Some bookmakers are "refusing to take bets" from successful gamblers, it has been reported.

Some clients told the BBC they had their betting accounts closed or their bets "restricted" following wins.

Bookmakers say they limit bets from a minority of customers, to ensure good odds are available to all.

Neil Smith, a techer from Yorkshire, told the BBC he had had around 450 online accounts closed.

He said: "They will just say: ' Sorry our traders have deemed your betting pattern to be unprofitable and we're a business'.

"They shouldn't be advertising a product that's not available to everybody."
Campaigners have called for gambling authorities in the UK to force bookmakers to accept all bets up to a limit and make it clear to all players that restrictions may be imposed.

One anonymous shop manager told the BBC their company encouraged staff to screen-out successful gamblers: "They grade. If they are a serious backer of horses and clearly know what they are doing with the odds then we don't want them at all - the orders are 'get rid of him or let him have a few quid on the starting price only'."

Bookmakers insist they are just trying to be fair to the ordinary punter by restricting a small number of what they call "professional" gamblers.

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