GamStop, which is the online gambling self-exclusion program in the United Kingdom, is addressing the gambling operators and the players alike in these unprecedented times. It is urging the people who are prone to problem gambling to utilize GamStop to exclude themselves from all sorts of online gambling sites and UK Online Casinos. The statement by GamStop is due to the lockdown that the government is enforcing.
Concerns about Problem Gambling Due to Lockdown
The urges of the UK's self-exclusion scheme is a result of concerns by the Gambling Related Harm Parliamentary group. It suggested that the lockdown can result in a tremendous increase in the problem and harmful gambling levels. In total, more than 130k people put down their names with GamStop since the self-exclusion scheme went live back in April of 2018. 73% of them opted for a self-exclusion of five years, which is the maximum exclusion period that GamStop has to offer.
While that seems socially responsible, since the lockdown began, a spike in calls from these users occurred. It appears that they are trying to lift the self-exclusion before the period ends so they can gamble again.
GamStop Comments on the Current Situation
The Chief Executive of GamStop, Fiona Palmer, commented on the matter. She stated that they are concerned as many people are staying at home during the lockdown. Therefore, many problem gamblers and vulnerable consumers will suffer the temptation to spend money. It is most likely money that they do not have on online gambling.
She added that they want to make sure everyone knows that GamStop offers a simple, secure, and free solution for any UK resident who wants to take a break from gambling. People usually come to GamStop when they reach the realization that they need to take the first step to tackle their gambling issue.
The UKGC Suspends Licenses on Numerous Gambling Operators
The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the license of Sportito Prophet and Dynamic with immediate effects. The suspension comes after the company's failure to integrate fully with the self-exclusion scheme of GamStop. All gambling entities received a notification in January of this year. It stated that companies have to participate and integrate with GamStop by the 31st of March. It became a license requirement and a primary social responsibility code.
- Lucky Clucks - November 8, 2021
- New Microgaming Games for November 2021 Finally Announced - November 7, 2021
- Sisters of the Sun - November 5, 2021
