In a landmark decision, the Provincial Court of Huesca, Spain, has ruled partially in favor of a bettor who sued Bet365 over contract clauses deemed abusive. The court found that the company’s ability to reject bets after acceptance was unfair and violated consumer protection laws.
The plaintiff, a long-time Bet365 user identified as Marcial, challenged terms introduced in 2021 that allowed Bet365 to unilaterally void accepted bets and close user accounts with 14 days’ notice. While a lower court had dismissed the case in 2022, the appellate court reversed part of that ruling.
The judges concluded that allowing Bet365 to reject bets post-confirmation created a significant imbalance to the detriment of the consumer. The clause was declared null and void. However, the court upheld Bet365’s right to terminate accounts with proper notice, citing the provision’s mutual application and reasonable time frame.
Moreover, the court ordered Bet365 to lift unjustified restrictions on Marcial’s betting account. Evidence showed that his account had been subject to disproportionate limitations on wager amounts without clear justification.
This case is a notable precedent in online gambling regulation within the EU, reinforcing consumer rights against unilateral operator actions. It could prompt greater scrutiny of betting platform terms and increase pressure on companies to review their practices under European consumer law.
For international operators like Bet365, the decision serves as a warning: fairness in user agreements is not optional—it’s enforceable.
