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Self-exclude From Gambling To Avoid Temptation During Lockdown – Warning To Vulnerable Consumers

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Self-exclude From Gambling To Avoid Temptation During Lockdown – Warning To Vulnerable Consumers
Self-exclude From Gambling To Avoid Temptation During Lockdown – Warning To Vulnerable ConsumersReading Time: 3 minutes

 

FIONA PALMER, chief executive of GAMSTOP, is urging anyone worried about their gambling while they are stuck at home during the coronavirus lockdown to exclude themselves from all online gambling websites.

Fears have been raised by MPs that vulnerable customers will increasingly turn to online gambling as a distraction at the very time when they can least afford it, leading to a surge in gambling-related harm. The Gambling Commission has issued new guidance to all licensed companies to keep customers safe and the Betting and Gaming Council, which represents operators, has published a ten-point plan for its members to follow.

GAMSTOP is a free service that allows consumers to exclude themselves from gambling websites. By registering with GAMSTOP, consumers can choose to restrict themselves from all UK-licensed online gambling sites for a minimum period of either six months, a year or five years.

More than 130,000 people have registered with GAMSTOP since the scheme went live in April 2018, with 73% opting to self-exclude for five years, the maximum period available. Early evidence shows that nine out of ten consumers who chose to self-exclude for a shorter period have not returned to gambling at the end of their chosen timeframe, which means their self-exclusion has automatically remained active.

Fiona Palmer, chief executive of GAMSTOP, said:

“We are concerned that, at a time when so many people are being forced to stay at home during the coronavirus, vulnerable consumers who may have an issue with their gambling might be tempted to spend money they do not have on online gambling. We want to make them aware that GAMSTOP provides a free, simple and secure solution for anyone who wants to take a break from online gambling.

“People generally come to us when they realise that excluding themselves from all online gambling is the first step they need to take to provide the necessary breathing space to tackle their issues with gambling. Self-exclusion is just one tool in a suite of services; we work closely with charities, such as GamCare, who offer specialist treatment, as well as with banks who provide financial blocking options to their customers and with providers of device blocking software. Our focus is to help people take that first step and register with GAMSTOP rather than putting it off whilst the country is in lockdown”.

Early evidence since the nationwide lockdown triggered by Covid-19 suggests a spike in calls from users registered with GAMSTOP who are trying to lift their self-exclusion before their chosen minimum period has expired so they can begin gambling again – however, once someone has registered with the service they are prevented from doing this for their own protection.

GAMSTOP’s data shows that 42% of its users are aged 25-34 – the age group identified in the Gambling Commission’s official health survey as most likely to be classified as problem gamblers – with 27% in the 35-44 group and 13% aged 45-54, just ahead of 12% who are in the 16-24 age group. Outside London, the cities with most registered users are Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Leicester.

Darts commentator Chris Murphy, who began gambling at 17 and lost over £100,000 in a long-standing battle with the addiction which once led him to attempt suicide, credits GAMSTOP with helping him to give up gambling.

Mr Murphy, 33, from Leeds, said:

“GAMSTOP has been a game-changer for me. It has proved to be an important safety net at times when I have felt vulnerable and has allowed me the breathing space for gambling urges to pass. More recently, knowing that I can’t gamble online has helped diminish any urge to do so. GAMSTOP is not an ultimate solution for my gambling addiction, but it is a vital part of a practical toolkit that creates the space for a gambling addict like me to pursue treatment and recovery with a reduced risk of relapse.

If you want to stop gambling, signing up to GAMSTOP is a good place to start, alongside other measures such as using blocking software for gambling sites and allowing a trusted other to look after your finances for an initial period. The most important advice I can give is to seek help for your gambling problem or addiction. There are many peer-to-peer support groups and professional help is now more widely available than ever through the NHS.

In my own experience, the ability to pause and think is crucial. Taking action, such as blanket self-exclusion through GAMSTOP, can help remove the temptation to use gambling as a solution to financial or emotional problems. The COVID-19 crisis is presenting many challenges to people who may consider turning to gambling as a solution and GAMSTOP is an important form of protection against those dangers. If you are missing gambling during this crisis, I would advise using the time to reflect on your relationship with gambling and speak to somebody about it, rather than switching to the more dangerous and harmful forms of gambling that remain available in the absence of sports fixtures”.


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Self-exclude From Gambling To Avoid Temptation During Lockdown – Warning To Vulnerable Consumers

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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ProgressPlay Shines Again as a Finalist in Multiple Categories in the 2024 EGR B2B Awards

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ProgressPlay, a leading innovator in online casino and sports betting platforms, proudly announces its selection as a finalist in multiple categories for the esteemed EGR B2B Awards. This recognition comes hot on the heels of Marina Nahhas, the Head of Sales and Marketing, being acknowledged as one of the Top 10 Inspiring Leaders in 2024 by Value Icons Magazine.

Last year, the company made significant advancements in responsible gambling with the introduction of new generation proprietary automation and tools, earning another EGR B2B Awards shortlisting this year in the Safer Gambling category.

