Gamstop seeks feedback from problem gamblers
Gamstop, the UK’s online gambling self-exclusion scheme, is seeking the assistance of potential users of the service as it remains on track for launch in spring 2018
Gamstop, the UK’s online gambling self-exclusion scheme, is seeking the assistance of potential users of the service as it remains on track for launch in spring 2018.
Gamstop, the brand name for the UK National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme (NOSES), is being developed by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) and partner KPMG, the business services company.
By signing up for the Gamstop service, consumers will be prevented from accessing gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in the UK.
The RGA agreed to design and implement the self-exclusion scheme at the start of 2016 to meet the aims of the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice under the terms of the Gambling Act 2014.
“Throughout the development of the scheme we are engaging with potential users of Gamstop and are continually looking for people to test the website designs and provide feedback,” Gamstop chief executive Fiona Palmer told iGaming Business.
“We are particularly looking for individuals who are either considering self-exclusion or have recently self-excluded from gambling sites, for further information or to register interest in testing the Gamstop website designs please contact gamstop@transformuk.com.”
UK residents who wish to use the free service will provide details, via the Gamstop website, for the purpose of verifying their identity. Once that verification has been completed, the individual will select a minimum period for self-exclusion and their details will be added to the self-exclusion register.
Gamstop will require operators to block any customers who are registered with an active Gamstop self-exclusion by checking their customers, registered in the UK, upon every new customer registration and login as a minimum.
Palmer added that all gambling operators licensed in the UK should be preparing for the service’s introduction.
She added: “The Gambling Commission have previously shared details of the Gamstop Operator Portal with relevant licence holders. The Operator Portal provides all the information required for a licensed operator to successfully on-board and integrate with Gamstop.”
This week, a BBC report suggested the unrelated self-exclusion scheme used for LBOs is not working after a reporter who had signed up for the service was able to subsequently gamble at more than a dozen premises.
Referring to the Gamstop service, the Gambling Commission said: “An industry-led and managed solution is best placed to deliver an effective and efficient scheme by building, in particular, on the core experience and expertise in the industry of developing and overseeing large IT solutions, as well as administering current self-exclusion schemes.”
Related article: Gambling Commission “concerned” over self-exclusion report