People with gambling problems sometimes have to practice self-exclusion to shield themselves from woes. Self-exclusion, commonly known as self-banning, is a voluntary process that involves people excluding themselves from specific gambling venues or online providers. It is a concrete tool to protect you from excessive gambling. All UK gambling providers are required by law to provide their customers with self-exclusion options from their products and venues. The option is convenient, as no costs are involved, and a minimum exclusion period is set. Now, how can you practice self-exclusion? We compiled some of the most effective ways to do so. Have a look.
Use GAMSTOP To Cover All UK Casinos
GAMSTOP is a self-exclusion scheme for UK gamblers that lets players apply willingly. After applying and gaining approval, you will be prohibited from visiting any online gambling casinos registered in Britain for your desired period of time. How does it work? To successfully sign up for GAMSTOP, you need to give details to prove your identity. Your date of birth, postcode, and email address are required. While it is impossible to sign up to GAMSTOP for another individual, you can help someone else with the process.
What happens next? After signing up, you will receive an email that summarizes details concerning your exclusion. It may take one day for your exclusion to be put into effect. After that, you won’t be able to participate in any activities by registered online casinos with the UK license. The period of exclusion ranges from six months to five years, depending on the option you choose.
Even after your chosen duration has elapsed, self-exclusion remains in force until you return to GAMSTOP and ask for it to be removed after undergoing the relevant process. Once registered, it is your responsibility to update them with details about your life, e.g., if you have moved houses. Because self-exclusion on GAMSTOP does not automatically exclude you from receiving gambling marketing, it is upon you to unsubscribe from emails that send you such content and to unfollow gambling social media accounts.
Other Good Methods For Self-exclusion
If you are worried that your online casino isn’t on GAMSTOP, there are several other ways you can practice disciplined gambling. Here are some of these methods.
Close Your Account With Your UK Casino Directly
You can opt to call your online casino operator and close your account temporarily. After that is done, you will not be able to make any deposits or withdrawals. The process isn’t as hard as most people perceive. All you have to do is send an email to the customer support team requesting a closure. No questions will be asked concerning your decision. Besides that, canceling your account is free. At a later date that is convenient for you, you can reopen your account at no cost at all.
Use a Self-exclusion Tool Like NetNanny or Gamban to Cover Non UK casinos
There are several other tools, such as NetNanny, Gamban, and Gamblock, that shape you into a responsible gambler. They are all great options if you live outside the United Kingdom and play at non UK casino websites. Let’s take a look at each one of them.
NetNanny
This software is a veteran in the world of internet blocking and filtering. Besides using dynamic internet filtering to block websites based on their content, it also detects if one is using a proxy to circumvent blocking software and blocks that, too. Although it is paid-for software, its multi-layered protection is worth it.
Gamban
Self-exclusion is a journey, and installing Gamban software is the first step. If you or your loved one is a gambling addict, you can rely on Gamban if willpower fails you. Installing the software is very easy, and it is intuitive to use. Once installed on your tablet, mobile phone, or computer, you will be denied access to all gambling apps and websites.
Gamblock
The Gamblock software has been in existence since 2000, helping gamblers avoid dangers associated with unrestricted gambling. Unlike other programs that rely on a constant update of website lists, Gamblock uses sophisticated analyses to block new gambling software and sites, thus saving users in potentially vulnerable times.