Online Gambling Operators reminded of obligation to participate in GAMSTOP by 31st March 2020

“By no later than 31 March 2020, UK licensed online gambling operators must participate in the multi-operator self-exclusion scheme.

LCCP social responsibility code provision 3.5.5 provides that upon the establishment of a national online multi-operator self-exclusion scheme and upon notification by the Gambling Commission, all online licence holders are required to participate in it.

The Commission’s states that GamStop has been developed for the online sector and “will allow consumers to self-exclude from online operators with one request rather than from each operator individually. With over 200 online operators this will make access to self-exclusion much simpler for those who wish to be prevented from online gambling”.

Gambling Commission CEO, Neil McArthur has 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”.

The Gambling Commissions public statement can be found here and to register for GAMSTOP as a remote licensed gambling operator contact support@GAMSTOP.co.uk.”

For further information contact solicitor Richard Bradley on r.bradley@popall.co.uk or call 0115 953 8500.