Why Do Bookmakers Close Betting Accounts?
Below are some common reasons a bookmaker could limit or even permanently terminate your betting account.
Some bettors misuse bonus offers by engaging in match betting or other methods to maximize their rewards unfairly. Match betting involves using free bet promotions to place bets on all possible outcomes of an event to ensure a payout regardless of the result. If any form of abuse or violation is detected, your account can be limited or permanently closed.
Bookmakers are in the business of making money, so if a bettor consistently wins large amounts, especially if they believe it’s due to an edge gained through professional strategies, they may close or restrict the account to limit their loss.
Unlike prior reasons that may seem unfair, most bookies have zero tolerance for bettors who flout this rule. According to their terms of service, only one account per customer is allowed. Opening multiple accounts to claim bonuses, bypass limits, or manipulate promotions is considered a breach of these terms and can lead to account termination.
Arbitrage betting involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event to guarantee a profit regardless of the result. Since bookmakers don’t want to lose money this way, they may close the accounts of users who engage in this activity.
- Betting with Strange Amounts
Staking irregular amounts that are outside normal patterns may raise red flags for suspicious or fraudulent activities. This is not limited to large bets; placing factional bets like $5.10, $100.01, or the same amount on different events might seem like it’s being done for systematic reasons, especially with betting bots or software rather than normal betting behavior.
- Irregular Activity on Your Account
If a bookmaker detects irregularities, such as sudden changes in betting patterns, large deposits, or withdrawals, or if they suspect the account is being used for fraudulent activity, such as money laundering and insider information, they may close the account as a precaution.
While not common, some bookies close accounts when a punter doesn’t engage with their promotions or bonuses regularly while they make a lot of money betting on sports. Ignoring promotions is a sign that a bettor is not interested in betting or avoiding offers that can be beneficial to an operator.