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GAMSTOP to be Made Mandatory

by Glenn Baird - January 14, 2020

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the regularity body for gambling in the UK, announced today that all online operators in the country will be required to participle in the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP.

GAMSTOP has been developed to simplify the self-exclusion process. Currently gamblers need to self-exclude from individual operators, but with GAMSTOP they can self-exclude to every online operator that has signed up to the scheme.

Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission said:

“By the 31 March all online operators will be required to participate in the multi-operator self-exclusion scheme. Although the vast majority of operators are already participating in GAMSTOP this will make the coverage comprehensive.

“We welcome the fact that GAMSTOP have 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:

"We have been clear to all businesses that have connections to gambling, such as operators, social media platforms and banks, that they must be socially responsible and use the power of technology and data to help consumers manage their spending and protect them from harm.

“I have been encouraged by the majority of major high street banks introducing measures to allow customers to switch off spending on gambling through mobile apps.

“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.”

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