Are you locked in a payout dispute with a gambling operator? You might have come across IBAS, the Independent Betting Adjudication Service.
What Is IBAS and ADR?
- ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) gives consumers access to an independent reviewer when a business won’t resolve a complaint.
- IBAS is the UK’s principal ADR provider in the gambling sector, established in 1998 and handling around 80% of ADR complaints involving licensed operators.
- It’s free to consumers and usually provides a decision within 90 days—rulings up to £10,000 are binding on the operator .
Key Limitations of IBAS
- Scope is restricted
IBAS only considers contractual disputes—like refusal to pay winnings or withheld withdrawals—not broader social responsibility issues such as mental or emotional harm. - Monetary threshold
Any dispute over £10,000 is non-binding—the operator can insist on court action instead. - Social responsibility claims excluded
Complaints about failures in responsibility—e.g. not protecting vulnerable gamblers—are classed as regulatory matters and not reviewed by IBAS. - Non-binding for consumers
Even if IBAS decides in your favour, you’re free to ignore their recommendation and take legal action instead should it be more beneficial for you to do so.
Why a Legal Route Still Matters
Here’s why you may need more than IBAS:
- Mental health & data breaches: IBAS won’t consider psychiatric injury from addiction or GDPR infringements. These may only be recognised via court or regulated legal claims.
- High-value claims: For disputes involving more than £10,000, you’ll need formal legal action.
- Stronger compensation: Courts and regulators can award damages for trauma or GDPR breaches—IBAS can’t do that.
Using GamClaim.org to help prepare a dispute for IBAS
If IBAS can’t fully address your issue—or the value of dispute is above its limit—you still have strong options:
- ✅ Claims Checker: See if your losses or harm might be legally recoverable after IBAS.
- 📘 Self‑Representation eBook: Learn how to escalate disputes, gather evidence, and formally communicate with operators—used before contacting IBAS or for pursuing a legal claim after or as an alternative to IBAS.
- 🧑⚖️ Top‑Tier Legal Support: We can connect you with specialist solicitors (no-win, no-fee) for social responsibility, psychiatric injury, or GDPR cases.
When IBAS Might Be Enough
Use IBAS if:
- It’s about contractual disputes (e.g., withheld withdrawals, non-payment of winnings)
- Your claim is under £10,000
- You’ve first tried resolving the issue directly with the operator
When to Choose GamClaim.org or Legal Help
Use us if:
- You experienced mental distress, addiction, or data misuse
- Your dispute exceeds £10,000 (or you’re unsure)
- You’ve been targeted despite self-exclusion or showing signs of harm
- You’ve used IBAS and want stronger legal avenues afterward
| Situation | IBAS Suits? | GamClaim.org Suits? |
|---|---|---|
| Contractual payout dispute (<£10k) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (self-help or legal support) |
| Contractual dispute (>£10k) | ⚠️ Non-binding | ✅ Better with legal backing |
| Psychiatric harm/addiction/data breach | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (via legal claim) |
| Operator ignored self-exclusion or harm signs | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Next Steps
- Attempt to resolve directly with the operator.
- Submit a complaint to IBAS if under £10k and it’s a payout dispute.
- Use GamClaim.org’s Claims Checker to uncover broader liability.
- Purchase our eBook to guide your next steps—either IBAS follow-on or progressing with legal representation.