Account restrictions, known as gubbing, are a common issue for active bettors, especially those who use calculated strategies like matched betting. In the competitive world of sports betting, keeping your accounts unrestricted is key for long-term success. Bookmakers can limit, restrict, or even block user accounts if they suspect non-traditional betting behavior. While this doesn’t affect your ability to withdraw existing funds, it can seriously restrict your future matched betting opportunities. To stay ahead, it’s important to understand how to avoid gubbing. In this article, we’ll cover 12 essential suggestions that will help you do just that!

To start with, it’s important to remember that bookmakers make their biggest profits from traditional bettors, that is, people who place bets regularly on their favorite teams or throw money into accumulator (Acca) bets for the thrill of it. These types of bets are unpredictable by nature and so they lead to more profits for the bookmaker. On the other hand, strategic and systematic betting approaches, like matched betting, tend to raise red flags. Why? Because these methods are seen as ways for savvy bettors to eliminate risks and maximize wins, which isn’t great for the bookmaker’s bottom line. While there’s no surefire way to avoid being flagged, mixing up your betting habits and using varied strategies can go a long way in helping you keep your account unrestricted and under the radar.

Let’s jump right into it!

12 Ways to Avoid Gubbing

Secret # 1. Deposit and Bet More Than the Minimum for Offers

Bookmakers monitor the amounts deposited and wagered, so depositing slightly more than the minimum needed for an offer can help you avoid gubbing. For example, if an offer requires a specific amount of deposit, consider depositing a slightly different amount instead.

Example: If a promotion requires a $34 deposit, put in $40 instead. This makes your betting look more natural and less focused on just promotions. This slight over-deposit shows the bookmaker that you’re not just following the minimum rules to access bonuses, but that you might be more of a casual bettor who deposits varied amounts.

Secret # 2. Place Mug Bets

Betting occasionally on major events or your favorite team, even when not linked to promotions, helps you appear as a typical bettor. For example, placing a small wager on a high-profile football match can help diversify your activity. These “mug bets” demonstrate well-rounded behavior and reduce suspicion. The main point here is to strategically place bets that look like they’re for enjoyment or loyalty to a team, rather than for pure profit.

Example: If you’re focused on promotional bets, add a $15 bet on an NFL game like the Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers. This helps make your activity look more well-rounded. These casual bets help mimic the behavior of an everyday sports fan who bets on big games for enjoyment and not for the calculated win. By incorporating these types of mug bets, you diversify your activity and make it less likely that your account will be flagged for matched betting.

Secret # 3. Avoid Repeatedly Betting on Promotions

While betting promotions are a matched bettor’s primary way of boosting profits, relying solely on them can signal to bookmakers that you’re strategically exploiting their system. Bookmakers monitor betting patterns, and if they notice that you only place wagers when there’s an active promotion, it can raise a red flag and increase the risk of gubbing. To avoid this, make sure to mix in standard, non-promotional bets. Unlike mug bets, these don’t need to be major events or popular teams. The main point here is to place small bets on non-promotional events. Because consistently betting only when there’s a promotion can raise suspicion with bookmakers. To avoid this, mix in some standard, non-promotional bets.

Example: After betting on a Monday Night Football promotion, place another small bet on an NBA game, like Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors, without any attached offers. This bet shouldn’t be linked to any bonuses or special offers, it’s simply a standard wager that shows you’re betting because you enjoy the event.

Secret #4. Avoid Only High-Rating Bets

Bets with ratings close to 100% indicate low profit margins for bookmakers. If you frequently place these types of bets, it signals that you may not be a typical bettor, increasing your risk of gubbing. To prevent this, vary your bets and include some with more moderate ratings.

Example: Instead of only betting on the best odds, place a bet on an MLB game like the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox with a 92% rating. This slight decrease in efficiency mimics traditional betting behavior, where people may not always find the best possible odds.

Secret #5. Don’t Bet Only on Low Odds

Placing bets at very low odds, such as -500 or lower, can raise red flags if done repeatedly. Mixing your betting strategy with a variety of odds helps mimic a more natural gambling pattern, making it less likely that your account will be flagged.

Example: Instead of only choosing heavy favorites like the Kansas City Chiefs at -550, bet on teams like the Los Angeles Clippers at -150 or an underdog at +200. 

Secret # 6. Play Small Amounts of Casino Games

Participating occasionally in non-sports betting, such as casino games, slots, or bingo, can help balance your profile. For example, playing a few dollars on a slot game can show bookmakers that you’re not just focused on exploiting sports betting. This behavior can help you avoid gubbing by appearing more like a well-rounded user.

Example: Occasionally play small amounts on casino games, slots, or bingo. This shows you’re not just focused on sports betting and appear as a more normal user who engages in different betting activities for entertainment and not for pure profit.

Secret # 7. Don’t Bet Big on Unpopular Matches

Betting large amounts on obscure matches, such as second-division games in less popular leagues, is a clear indicator of strategic betting. Traditional gamblers typically don’t wager on these types of events, so avoiding them occasionally helps keep your profile looking normal.

Example: Stay away from placing big bets on less popular games, like a midseason college basketball game or a lower-level soccer match, as this can look suspicious. If you want to make a big bet, choose a major event like the Super Bowl when the Kansas City Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles, or an important game like the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. These events get lots of attention and big bets from many regular bettors. 

Secret # 8. Keep Funds in Your Account

Frequent withdrawals signal that your main goal is profit. Keeping money in your account shows that you’re an ongoing participant, not just taking advantage of offers. This is particularly beneficial for bookmakers with recurring promotions, as it positions you as an engaged user, helping you avoid gubbing.

