I'd like to look at the bank accounts of the head of the gambling commission in the UK. They're insisting that this can be used ONLY for evidence of money laundering or for financial self harm (problem gambling). The bookies are no longer adhering to those boundaries. When questioned, the circular passing of the buck begins, between The Boomakers, IBAS, the Gambling Commissioner and certain Banks.
A friend in the UK has been restricted to a 250 quid deposit limit per month, this is despite withdrawing 40k+ in winnings last year and regularly placing bets of 500 - 1000 at double figure odds . This had the knock on effect of them not being able to place a bet at Royal Ascot with that particular bookmaker. I'm not naming the Bookmaker, but it's a very large well known firm.
So yeah, they're now also breaching the rules of Bank statement requirements and imo if nothing there is untoward, they should be charged with liable, but I guess the self harm angle covers them in that regard. It's all a farce. Someone could go into a shop and gamble away on a machine. They could go into a casino and do likewise, or wager large bets on course, they could buy every scratch card in a supermarket, or indeed, buy as many lottery tickets as they please, but yeah, the Government loves and cares about you.
The whole thing stinks of bribery and corruption. What's next, phone records to see if you've accepted a tip from a restricted person? Looking on racing forums perhaps, with the suggestion of some syndication taking place?
The rub for my friend in this instance, is it was obvious he was playing with winnings previously withdrawn, so that can't be a problem gambler issue, so are they suggesting my friend is money laundering? I've advised to tell them to get stuffed. I'm sure they'd have slowly lost it back, or most of it, as they'd simply got lucky last year with 66/1 winner and another at 20's towards the backend of the flat.
There is a reputable American firm that will stand bets to US $5000 liability (it may even be $50K, with a $5K stake limit, I forget) and never restrict or close (apparently). UK registered firms are running amok with the aid of regulatory officials turning a blind eye (at least).
People in the UK should be filing lawsuits left, right and center over their law breaching behavior, but as I say, the pass the buck merry-go-round begins.
