What Punters Should Know About Self-Exclusion Programs | OneFootball

The topic of Gambling-related disorders has become the primary industry challenge, and regulatory authorities globally are searching for ways to cope with the problem. Minimising the negative impact of uncontrolled betting activities is on the agenda in the UK and beyond its borders. Self-exclusion tools are among the efficient methods for coping with compulsive habits, but they still haven’t become a one-stop solution to resolve this issue. What UK punters should know about GamStop and other similar programs before joining a sportsbook of their choice?

GamStop’s Impact on the British Betting Market

The UK has become the first country to implement nationwide self-exclusion that blocks problem punters from all bookmaker sites registered in the jurisdiction. GamStop was launched in 2018, and during six years of its operations, approximately 500,000 risk-seekers used the tool.

According to reports, over 80% of participants reported reduced cravings for this entertainment. However, this software only covers a limited number of online sportsbooks licensed by the UKGC. Instead, a casino not on GamStop operates under different regulations, meaning they don’t have mandatory self-exclusion tools and offer punters greater flexibility. GamStop analyses user activities on bookmaker platforms and can block players who are betting excessively. While this feature primarily protects customers and helps them prevent gambling disorders, many adrenaline hunters are not happy with this opportunity. This fact encourages users to opt for overseas bookmakers without GamStop.

Self-Exclusion Cannot Be Suspended or Cancelled

Users who agree to join GamStop cannot change their minds and reverse the ban. The program is customizable, and compulsive punters can select the self-exclusion period themselves. It varies from six months to five years and can be extended if necessary.

During this time, problem bettors can pass treatment and join support groups not to cope with the disorder on their own. GamStop offers instant access to helplines and provides users with all the necessary tools to recover as soon as possible.

Pros and Cons of GamStop Self-Exclusion

The most evident advantage of the nationwide gambling blocker is the reduced number of people struggling with addiction problems. Users are obliged to use the tool and undergo therapies to get rid of their harmful habits. This approach helps the UK Gambling Commission control the markets and eliminate the potential harm of uncontrolled betting activities, therefore increasing the population’s well-being.

On the other hand, GamStop is not perfect. Even though the UKGC aims to decrease the impact of offshore operators on the iGaming sector, overseas bookmakers are not prohibited. This provides punters with a legal and accessible opportunity to get around self-exclusion and continue betting without limitations. Hence, promoting responsible gambling remains the main goal of the regulatory authority and reputable online sportsbooks in the country.

GamStop Alternatives for British Punters

The nationwide self-exclusion tool covers all UK-based casinos and sportsbooks and automatically blocks users with the first signs of compulsive disorders. However, members of non-GamStop betting sites don’t face similar requirements and can enjoy sports wagering without limitations. Users can place sports bets and never face significant restrictions, which can boost the possibility of gambling-related problems. With interests broadening to areas like CS2 tournaments or following a football legends match report, many users are now diversifying beyond traditional sports. Luckily for users, GamStop is not the only global blocking tool.

Modern punters can take advantage of alternative software with similar features. For instance, tools like BetBlocker or GamBan allow users to be restricted from online sportsbooks and casinos for a chosen time. The difference is that bettors can only launch these programs voluntarily. They work similarly to GamStop: the new participant must select the self-exclusion term and agree to the conditions. Moreover, they can access additional support and advice to accelerate the recovery.

Self-Exclusion Is a Part of the Complex Responsible Betting Mechanism

Some users consider self-exclusion a magic pill for coping with betting problems, but it’s only a part of a more complicated safer gaming strategy. Simply restricting users from bookmaker sites won’t eliminate compulsive disorders in the country since passionate risk-seekers still find ways to get around limitations and continue investing their funds in this entertainment. Therefore, users must be informed about the potential pitfalls they can face.

Promoting safer betting habits and encouraging punters to remain responsible is on the agenda for bookmakers and regulatory authorities. Educating betting enthusiasts, especially when it comes to preventing underage gambling, helps avoid compulsive habits at their early stages and eliminates the need to develop more self-exclusion tools. This is especially relevant in esports betting, where a younger audience and the fast-paced nature of wagers can increase the risk of impulsive decisions. Ensuring responsible gaming measures within esports markets helps maintain fair play and protects bettors from potential harm.

The Final Word

Self-exclusions have become efficient in coping with betting-related problems in the UK. The tool is integrated into all bookmaker sites licensed by the in-country regulator and has already been proven effective. Over half a million British users used the tool, and 80% mentioned improved conditions. However, it’s not a one-stop solution for all gambling-related challenges since punters still find ways to overcome the ban. Strengthening policies and bringing more responsible betting initiatives are essential for the country’s iGaming market. At the same time, GamStop self-exclusion and other similar software are additional tools to increase user awareness about the problem and help them recover.

With major international sporting events like the Olympics, betting activity spikes dramatically, increasing the risk of problem gambling. The widespread availability of betting markets during the Games makes it crucial to emphasize responsible gambling measures, ensuring that users remain aware of the risks while engaging in Olympic wagering.