Example: Consider leaving a portion of your winnings, say $100 to $200, in your account even after completing the offers. For example, if you bet on a high-profile NFL game or a Major League Baseball matchup with a promotional bonus and win, resist the urge to withdraw all the funds immediately. Leaving some money in your account demonstrates to the bookmaker that you’re still engaged and potentially planning future bets.

Secret # 9. Act Like a Traditional Gambler

Ask yourself: What would a regular bettor do? Emulating some of those habits, like placing small “fun” bets or an occasional Acca, can make your activity appear more typical. The goal isn’t to gamble recklessly but to blend in strategically.

Example: To help your profile blend in, ask yourself: What would a casual bettor do instead? For instance, you might place a small “fun” bet on a popular event that isn’t tied to an offer, such as a Super Bowl prop bet predicting which team will score first or how long the national anthem will last. 

These types of bets help your account look more like that of a typical gambler who bets not just for profit but for enjoyment. By mixing in these small, casual wagers strategically, you reduce suspicion and make it less likely that your account will be flagged for gubbing.

Secret #10. Browse the Bookmaker’s Site

One of the key differences between typical bettors and matched bettors is how they interact with the bookmaker’s site. While matched bettors often log in, place their calculated bets, and log out, casual gamblers tend to spend more time browsing. They explore different betting options, check out upcoming events, and even click around other sections like the casino or live betting areas.

Example: Before placing a bet on a New England Patriots game, check out other sports or look at the casino section for a few minutes. You don’t need to spend an excessive amount of time doing this, but occasional browsing can make your account seem more authentic and less focused on strictly placing strategic bets.

Secret #11. Rotate Between Bookmakers

If you only use one bookmaker for matched betting, you increase the risk of being flagged. Spread your activities across multiple platforms to reduce the focus on any single account, making it easier to avoid gubbing.

Example: If you have accounts with Bookmaker A, Bookmaker B, and Bookmaker C, you could place your promotional bets with Bookmaker A for one week, then shift to Bookmaker B for their bonuses the following week. Mix in standard, non-promotional bets with Bookmaker C during the same period.

Secret #12. Stay Anonymous in Communications

Finally, never mention, under any circumstances, that you’re a Ninja. When contacting customer support or corresponding via email, never mention or imply that you’re doing matched betting. Maintain a neutral tone to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to your account. This one is obvious, but worth mentioning still. 

Example: Keep your communication simple and neutral and never mention anything about matched betting. Instead, say something like, “Hi, I placed a bet on last night’s New York Knicks game, and I noticed it hasn’t been settled yet. Could you check this for me?”

Frequently Asked Questions About Gubbing

There you have it, Ninja, 12 secrets to avoid gubbing while you make that side hustle. But let’s clarify things even further, in case you still have some unanswered questions. 

The following are the most frequently asked questions by our community.

What should I do if my account is gubbed?

If your account is restricted, consider switching to other bookmakers and adjusting your strategies. 

Can I appeal or reverse a gubbed account?

In most cases, bookmaker decisions are final, but it doesn’t hurt to contact their customer support and politely inquire about the restriction. Be prepared to provide details about your betting activity if needed, but avoid mentioning any of your matched betting activities.

How can I tell if my account is flagged?

Signs include limitations on bet sizes, loss of promotional offers, and communication from the bookmaker informing you of restrictions.

Will I still be able to withdraw my funds if my account is gubbed?

Generally speaking, yes. The restrictions typically affect your ability to place bets and participate in promotions but do not impact your access to your funds. You should still be able to withdraw any remaining balance in your account without issue. Bookmakers may impose restrictions on betting activities, but they are obligated to allow customers to withdraw their money. However, it’s always wise to check the specific terms and conditions of the bookmaker in question, as practices can vary slightly between different platforms.

How can I prevent getting gubbed in the future?

Follow the suggestions above and you’ll minimize the risk of getting flagged. In short, make sure to diversify your betting patterns, place occasional mug bets, browse the bookmaker’s site, and avoid focusing solely on promotions. Your ultimate goal is to hide your identity as a Ninja and come across as a traditional bettor.

What are the most common reasons for being gubbed?

The most common reasons include consistently betting only when there are promotions, placing high-stakes or unusual bets on obscure events, and displaying behavior that signals calculated or matched betting.

Should I open multiple accounts to avoid gubbing?

While opening accounts with different bookmakers is a good strategy to spread your activity and reduce risk, opening multiple accounts with the same bookmaker (multi-accounting) is against the terms of service and can result in a ban and loss of funds. We strictly don’t recommend this.

How long does it take for a bookmaker to flag an account?

The timeframe can vary widely. Some accounts are flagged after just a few weeks of matched betting, while others may remain unrestricted for months or years. Regularly changing your strategy and incorporating the suggestions above will help prolong your account’s unrestricted status.

Can a Gubbed account still be useful?

Yes, a gubbed account can still be used for certain activities, such as betting on lower-stakes or participating in non-promotional betting. It might not have the same earning potential as before, but it can still be part of a broader betting strategy.

In short

While there’s no guaranteed way to completely prevent gubbing, adopting a varied and thoughtful approach to your matched betting activity can significantly minimize your risk. By maintaining a balanced profile, placing mug bets, and avoiding suspicious patterns, you can keep your account healthy and unrestricted. If there’s only one piece of advice you can take from this article, it’s to diversify your activity and stay under the radar.

Start implementing these tips today to protect your account and keep enjoying matched betting. For more insights, expert advice, and the latest betting strategies, sign up for our newsletter and stay one step ahead in the world of sports betting. 

In the meantime, stay safe out there, Ninja!