The Remote Gambling Association (RGA), which is currently the largest online gambling trade association on a global scale, revealed a new brand especially for the national online self-exclusion scheme. The brand, called GAMSTOP, has been especially designed in order to meet the requirements of the License Conditions and Codes of Practice of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
The Director of Social Responsibility at the RGA, Fiona Palmer, shared that GAMSTOP’s development reached a “very exciting stage”. She revealed that the process design had advanced a lot, and with the branding already established, the Association would be more focused on the technology integration as well as on the industry communication.
Ms. Palmer shared her confidence that the self-exclusion that would be delivered through the GAMSTOP brand would be at the best level possible in order to help consumers who needed assistance for improving their gambling addictions management skills.
Under the provisions of the Gambling Act of 2014, all remote gambling operators that would like to offer their services to the local customers are required to get a special operating license by the UK gaming regulatory body, which is currently the UKGC.
The rapid growth of the gambling market, however, had not solely positive effects on the country’s economy, but has been reported to have some negative effects, too. According to experts, the market growth led to certain gambling addictions, with more and more customers suffering from problem gambling behaviour. This was one of the main reasons why the Government has imposed a number of regulatory measures in order to enhance gambling addictions prevention and neutralise the negative effects which customers suffer from.
So, a new framework for a national online self-exclusion scheme has been provided in the Gambling (Advertising and Licensing) Act, in order for problem gamblers to be given the chance to actually do something and prevent themselves from taking part in casino, gaming and betting activities in the country’s gaming facilities.
The new brand presented by the Remote Gambling Association is aimed at helping UK customers exclude themselves from the gambling activities provided by all licensed gambling operators on the territory of the country by using a single website process. What is more, there would be other measures available for all gamblers who would like some help for managing their gambling habits. Specialised help and support services would also be provided to customers who wish to exclude themselves from gambling activities.
The Programme Director of the UK Gambling Commission Paul Hope commented on the new brand addition. He described the self-exclusion right given to consumers as one of the most powerful tools available in the prevention of gambling addictions and problem gambling behaviour. Mr. Hope also explained that the UK watchdog would continue to work in collaboration with the Remote Gaming Association and welcomed its GAMSTOP brand.
- Author
Daniel Williams
