Do you expect some help from the regulator if something goes wrong with an operator on their watch? Of course you do. Unfortunately if that operator is BetButler and the regulator is the Gambling Commission then you are straight out of luck. The Gambling Commission have come right out and said it, if you have money in BetButler then you are on your own. Basically it's not our problem, it's yours. |
The full statement from the Gambling Commission:
The Gambling Commission is carrying out a review of BetButler's operating licence under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005. On Monday 1 September we suspended BetButler’s licence because we were concerned about its continuing suitability to provide gambling facilities.
Whilst we are aware of the difficulties that BetButler customers are experiencing in withdrawing money from accounts - and appreciate the distress this may be causing - the Commission is unable to help customers obtain any money they may be owed by Betbutler.
However, we have noted customer concerns in the context of the ongoing licence review.
We also know that customers are finding it difficult to communicate with Betbutler; we have drawn that to the operator's attention.
For those not in the know, section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 pertains to an operator (in this case BetButler) being unable to fullfil the obligations of it's licence. In this case it seems the missed obligation is actually paying customers.
You probably don't recall, or more likely won't have read, one of my earliest blog posts (back in 2013) which included reference to me using BetButler. At the time the bonus was good and there was no indication that things were going to go sour. If you were just in it for the matched betting then in all likelihood you'd have got in and out and won't have lost out now they've gone bust. That can actually be born out by the complaints page of The Gambling Times where there are few premium members commenting and it's generally Joe Public who have found the site as it's pretty much the first thing that comes up on a google search of BetButler.
Once again being a smart punter has kept me safe while the regular person on the street, who is more in need of the support of the regulator, will be left out of pocket.
Knowledge is everything in this game. Give a little and get a lot in return by joining a forum, contributing and posting information on important things like Payout Times.