Betfred Allowed Me to Gamble Despite GamStop

M

matathomas

Member
Hey everyone,
I know I messed up, but I’m still shocked at how easily this happened. I self-excluded through GamStop in 2019 for 5 years, keeping all my info up to date.
On Monday, I had a rough day at work, and in a moment of weakness, I tried to sign up for Ladbrokes and William Hill—both blocked me immediately. Betfred, on the other hand, let me register and deposit without issue, using the same details GamStop had on file.
Within a couple of hours, I deposited a total of £850—they never asked for ID, never questioned the deposits. The next day, they emailed me saying my account was now closed due to my GamStop exclusion and asked for my GamStop file.
I get that I should have had more willpower, but shouldn’t Betfred have prevented this from the start? If I had won, they likely wouldn’t have paid me, so playing was pointless. What are my chances of getting my deposits refunded?
 
Mate, that’s messed up. They shouldn’t have let you register in the first place. Classic case of "take the money first, ask questions later." If you’d won, they’d have pulled the “oops, you’re self-excluded” card real quick
 
Yeah, this is 100% on Betfred. If GamStop blocked you everywhere else, there’s no excuse for them allowing you to deposit. File a complaint with the UKGC and ask for a chargeback from your bank
 
First off, don’t beat yourself up. Addiction doesn’t just vanish because you signed up for GamStop—it’s a constant battle. Betfred failed you here. Push hard for a refund, and if they refuse, take it to IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service)
 
Hate to say it, but you might struggle to get that money back. Some people have had luck with formal complaints, but operators drag their feet. Still, definitely report them—they need to be held accountable
 
renee17 said:
Hate to say it, but you might struggle to get that money back. Some people have had luck with formal complaints, but operators drag their feet. Still, definitely report them—they need to be held accountable
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@renee17 , you think they just pretend these are "isolated incidents"? Feels like they’re deliberately ignoring self-exclusion sometimes
 
100%. If they can get away with it, they will. Look at all the fines these bookies keep getting—it’s not an accident
 
Betfred should definitely have stricter checks in place. It’s crazy how easily they let you sign up. Hope you can get your money back...
 
Yeah mate, that's real shady. Betfred should’ve blocked you straight up. Defo chase a refund, and scream at FCA too. They can’t just let that slide. Stay strong, bro.
 
this shouldn’t have even been possible! gamstop exists to protect people exactly in your situation
betfred letting that slip is a massive failure on their part, not yours
 
you should absolutely push for a refund. contact the UKGC and file a formal complaint. you were on GamStop, they had no excuse to let your account through. don’t let them get away with it.
 
cherylhale3880 said:
this shouldn’t have even been possible! gamstop exists to protect people exactly in your situation
betfred letting that slip is a massive failure on their part, not yours
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Agreed. If the operator failed to correctly integrate or maintain their GamStop exclusion checks, they could be in breach of licensing conditions. The onus is on Betfred, not the excluded individual.
 
susansteele2282 said:
you should absolutely push for a refund. contact the UKGC and file a formal complaint. you were on GamStop, they had no excuse to let your account through. don’t let them get away with it.
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Honestly? They owe the full £850 back. This isn’t just a glitch — this is someone relapsing because the system failed them
Refunding should be non-negotiable...
 
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