Does a suspension freeze my account?
No. The notices on Targetlocal (21 September 2026) and on BresBet and Bet St George (28 August 2026) used the same formula: the suspension «does not prevent» the operator from letting customers access accounts and withdraw funds, and it must treat them fairly and keep them informed. The licence stays suspended while the Commission reviews it under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005. A suspension can end in either direction: BresBet and Bet St George surrendered their licences on 4 September, a week into the review. Do not wait for the outcome to take your balance out.
What do the three protection ratings mean?
Every licensee holding customer money must state one of three ratings in its terms, under licence condition 4.2.1, and you must acknowledge it before your deposit can be used:
| Rating | How the money is held | If the business goes bust |
|---|---|---|
| Not protected | As part of the company's assets | You would likely lose it |
| Medium | Separate accounts, with arrangements such as insurance | Repayment likely, not guaranteed |
| High | Formal trust, checked by an independent trustee or auditor | The best chance of getting it back |
Since 31 October 2025 a casino rated not protected must remind you every six months, quoting the amount it holds. The Commission adds that it does not monitor operators' finances in real time.
What does a closing casino owe its customers?
The Commission's guidance on closing a licensed business sets out what it expects:
- clear information to customers by every available means, including direct contact;
- continued access to an ADR service for anyone with a complaint;
- every liability met where possible, including bets settled after closure;
- a way to reach the business about unclaimed funds even after it shuts.
The Commission accepts a surrender only once bets are settled and customers informed, and the register shows the change within 24 hours. If a closing casino stops answering, use the complaints route and confirm the status yourself with our licence check.
