BetBright faces scrutiny from UKGC after cancelling outstanding bets
Regulator says it is making enquiries into the incident after receiving several complaints
BetBright is facing scrutiny from the UK Gambling Commission over its decision to cancel all outstanding ante-post bets following the sale of its technology to 888 this week.
The Irish operator turned its site off yesterday and told customers via an FAQ section that all bets due to settle past 5 March 2019 would be voided.
The decision prompted outcry on social media with the Cheltenham Festival just days away.
Every single television interview with Rich Ricci next week should begin by the interviewer asking him to rectify this disgraceful decision. I'm not even sure he should be allowed to enter UK/Irish courses until it's fixed.
— Nick Goff (@nickgoff79) March 5, 2019
Despite the outcry, BetBright appeared to stand by the decision, emailing customers last night with the same policy.
The operator is understood to have responsibility for outstanding bets, with 888 having bought the technology side of the business rather than the customer database and B2C arm.
888sport told customers to direct their complaints to BetBright.
UPDATE: 888 has confirmed it will honour all ante-post bets on the Cheltenham Festival as a gesture of goodwill.
The operator did not mention anything about BetBright’s outstanding football bets which were highlighted by The Guardian as potentially carrying five-figure liabilities.
you will have to contact them I am afraid. i
— 888sport (@888sport) March 5, 2019
The Irish bookmaker did not respond to several requests for comment from EGR.
However, the UK Gambling Commission confirmed it is “making enquiries” into the incident having received several complaints.
The liability from the ante-post bets is unclear, although anecdotal reports suggested they were “not insignificant”.
Racing analyst Rory Delargy said the decision to cancel outstanding bets “went against the fundamental nature of betting as a two-party contract”.