Punishable Offenses That Can Get You Banned from a Sportsbook

If you’re a regular sports bettor and have never had your betting account limited or banned, consider yourself fortunate. However, you’ve probably heard stories of bettors suddenly having their accounts restricted, often without warning, and sometimes with their funds frozen.

In this article, we’ll dive into the most common reasons why sportsbooks ban or limit accounts, as well as provide some tips on how to avoid these pitfalls. While it may seem daunting, staying out of trouble is relatively simple if you follow a few straightforward rules. Additionally, we’ll share insights on how to choose the best sportsbooks that treat bettors with respect and fairness.

Betting Account Regulations: What to Avoid

1. Underage Betting

This might seem like a no-brainer, but underage gambling remains a prevalent issue. Most sportsbooks require players to be at least 18 years old (or 21 in some jurisdictions) to participate in sports betting. Attempting to gamble while underage or lying about your age during the registration process will undoubtedly get your account flagged and banned.

Sportsbooks use multiple methods to verify your age during registration, and later, when they require you to submit Know Your Customer (KYC) documents, any discrepancy will result in the termination of your account and the seizure of funds. Avoid this by adhering to the minimum age requirement.

2. Lying About Your Location

Many sportsbooks have geographical restrictions due to legal issues, meaning they may not accept players from certain countries or states. Some bettors attempt to get around this by using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to mask their true location, but sportsbooks have advanced technology in place to detect such behavior.

Once caught, accounts are banned, winnings are forfeited, and players often lose access to their funds. If a sportsbook restricts access to your country, it’s best to look for alternatives rather than trying to bypass the system. Lying about your location during registration is one of the easiest ways to get banned, and it’s not worth the risk.

3. Opening Multiple Betting Accounts

One of the most common reasons for sportsbook bans is having multiple accounts under the same person or household. Sportsbooks typically allow one account per household and IP address. Bettors who attempt to open multiple accounts often do so to exploit welcome bonuses or promotions, but this behavior is strictly against the Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) of most operators.

While it may seem tempting to get multiple bonuses by creating additional accounts, sportsbooks actively monitor for this behavior and will quickly suspend any accounts found in violation. When you register, make sure that no one else in your household already has an account with that sportsbook to avoid unnecessary complications.

4. Arbitrage Betting and Matched Betting

Arbitrage betting (arbing) and matched betting are both legitimate betting strategies that allow players to make a guaranteed profit by exploiting differences in odds between sportsbooks. While these strategies aren’t illegal, sportsbooks aren’t fond of bettors who consistently take advantage of these methods, as it eats into their profit margins.

In arbitrage betting, a bettor places bets on all possible outcomes of a match across different sportsbooks, ensuring a profit regardless of the result. Matched betting works similarly, but it uses sportsbook promotions and free bets to guarantee returns. Although these strategies are considered smart betting by some, they can get your account banned or severely restricted, especially if practiced frequently.

For those interested in arbing, it’s recommended to use betting exchanges rather than traditional sportsbooks. Betting exchanges encourage arbitrage betting because they profit from commission rather than losing on odds discrepancies.

5. Bonus Abuse

One of the most significant reasons for getting banned from sportsbooks is bonus abuse. Sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses and promotions to attract new customers, but they are designed to benefit recreational bettors, not those seeking to exploit them for consistent profit.

Many bettors engage in bonus hunting or matched betting, using free bets and promotions to gain an unfair advantage. Sportsbooks closely monitor this behavior and often label bettors as bonus abusers if they repeatedly try to game the system. Once flagged, these bettors may no longer be eligible for promotions, and in severe cases, accounts can be banned entirely.

To avoid being seen as a bonus abuser, make sure you use bonuses in good faith, and don’t rely solely on promotional offers to make a profit.

6. Betting on “Fishy” Games

Sportsbooks take note when they see unusual betting activity, especially large sums being wagered on obscure or low-profile games. In many cases, sportsbooks will adjust the odds or close betting on suspicious events. Bettors who frequently bet on fishy games may raise red flags and face scrutiny from sportsbooks.

Consistently betting on games that seem suspicious or that have significant betting irregularities can lead to account limitations or bans. Betting syndicates sometimes target fixed or manipulated games, and sportsbooks use sophisticated algorithms to detect such patterns. Avoid this by sticking to mainstream, legitimate betting opportunities.

7. Winning Too Much

Yes, this can happen! While it might seem counterintuitive, many sportsbooks don’t like customers who win consistently or too often. Although betting is a game of skill and chance, sportsbooks expect most of their customers to lose in the long run. If you regularly win large sums or show too much skill in identifying value bets, some sportsbooks may limit your account or ban you outright.

However, there are sportsbooks known for accommodating successful bettors, so if you’re consistently profitable, it’s worth researching which sportsbooks allow skilled players and high rollers to operate freely.

Conclusion: Staying Safe While Betting

Avoiding a ban or restriction on your sportsbook account is simple if you follow the rules. Always provide accurate information during registration, stick to legitimate betting strategies, and avoid activities that could raise red flags with the sportsbook. Reading the Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) is essential to understanding what is and isn’t allowed.

While it can be frustrating to have your account limited or banned, the good news is that there are plenty of reputable sportsbooks that appreciate and respect their customers. If you ever find yourself in a situation where a sportsbook no longer allows you to bet, it’s important to find alternatives that suit your betting style and allow you to continue wagering responsibly.

Choosing a respected and reputable sportsbook from the beginning can make all the difference. Reputable sportsbooks treat their customers fairly, offer transparent communication, and provide a high-quality betting experience. Make sure to choose a sportsbook that values both winning and recreational bettors alike—because the right sportsbook will never penalize you for playing smart.