Can Bluehost ban my website?

[alex_radu]

Hi guys,

I'm new here and have just recently launched my first casino affiliate website. It took lots of time and efforts to make it live. But it seems, I wasn't quite attentive in reading T&C of hosting providers while deciding what host to choose for my site. My casino affiliate website is being currently hosted by Bluehost. I read some old thread on GPWA that Bluehost can ban your site without any warning. Is it true? Due to some server issues I encountered Bluehost Live Chat support, but none of their representatives mentioned anything about prohibited content on my website.
Does anyone from you use Bluehost on the regular basis? Would appreciate any feedback on the following matter.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[AussieDave]

Are you on shared, cloud, VPS or dedicated, hosting?

Friendly heads up in future, it helps us help you, when you provide as much detail as possible.

Edit:
bluehost.com/terms/acceptable-use-policy#prohibited_use_or_co (if ever unsure again, look under a host's AUP (acceptable use policy or their terms and conditions).


Prohibited Use or Content
You may not use the Services to publish content or engage in activity that is illegal under applicable law, that is harmful to others, or that would subject Bluehost to liability, including, without limitation, in connection with any of the following, each of which is prohibited under this AUP:

Gambling is noted.

However this could mean a gambling site, where one takes bets directly. It's ambiguous. However, what do you do, ask Bluehost to clarify BUT doing so could risk your site being yanked.

My suggestion, make sure you have a fresh backup of your full site, and your database. I'd also suggest finding a host who accepts gambling affiliate sites. Your better off using shared hosting in the UK or EU, and using a CDN, to bridge the speed gap!

 

[Strider1973]

You can ask Bluehost but not under your real account name. Just ask the sales chat in incognito modus.

Personally, I have been using them for 10+ for gambling related affiliate websites. But of course I don't offer gambling, I only talk about gambling.

On another note, I wonder why people still sign up at Bluehost - maybe because they ended up on a hosting comparison affiliate website!

I'm in the process of moving my sites away from Bluehost now that they will stop offering free SSL and ditched their "unlimited" websites policy.

 

[alex_radu]

Hi guys,
Thanks for your feedbacks above.
I've been using shared hosting.
I've turned to Bluehost support. They confirmed that I can post casino reviews, bonus info, but cant offer any games and thats what I'm not going to do obviously. In any case, I'm still a bit worried about the possible ban. I cant say, Bluehost is stable and predictable in their answers, actions. Thinking about the change of the hosting provider in the future. Any recommendations may be?

Thank you,

 

[eenzoo]

Apart from the fact that hosters like Bluehost, GoDaddy etc. are basically shit, almost all of them (even Namecheap hosting) have non gambling clauses in their T&C. Why do those company exist? because they pay huge affiliate commissions and every third blogger sells them. But as always, u get what u pay for! Just pack your backups and move to Kinsta, Cloudways, Sideground ... you wont build something that make you money on a weak basement.

 

[alex_radu]

Thanks, @eenzoo for your feedback.

 

[AussieDave]

Years ago (15+) you could get away with cheap hosting.

Load speeds are a factor now, along with other site metrics, such as mobile being #1.
If not addressed with fast hosting, they will bog you down in no time flat.

Money makes money, so spending the most you can afford on decent hosting, is an investment.

The hosting sites @eenzoo suggested are decent and worthy.