UKGC sets new self-exclusion directive

The gambling regulator from the UK has established that online operators are required to participate in GAMSTOP.

UK.- All online gambling operators in the UK will be forced to participate in the multi-operator self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP from March. According to a new directive from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), this makes the coverage of GAMSTOP comprehensive.

This scheme was developed for the online sector and allows consumers to self-exclude from online operators with one request, instead of having to do so with each operator individually. The UKGC said that this will make access to self-exclusion much simpler for those who wish to be prevented from gambling online.

Neil McArthur, CEO of the UKGC, said: “We welcome the fact that GAMSTOP has got to this stage in their development and encourage them to continue to improve their offer, particularly in relation to preventing those who have self-excluded being targeted by direct marketing. It is important that self-exclusion schemes are as effective as possible and they will be most effective when used in combination with other blocking tools such as gambling blocking software and payment card blocking.

“Operators must do everything they can to minimise the risk of gambling-related harm.  That is why we expect the industry to create safe products, know their customers, understand what they can afford to gamble with and identify when they are experiencing harm and step in.

“It is also vital that people experiencing gambling harm are able to access the support or treatment they need. This forms part of our ongoing work with our partners to implement the National Strategy for Reducing Gambling Harms.”

Culture Minister Helen Whately said: “By making it a regulatory requirement for all online gambling websites licensed in Great Britain to sign up to GAMSTOP. I am confident that people who have taken the significant step to opt-out of gambling will be well supported, alongside a wide range of other tools.”