GamStop membership compulsory for gambling operators

Gambling businesses will have to be members of the GamStop scheme in order to keep their licences, according to UK Gambling Commission announcement. Chief executive of the UKGC Neil McArthur 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”.

Upcoming changes to licencing conditions will require all online gambling incumbents to participate and provide customer access to the GAMSTOP self-exclusion scheme from 31 March 2020. Governing over 200 licensed online gambling operators the Commission believes that GAMSTOP requirements will make access to self-exclusion simpler for vulnerable consumers preventing further online gambling harms.

Backing GAMSTOP requirements, Neil McArthur commented: “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”.

McArthur added that It is important that self-exclusion schemes are as effective as possible, and underlined that they will be most effective when used in combination with other blocking tools such as gambling blocking software and payment card blocking.

He concluded: “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”.