UK Gambling Commission Approves Self-exclusion System for Problem Gamblers

The UK Gambling Commission has approved the self-exclusion system that allows problem gamblers to block themselves from all UK betting websites.

The gambling companies will be told to sign up Gamstop, developed by the trade body for online casinos and bookmakers, as a condition of their licence to operate in the UK.

The Gambling Commission is expected to announce the requirement this week, after satisfying itself that concerns about the scheme’s effectiveness have been dealt with.

Earlier investigations revealed flaws in the self-exclusion scheme which allowed problem gamblers to bypass self-imposed blocks. In May 2018, the commission warned the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) of specific failings in the system. The commission said it was concerned that Gamstop did not synchronise its list of registered users with companies’ promotional mailing lists. This meant that addicts who signed up in an effort to curb their habit might still be bombarded with direct marketing emails.

Official approval of GamStop comes amid a broader push by campaigners, the Labour party and even the commission itself to tighten up regulation of online gambling, after curbs were imposed on fixed-odds betting terminals in high street bookmakers.