A new UK-focused self-exclusion scheme has been inundated with applications in the first six months of its existence.
Gamstop, which was set up in conjunction with the UK online gambling industry, offers a self-exclusion service for problem gamblers and those who feel they might be at risk. It was launched in April this year, and since launching, has taken 38,000 registrations.
The service is designed to offer a simple way for individuals to self-exclude from all UK gambling sites, with a single click. It is completely free to use and offers the option for six month, one year or five year self-exclusion. In addition, the site steers those who register to a number of additional resources that can help with problem gambling, including links to GamCare and National Debtline.
Public concern
The service was set up by a number of major players in the UK gambling industry, including BetVictor, Paddy Power, William Hill, Mr Green, Mansion, Ladbrokes and Coral, at a time when there is growing public and political concern about the social impact of gambling. The industry suffered reputational damage in 2017 and earlier this year as the controversy over Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, dubbed the ‘crack cocaine’ of gambling, gained significant media traction.
GamStop is a significant response to those concerns, and the evidence of testimonials from those who have used the service suggests that it is already helping problem gamblers. Speaking about the uptake of the service, GamStop CEO Fiona Palmer said that they were encouraged by the response of the public to the scheme, and were committed to further development:
We will shortly be embarking on our first phase of evaluation which will help shape future
improvements and enhancements to the service going forward.”
Online registration concept image taken from shutterstock.com
