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Status of a bet as a contract

When you place a bet with a licensed gambling business, you enter into a legally enforceable contract with that business.

Gambling businesses must make the terms and conditions of the bet available to you. Before deciding whether or not to place a bet, make sure you're familiar with the terms and conditions and that you understand what they mean, especially in the event of any changed circumstances around the bet.

We also require gambling businesses to provide a means for you to complain about the bet. This helps us to keep betting fair.

Gambling businesses can refuse your bet

Just as you can decide whether or not you wish to place a bet, a gambling business is also free to decide who they accept bets from, and on what terms, so that they can manage their business as they see fit.

Because a bet has to be a commercial arrangement between two willing parties, there is no statutory right to bet that means that a gambling business must accept your bet. A gambling business may sometimes withdraw offers or refuse bets in order to reduce risks to their business.

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Last updated: 21 June 2023

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