impacting enhanced odds markets. Some companies have been transparent about stopping customers who cost them money.
Industry Response and Concerns:
The gambling industry is divided on these practices. While some defend the restrictions as necessary to prevent abuse of promotions, others highlight concerns that promotions are used to keep vulnerable gamblers betting and may exacerbate their losses. Calls for greater regulation and responsible gambling measures have intensified.
Gambling companies face scrutiny for restricting bets from successful gamblers and utilizing promotional offers to keep losing gamblers engaged. Critics argue that these practices exploit vulnerable individuals and highlight the need for stricter regulation and responsible gambling measures in the industry.