Online operators in the UK will have to join GamStop‘s self-exclusion scheme from March 31st, it has been revealed. As a result of this, licensed brands must offer players access to these services from the aforementioned date.
GamStop adhering to advice
Back in September, the Gambling Commission mentioned the possibility of GamStop being mandatory for all operators to integrate. It mentioned that improvements were needed for this to happen and it seems as though the organisation has heeded this advice.
GamStop works through letting customers register via a destination page. Once this has been done, players are then excluded from all gambling sites for a period of time. This could be six months, one year or five years.
GamStop distributed a press release after this news was confirmed. In this statement, Chief Executive Fiona Palmer said the following.
“We are confident that the launch of GAMSTOP as a one-stop self-exclusion scheme for all licensed operators will allow us to grow the service significantly and to provide greater protection to consumers.”
She continued: “We will continue to work closely with the regulator, operators and charities to ensure that we are providing a straightforward, effective self-exclusion scheme.”
More changes coming to the UK gambling market
Earlier today, the Gambling Commission also revealed that a ban on credit card gambling will come into force soon. From 14th April, all on and offline betting via this payment method will be forbidden.
Research from the organisation revealed that of UK-based players that use credit cards to wager, 22% are classed as problem gamblers. It was also mentioned that card fees cause some of these individuals to further chase losses, making the problem worse.
The exception for this ban is lottery tickets from organisations that support good causes. However, these must be bought as part of a wider shop when purchased from supermarkets and newsagents.
This follows on from new age verification rules, plus a possible ban on VIP gambling schemes.
