GAMSTOP statement in response to gambling whitepaper

By Dave Sawyer, Last updated Jul 1, 2023

In response to  the whitepaper on gambling reform in the UK published yesterday, please find a statement issued from the UK’s independent self-exclusion service, GAMSTOP, with Fiona Palmer the CEO of GAMSTOP commenting: “Online gambling has changed out of all recognition since the 2005 Gambling Act, and we welcome any changes that protect vulnerable individuals, especially younger consumers who make up a significant percentage of our consumer base.”

“In March 2023, GAMSTOP recorded its highest ever monthly registration figures since our inception in 2018, which shows that problem gambling remains a serious issue.”

“We are particularly concerned about the targeting of vulnerable individuals by illegal sites not registered with GAMSTOP. More than 365,000 people have excluded themselves from online gambling and it is worrying that they are being deliberately targeted when they are at their most vulnerable.”

 “We are pleased that the Gambling Commission is to be given greater powers to deal with this issue, which we highlighted in our evidence to the DCMS.”

“We are encouraged that legislation will be introduced, allowing the Gambling Commission to apply for a court order as a last resort, requiring ISPs, payment providers and other service providers to implement measures aimed at disrupting the business of an illegal gambling operator. This will provide greater protection for GAMSTOP’s users.”

Dave Sawyer
ConnectConnect

Dave has been involved in the Online Gambling industry for 20 odd years now. With experience working for an operator based in Gibraltar, where he headed up the IT team at Ladbrokes, to running his own iGaming affiliate websites until 2019.

Dave now writes for Casinomeister and sister site Casino Gazette. You may also see him on the forum from time to time, where he goes by the handle Webzcas.