Important Update: Phil's Account 'Closed' After 8 weeks with no information and account access, @SkyBet have today told @philbetting that his account is now closed. They will enter into no further communication beyond the brief message sent (shared with Phil's permission). No reasons for this decision have been given beyond a reference to clause 18.2, nor has any evidence of the claimed 'Prohibited Activity' been supplied or made clear. Nobody has spoken to Phil via email or on the phone about this with any specifics or questions - it's been a decision made entirely without any communication with him as the account holder. Phil also has between £12,000 to £13,000 in open Antepost bets - about which no guidance has been given on their status. The assumption is that Skybet will not be paying these bets out, but no guidance has been given by them, nor will they engage in further communication to explain the position. If they have voided these bets, its also unclear if the stakes will be returned at the very least. Phil is now considering his legal options. MODERN DAY BETTING - SBC's OPINION This case sums up the situation confronting many bettors currently with bookmaker disputes. Here we have a genuine account held by a person in their own name that has been locked and inaccessible for 8 weeks. An account where it seems the sizeable open bets placed have been voided and will not be honoured or paid out. No reasons for this account closure need to be given by the bookmaker, no evidence needs to be provided and there is no appeal process OR ability to speak to the people at Skybet making these decisions. This case highlights how the entire disputes process with bookmakers is a total mess with no accountability, lengthy delays and no communication or right of appeal. Judge, Jury and Executioner. Is it any wonder more bettors are considering and using unregulated, grey or black market routes when the regulated market treats some of its customers like this?