Earlier this year, ProgressPlay garnered acclaim for its groundbreaking standalone solution and platform technology, earning a spot among the Top 10 Casino Tech Solutions Providers by CIO Applications Europe. The company has further expanded its sports betting offerings with the recent addition of United Kingdom and Irish horse racing to its platform.

At the heart of ProgressPlay’s recent success is its revolutionary standalone platform, which debuted at ICE in January. This platform empowers casino brands to take full control of their operations while ProgressPlay provides unparalleled technology support. With a focus on AI-driven UI/UX, the platform promises an exceptional user experience across all devices and currencies.

In addition to its extensive game library including slots, live dealer games, poker, table games and sports betting options, ProgressPlay offers value-added services to enrich the offerings for operators and players.

Commenting on the EGR Awards shortlisting, Nahhas remarked: “ProgressPlay is a leading provider of online casino and sports betting platforms, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the iGaming industry, which these EGR B2B shortlistings recognise once again. We will be at SiGMA Asia in Manila to communicate why over 150 online casino and sportsbook brands are already in partnership with us.”

“We are thrilled to be recognised once again by the EGR B2B Awards,” the Chief Executive Officer for ProgressPlay, Itai Loewenstein, said. “Our commitment to innovation and excellence drives us to continually enhance our platform and services, delivering unparalleled value to our partners and players alike and underwritten by the judges each year at the EGR B2B Awards.”

For further information visit www. ProgressPlay. com.

The post ProgressPlay Shines Again as a Finalist in Multiple Categories in the 2024 EGR B2B Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Conall McSorley Announced as New Head of Racing at SIS

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Experienced industry figure to oversee racing product portfolio

Sports Information Services (SIS), the leading multi-content supplier of 24/7 live betting services, has announced the promotion of Conall McSorley (pictured) to Head of Racing.

In his new role, McSorley will be primarily responsible for SIS’ racing product proposition, shaping the strategy and direction across retail and digital channels. He will work with stakeholders globally to develop the best live racing offering for operators and end users while continuing to oversee SIS’ non-Americas international racing portfolio.

With over 20 years of experience holding several senior executive positions with betting operators and suppliers, McSorley will drive the continued development and delivery of the SIS racing offer that comprises a 24/7, end-to-end solution, presenting a regular flow of short-form betting opportunities to operators worldwide.

SIS carries over 35,000 horse races and more than 27,000 greyhound races annually, with action from over 170 tracks producing 8,760 hours of highly engaging betting content for global operators.

“Our 24/7 racing offering delivers great value to operators all over the world, so it is an honour to be handed the task of overseeing a product that drives revenues while being enjoyed by millions of people,” McSorley said. “We will continue striving to further develop our high-quality product, which offers a constant stream of regular betting opportunities.”

“Conall has shown in his time with SIS that he has the product knowledge and commercial acumen that will help us to continue leading the way in delivering top-class products to a growing number of partners,” the Chief Operating Officer for SIS, Andy Purkiss, said. “We’re excited to see him take on this new role and look forward to building on the strong momentum our racing offering has produced in recent months while adding value for our customers and rights partners.”

The post Conall McSorley Announced as New Head of Racing at SIS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Checkd Group Accelerates Growth Strategy with James Prosser Appointment

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Industry veteran joins as a consultant in run-up to Euro 2024

Technology-led sports betting specialist Checkd Group has appointed James Prosser (pictured) as Growth Consultant in a move designed to boost revenue generation potential ahead of a big summer of football.

Bringing a fresh and innovative approach to product and content, Prosser will take up a short-term role to focus on the quality of the user experience across all channels, providing a revamped and more customer-friendly product ahead of Euro 2024. This will comprise expanded bet types, improved customer journeys and better conversion for Checkd’s operator partners.

With over ten years of experience in the industry, Prosser will also add value to several teams across Checkd Group through his vast experience, knowledge and network in the affiliate space. The ex-Spotlight Sports Group Affiliate Director and co-founder of Free Super Tips and myracing will also aid the team’s long-term strategy by diversifying traffic sources.

The new addition follows the recent creation of Checkd Media’s new Digital PR team, boosting its organic search performance across its key sites in the United Kingdom and the Americas.

“I’ve long been impressed by how Checkd Group have performed predominantly through its social channels, so it was an easy decision to agree to join its team,” Prosser said. “To build on this success, we’re looking at taking a holistic view across all channels and diversifying traffic sources with a focus on data-driven solutions to elevate visibility and conversions. I’m looking forward to contributing to the excellent team already in place and providing additional expertise and experience to help shape the future of Checkd Group’s digital offering.”

“James’ addition to our team as a dedicated Growth Consultant marks a significant milestone in our journey toward exponential growth,” the Managing Director for Checkd Media, Alex Beecham, said. “With his previous experience and expertise in the space, James is already adding value and ideas on how we can optimise the user journey and conversion touchpoints. The move should help push on our platforms ahead of the Euros and new NFL season in the United States.”

The post Checkd Group Accelerates Growth Strategy with James Prosser Appointment appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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