您作为赌博者的权利
All gambling operators in Great Britain must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and comply with the Gambling Act 2005 and licence conditions. This gives you important rights regarding fair play, transparency, self-exclusion, and complaints. Operators must treat you fairly, pay out legitimate winnings, and provide tools to help you manage your gambling.
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Your Rights
Right to Fair and Transparent Terms
Gambling operators must ensure their terms are fair and transparent. Terms that are unfair to consumers may be unenforceable under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Rules of games and betting must be clearly available.
Right to Self-Exclude
You can self-exclude from online gambling (via GAMSTOP) or from land-based venues. Once self-excluded, operators must take all reasonable steps to prevent you from gambling during the exclusion period.
Right to Withdraw Funds
Operators must allow you to withdraw funds from your gambling account without unreasonable restrictions or delays. Any conditions on withdrawals must be clearly stated in advance.
Right to Complain
If you have a dispute with a gambling operator, you can complain to the operator first. If unresolved within 8 weeks, you can escalate to an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider free of charge.
Right to Protection from Unfair Practices
Operators must not engage in misleading or aggressive practices. Promotional offers must be transparent and not misleadingly restricted.
Common Myths
Online gambling sites don't have to pay out big wins.
Licensed operators are legally required to pay out legitimate winnings. If they refuse without valid reason, you can complain to their ADR provider and report them to the Gambling Commission.
Self-exclusion means the gambling site has to refund your losses.
Self-exclusion prevents future gambling but does not entitle you to a refund of past losses. However, if an operator allowed you to gamble during a self-exclusion period, you may have grounds for a complaint.
What To Do
Complain to the Operator First
Contact the gambling operator's complaints department. They must acknowledge and respond within a reasonable time.
Escalate to the ADR Provider
If unresolved within 8 weeks, escalate to the operator's approved ADR provider (listed on their website and the Gambling Commission's website). ADR is free for consumers.
Report to the Gambling Commission
If you believe an operator is breaching their licence conditions, report it to the Gambling Commission at gamblingcommission.gov.uk. The Commission can investigate and take regulatory action.
Key Legislation
- Gambling Act 2005
- Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008