Being gubbed in sports betting is one of those things that you do not want to happen, but there is a good chance it will, especially if you are successful. Gubbing is limiting your access to receiving different bonuses. In some instances, the gubbed meaning is also used in situations when the bookmaker decides to restrict your bet size or even ban you from placing bets.
Bookmakers can restrict users’ accounts as long as they adhere to the regulations. The reason why they do it is because some people are too successful or because they’re using different betting strategies and/or are wagering on rigged events.
Most casual bettors don’t have to worry about being gubbed (but it can happen) because this usually affects advanced bettors and arbitrage punters. Regardless of which category you fall into, it’s important to know more about this, so let’s dive in.
What Does Being Gubbed Mean?
Being gubbed means that the bookmaker restricts your account in some way. Usually, this will prevent you from accessing the operator’s promotions (all of them or several particular deals). This can include free spins, free bets, and others.
Alongside the limited access to offers, gubbing can also affect your ability to place bets. Depending on the situation, it could prevent you from placing any bets, or you may have a limit to the maximum amount you can use per bet. When talking about the gubbed meaning in betting, some bookmakers will even close your account (this is usually the operator’s last resort).
But why do bookies do that in the first place? Gubbing usually happens when the operator believes that there is some kind of foul play. Sometimes, it could be because of risk management (the site wants to ensure it has better winnings) and sharp betting. Every situation is different.
Signs That You’ve Been Gubbed
Now that you are familiar with the gubbed meaning, you can easily tell when you have been affected by it. If the bookmaker did not let you know explicitly (some brands do that), here is what to look for:
- Limited Max Stake on Bets – You won’t be able to wager more than a specific pre-selected amount.
- Removal of Promotions and Free Bets – No matter what kind of deals the site has in stock, you won’t be able to use them at all.
- Sudden Rejection of Bets or Delay in Bet Acceptance – You may not place bets on the things you want, or the process may take much longer because the operator will have to approve each of your bets manually.
Why Do Bookmakers Gub Bettors?
There are many different reasons why bookmakers gub bettors, such as:
- Arbitrage Betting – This is a well-known tactic that some players use to exploit the price differences across several bookmakers.
- Matched Betting – This is when people use bonuses to get guaranteed profits.
- Consistently betting the Closing Line – When using this tactic, punters wager on the best odds before they shorten.
- Winning Too Much or Too Often – Being too profitable is great for you, but some bookies don’t like it.
- Suspicious Betting Patterns – Bookmakers may gub your account because of suspicious betting activity.
How to Avoid Being Gubbed
To avoid being affected by the gubbed betting restrictions, you can follow a few key steps:
- Bet Like a Casual Player – Even if you use some of the betting techniques that could result in gubbing, try to place a few mug bets as well.
- Avoid Always Betting on Promotions – Using the bonuses to your advantage is a plus, but don’t do that all the time.
- Vary Your Bet Types – Aside from your usual go-to betting options, you can try using ACCA bets, multiples, and others.
- Keep Stakes Modest – Don’t always bet with very large sums because this will draw a lot more attention.
- Withdraw Smartly – Cashing out larger amounts all the time will make you a lot more suspicious.
- Don’t Use the Same Patterns – Ideally, you should try to avoid wagering at peak value times.
Can You Reverse a Gubbing?
You can try to reverse your gubbing, but the decision depends entirely on the gambling operator. If you want to try it, contact the customer support department and ask them to review your case.
Before doing that, you can also try to lay low for a while and place “normal” bets like most players do. If the operator does not remove your restrictions after you’ve done that, it’s probably a good idea to try and find a new bookmaker.
Final Thoughts – Is Gubbing Inevitable?
Gubbing is not inevitable because you will only face these restrictions if you do some of the things mentioned here. Those who are more successful, however, may have to deal with this problem in the future.
One way to ensure you have a way out is to use more than one bookmaker. There are plenty of sites to choose from, so you can always find a bookie with similar options to the one you are using right now.