Has anyone been successful in recouping their losses from Coral as a social responsibility claim? Please let me know, I’m feeling very worried and anxious they might not pay me back.
Hi @charcle
i didn’t even know this was a thing? Sorry for my ignorance could you let me know what this is or what you’ve been able to do?
Id like to follow suit with you and would let you know what’s happening and the progress.
A social responsibility claim is not a consumer right , its more of an ethical business practice
The bookies will not pay any gambling losses back because of this
Unfortunately Charcle there is very little chance of this. I investigated this last year, as I felt a couple of bookmaking firms should have intervened in my loss making spiral. Apparently they had tried to call me (I did have a missed call from one firm tbf), but did not stop/suspend the account once they witnessed 'unusual' behaviour i.e. a mad loss chasing binge.
Unless you have specifically asked the firm not to take any more bets and explained why & then they subsequently did accept further bets (in which case you'd have a great case), then there is no obligation/requirement for them to refund any losses.
You will be aware of your own circumstances and if you feel you have a case, you could employ a solicitor to take matters forward. They will let you know how things will go. It will probably cost you £250 for an initial consultation though.
In my circumstances, I was advised that attempting to recoup my losses was futile owing to the bookmakers' terms and conditions (when signing up to their accounts). Also, they allow for limitation on the accounts i.e. maximum periodic deposit limits etc., which works back in their favour if you don't choose to use them. This was something I didn't limit..
Thank you for your messages.
I received an interesting letter from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport if you’re interested?
Thank you for your correspondence of 24 October to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), regarding your experience with Coral. I am replying as a member of the Ministerial Support Team.
I am sorry to hear about the difficulties of your current situation and your experience with gambling addiction. The government has a clear vision for the gambling sector and wants all those who choose to gamble in this country to be able to do so in a safe way. One of the core licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005 is to protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling, and preventing gambling-related harm is a priority for the government.
The role of the independent regulator, the Gambling Commission, is also to ensure that gambling operators comply with gambling legislation and the conditions and codes of practice attached to their operating licences, to which social responsibility and protecting vulnerable people are fundamental. The Gambling Commission can, and does, investigate where there is evidence that operators have breached their licence conditions. I encourage you to share all relevant information and evidence with the Commission.
As referenced in your letter, the government is also taking a close look at the suitability of existing consumer redress arrangements as part of the Gambling Act review. The government understands that some other sectors have particular vehicles to facilitate consumer redress, such as an Ombudsman, and the review is assessing how existing arrangements can be made most effective.
Our call for evidence closed on 31 March, and we are carefully reviewing the evidence we received. We will publish a white paper outlining our conclusions and proposals for reform in due course. Alongside the review, DCMS works closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to further understand and prevent gambling-related harm.
Finally, as you may be aware, there are a number of organisations that specialise in supporting people who are suffering from gambling-related harm that you may wish to contact. These include:
• GamCare: Offers free and confidential information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK. It runs the National Gambling Helpline, online webchat and also offers face-to-face counselling
• The National Gambling Helpline: Free, confidential telephone advice, information and emotional support on Freephone 0808 8020 133 (Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week)• WebChat: NetLine is a live webchat service offering confidential advice, information and emotional support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can access the service via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop PC
• GambleAware: A gambling charity which funds education, prevention and treatment services and commissions research. Their website is a useful source of information on gambling-related harm with links to further help
Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention and I hope this information is helpful.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
