The Rise of GamStop
Gambling addiction has long been a concern for both players and the gambling industry as a whole. In recent years, a new tool has emerged to help combat this issue – GamStop. Launched in April 2018, GamStop is an online self-exclusion scheme that allows individuals in the UK to voluntarily block themselves from all licensed online gambling sites for a set period of time. While there are similar programs in place, such as the UK’s Multi-Operator Self Exclusion Scheme (MOSES) and Sweden’s Spelpaus, GamStop has gained significant traction due to its ease of use and widespread adoption by major gambling operators. Currently, over 99% of UK licensed gambling websites are participating in GamStop, making it one of the most comprehensive self-exclusion tools available. Additionally, players seeking alternatives can explore options like megaways slots not on GamStop, which offer different gaming experiences outside of the GamStop network.
The Players Behind GamStop
GamStop is funded by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), which represents some of the largest online gambling companies in the world including Bet365, William Hill, and Ladbrokes Coral Group. These companies voluntarily contribute funds towards GamStop as part of their commitment to responsible gaming.
In addition to funding from RGA members, GamStop also receives support from several leading organizations in the field of responsible gambling including BeGambleAware, GamCare, and the UK Gambling Commission.
4 Key Players Behind GamStop:
- Remote Gambling Association (RGA): The trade association representing some of the largest online gambling companies in the world.
- BeGambleAware: An independent charity dedicated to promoting responsible gambling and providing support for those affected by problem gambling.
- GamCare: A leading provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
- UK Gambling Commission: The regulatory body responsible for overseeing all gambling activities in the UK, including the licensing and regulation of online gambling sites.
The Impact of GamStop
Since its launch, GamStop has been widely praised for its effectiveness in helping individuals with gambling addiction. According to a report by the UK Gambling Commission, over 50,000 people have registered with GamStop since its inception. This is a significant number considering that the scheme is only available in the UK and has only been operational for a few years.
In addition to helping individual players, GamStop has also been beneficial for online gambling operators. By participating in the scheme, these operators are demonstrating their commitment to responsible gaming and supporting efforts to reduce problem gambling. This can also help improve public perception of the industry as a whole.
The Future of GamStop
While GamStop has been successful in its current form, there are plans to further improve and expand the scheme. In 2020, GamStop announced a partnership with ID verification provider Yoti to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the self-exclusion process. Additionally, there have been discussions about making GamStop mandatory for all UK licensed gambling operators.
Overall, it is clear that GamStop has become a valuable tool in promoting responsible gambling and providing support for those struggling with addiction. With continued support from key players in the industry, it is likely that we will see even more positive impact from this important program in the years to come.
