What Is Gubbing & Do Bingo Sites Gub Players?

Published On 1st August 2024

Many online bingo and slot brands run free to enter daily games. These include The Bonus Drop at William Hill, Instant Spins at Ladbrokes, The Prize Machine at Sky Vegas and Prize Pinball at Betfair. To play these games you usually only have to be registered and don't have to make deposits. The aim of these games - and indeed welcome offers too - are to encourage players to return regularly to a brand and more importantly get you to part with your cash. Of course not everyone does this and that could mean a brand opting to restrict your access to promotions and offers. Now we've known that this practice occurs across the industry but only learnt today that the practice is known as gubbing.

What Does Being Gubbed Mean?

According to Outplayed.com gubbing or being gubbed is defined as when "your account has been limited by a bookmaker and you will no longer be able to take advantage of the special offers or promotions available at that specific bookmaker". The same we guess can be applied to online slots and bingo brands. If a bingo brand opts to "gub" you then what this basically means you can still login and pay to play in the various rooms and on the numerous slots but you won't be able to participate in promotions. Furthermore the brand may extend that decision to other brands on the network or platform thereby preventing you getting welcome offers, play free games or enjoy promos on other sites too.

Why Have You Been Gubbed?

One of the most frustrating things about online bingo and slots brands is that they don't like giving out information. From players to affiliates they'll happily switch off elements of your account - or even close it - with little or no notice and/or information. This means you'll be left to guess as to why they've made a decision. If you're a regular free games player and don't pay and play then some brands might see that as an issue - especially if for example you regularly win on free spins and withdraw the cash as opposed to replay it. If you visit similar sites across a network or platform then your activity may also be flagged. Gambling brands want to take your money not necessarily give it away for nowt. If a brand feels that their service is being taken advantage of then they may act.

Can They Limit Access To Promotions?

If you're a regular at any bingo or slots brand you'll know that terms and conditions are attached to pretty much anything and everything. Heart Bingo for example run the Heart Bonanza Daily Free Game. It's available to customers who have deposited £10 within the last 7 days and you need to match at least 3 symbols to win a prize. However the terms and conditions states "If there is any reason to believe that there has been a breach of these terms and conditions, the Promoter may, at its sole discretion, reserve the right to exclude you from participating in the promotion". Similarly at Sky Vegas you'll find "Sky Betting and Gaming reserves the right to withdraw the availability of promotions to any customer or group of customers at any time" stated in the terms for their Prize Machine promotion. In other words these brands can do what they like, when they like and without necessarily having - or having to give - a valid reason.

Can You Avoid Being Gubbed?

We're not sure is the honest answer here as bingo sites and casinos are sometimes a law unto themselves but we can make some suggestions. Firstly for sites that you deposit at you're probably not going to have any issues. But what about brands where you're just looking for the free games or offers? Our advice is to occasionally replay any winnings as opposed to just accumulate them to then withdraw. You might also want to stagger or take time off playing selected sites and games. Make sure your details are correct and if any requests for documentation is made that you provide it. Beyond that it's just a game of luck. If a brand decides that you're breaking their rules then they will act and frustratingly there's usually very little come back or option to appeal.


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