The Independent Betting Adjudication Service - IBAS

The Independent Betting Adjudication Service - also known as IBAS - is an impartial moderator that acts on disputes between customers and gambling operators. IBAS steps in when the parties reach a deadlock AFTER they have gone through the betting operator's internal dispute channels.

• Bet exchanges
• Betting intermediaries
• Betting shops
• On course greyhounds
• Greyhound stadia pool betting
• Lotteries
• Online gambling sites (both offshore and in the United Kingdom)
• Gaming machines
• Remote gambling
• Totalisator betting

By studying the operator's own terms and conditions that apply to disputes, the specialist adjudicators at IBAS rule on the majority of cases, and offer dispute resolution tools and procedures. It should be noted that IBAS does not rule on complex legal issues.

IBAS is also responsible for checking that the gambling operators involved in the dispute comply with all the standards of the UK Gambling Commission.

The Role of IBAS

IBAS was created in 1998 and was given the responsibility of delivering authoritative adjudications relating to the UK betting industry. The organization has the approval of UK trade associations and the endorsement of the under-secretary of state of the UK Home Office.

The prime reason for the creation of IBAS was the growing recognition by betting groups to provide better services to their customers. IBAS thus falls under one of the most important objectives of the UK Gambling Commission - to provide a solution for customers who are not able to settle complaints through the channels offered by gaming operators. As soon as this becomes the case, a 'complaint' becomes a 'dispute' and IBAS steps in.

How does IBAS Work?

As soon as both parties in the dispute agree to comply with IBAS's terms and conditions, the adjudicator will step in and investigate both sides. Written submissions are required by the parties explaining their side of the dispute and including any relevant documentation. There are no fees or charges involved.

The quality of the presentation will not determine the final outcome, and IBAS will examine the facts and make a decision based on these. Objective standards are always used as a compass for decisions reached. Detailed explanations are offered to both parties of how a decision was reached. It should be noted that all disputes are treated in the strictest of confidence.

There is no set time limit for adjudication, and its length will depend on the nature and complexity of the dispute in question.

It is important to note that adjudication is not legally enforceable; however since bets are seen as binding contracts, the independent view of the adjudication panel will bear some weight in a legal dispute.

IBAS generally does not deal with compensation and the group stresses that its services include dispute resolution procedures without considering compensatory measures.