How to Report a Bookie

If you have been betting online for a long time, you are bound to have had a dispute with a bookmaker at some point. From problems with bet settlement and withdrawals to account closing or limitations, there are many reasons why you would want to report a betting site.

These issues can be encountered in reputable and scam sportsbooks alike. If you are an inexperienced player, you might be wondering how to report a betting company. Not to worry, though. We are here to show you the best ways to file a complaint and the most common grounds for disputes between players and bookies.

How can you scam bookmakers that are after your hard-earned money? Here at Bookmakers.bet, we take complaints very seriously, so you can even submit any complaints on the form below and we will investigate the situation.

Most Effective Ways to Report a Betting Company

It’s time to explain the different ways you can report a bookie. Our guides aim to break down all the information into valuable tips. We’ll show you how you can file such a complaint with us and also go into some detail regarding other bodies you can contact.

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  When you report a betting company here at Bookmakers.bet you have to add some basic information on our form. You need to enter your name, email, the bookmaker you are complaining about, the nature of the complaint, whether you have already contacted the bookie and if the bookmaker is part of our affiliate program. In this case of the latter, it’s easier for us to communicate with a site that we are partnered with.
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  You can also file a complaint with the site’s regulatory authority. Many sites are licensed through jurisdictions like the UKGC or the MGA. Both have dedicated online complaint forms on their websites, which can be used to register your issues. The other major licensing body is the Curacao Gaming Control Board, which has a general contact form, should you wish to complain about one of their betting sites. Note that the UKGC and MGA take complaints more seriously than Curacao, so you have a better chance of resolving any issue.
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  There are also independent organisations like IBAS, which help with disputes between bookmakers and users with problems. IBAS is funded by licensed bookmakers in the UK and any claim should take between 8-12 weeks to be resolved.
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  If using official methods of complaint doesn’t work, then there is always the option of speaking out on social media in an attempt to get a response from the bookmaker. There is also the option of leaving Player Comments & Complaints on Google or going to one of the many forums and detailing your experience to warn other players.

What Do You Need to File Online Betting Complaints

You will need to collect certain pieces of information before making your case. If you’re pondering how to complain about a betting company, make sure you have the following details to hand.

✔️ Bookmakers & Licence Number: Every licensed bookmaker will have a licence number, which they can be identified by. A quick Google search of the name and phrase ‘licence number’ should quickly help you to find it. There is also usually a link at the bottom of a website that will send you through to where they hold their license and you can find the number there.

✔️ Nature of the complaint: You will have to explain your complaint in detail. Do not miss anything out. So, if a bookie has rejected your withdrawal, elaborate on the incident. Did the bookie explain their motives?

✔️ Supporting documents: It will be helpful to gather any documents supporting your case. These can include screenshots, like any e-mails or live chats that you have had with the site.

⏩ Click here to see all the top bookmakers by player ratings. 

Why Players May Want to Report a Bookie?

Let’s take a look at the most common reasons for players' complaints. There are many different incidents why someone might want to report a bookie. Here are some of them.

⏩ Problems with Withdrawals: A widespread reason for dispute is when there is an issue with a withdrawal. If their payment is delayed, rejected or incomplete for petty reasons, then they will naturally complain. 

⏩ Issues with Bet Settlement: Another common problem is with a bookie settling a bet in a manner that the user disagrees with. You’ll sometimes see a bookie state that the odds displayed were wrong, especially during a live event and then they settle any bets on it as void.

⏩ Account Closure or Limitation: Betting companies have the power to close a user’s account or limit the amount that they can bet. This can naturally lead to disputes.

⏩ Unrealistic Bonuses & Promotions: Bookies offer promotions and bonuses to entice new users and retain existing ones. Sometimes the wagering requirements are too stringent to complete, which grounds complaint realistically.

⏩ Expired (or fake) Licences: A licence from a gaming authority always improves the bookmaker's ranking. However, if the licence has expired or is fake, this is a sign of a scam bookie.

⏩ Responsible Gambling: Bookmakers are expected to promote and adhere to the concept of responsible gambling. A player may feel that they were not protected by the site in this regard.

⏩ Shady Terms & Conditions: Online bookmaker sites are full of terms and conditions, from sign-up to bonuses and even bets. Sometimes the rules on different sections of the site can contradict each other. The FAQ section, for example, could show a different maximum win amount than the terms and conditions page.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Fraud

If you want to avoid having to report a bookie, there are things that you can do to help yourself. Naturally, it is almost impossible never to have a disagreement with a bookmaker, so keep these solutions in mind.

Play by the book: Bookies have rules for a reason. Make sure you read their terms thoroughly so that you can follow them. So, for example, with a welcome bonus, there will generally be plenty of conditions that you must adhere to, such as using a particular deposit method or making a qualifying bet at specific odds. Fail to stick to these rules and you won’t get your bonus.

Pick a safe bookmaker: All bookies on this site are tested. However, note that no betting company gets 100% approval. Even if you read some negative reviews, it doesn’t mean you should avoid that site. Also, just because you come across new bookmakers with no ratings, it doesn’t mean they are not to be trusted. Just be cautious.

Complete the KYC process: Any site must determine that their users are of the legal age to gamble and that the other details they gave when registering are correct. This may involve you verifying your account in some way. Make sure you stick to the instructions on this matter. If an account is not 100% verified, the bookie can use this as a reason to close accounts or reject winnings.

Keep a cool head: If you have some reason to deal with a customer service team, be it for a simple query or a more complicated complaint, stay calm. Losing your temper will never help your chances of getting the desired result.

Build your experience: The more experience you have, the more likely you’ll be able to notice suspicious behaviour. You’ll also learn how to file a complaint that will reap results.

List of Trusted Bookmakers

If you want to avoid a bad experience with a bookmaker, it makes sense to seek one with a strong reputation. All of our recommended sportsbooks have been thoroughly tested and reviewed. Click here to rate your bookmaker, or check the list below to find legal and safe bookies.