Guides › Gambling and Betting › Gambling Account Fees for Dormant Accounts
Gambling Account Fees for Dormant Accounts
A gambling account only counts as dormant after at least 12 months without use. Any fees must be reasonable, set out in the terms, and reflect the cost of keeping your account. Before charging, the business must try to return your money and give you 30 days' notice.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Dormant Account Rules
Fees
At least 12 months must have passed since you last used the account. Fees must be reasonable, clearly set out in the terms and reflect the cost of maintaining the account. Before charging, the company must try to return your money and give 30 days' notice of when a fee will start. Fees can bring a balance to zero. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 30 daysNotice before a dormant feeAfter trying to return your money
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Log in or contact the business to check your balance.
Step 2 of 5
Ask it to return your balance to you.
Step 3 of 5
Ask for the notices it sent about fees.
Step 4 of 5
Complain if it charged without notice or trying to repay you.
Step 5 of 5
After 8 weeks, use its ADR provider.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Gambling Business
Complain first.
Its ADR Provider
Free, after 8 weeks.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Keep your contact details up to date so notices reach you.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.