Independent gambling dispute service IBAS marks 100,000th case milestone 

The Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS) has today received its 100,000th formal dispute case – a major milestone for the UK’s leading Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service for gambling consumers. 

Since 1998, IBAS has worked to ensure fair, impartial resolution of disputes between gambling operators and their customers. From paper betting slips to app-based gaming, the service has adapted to the changing face of gambling while maintaining its core principles of fairness, independence, and transparency. 

Cases now range from traditional shop-based betting to emerging digital formats like esports and daily fantasy games – reflecting the rapid evolution of gambling. 

In addition to the 100,000 formal cases handled, IBAS has responded to several hundred thousand more informal requests for advice, information, and guidance on gambling transactions that have not worked out as expected.  

Managing Director Richard Hayler said: 

“100,000 formal cases is a significant milestone for our service. Reaching it must have felt like a long shot to the small team from the Sporting Life newspaper who created and launched IBAS in 1998. 

“Online betting was barely a concept and before the 2005 Gambling Act, punters received no legal protection at all. It took a leap of faith from the industry to participate, and from consumers to share their details and trust us to help. 

“To have survived, evolved and developed during a period of such dramatic industry change is a great testament to the dedication and integrity of those who have contributed to IBAS – from the Adjudication Panel and Board of Independent Directors to our caseworkers and office team.” 

IBAS Chairman Andrew Fraser said:  

“On behalf of the Board and staff of IBAS, I would like to say how proud we are to have reached this significant milestone in our adjudication of gambling disputes. Our service has been relied on by consumers and businesses to reach a fair outcome to disputes for 27 years, and we are in good shape to continue this important work in the future.”