GambleAware to include Gamban in problem gambling treatment strategy
All individuals undergoing treatment will have free access to software
GambleAware has announced it will make Gamban blocking software available to all individuals undergoing treatment in its national gambling treatment services.
Gamban software will be available for free to individuals who are referred from GamCare, its network of regional partners, the National Problem Gambling Clinic, and the Gordon Moody Association.
In a statement, the charity said: “The decision was made with the understanding that by reducing cost limitations for individuals it would encourage more people who are at risk to use the app if they needed it.”
The move follows the charity conducting an independent review of software packages designed to block access to both licensed and illegal gambling sites. Three packages were evaluated by researchers from Winning Moves including Gamblock, Betfilter and Gamban, together with several other non-specific content filters.
Researchers analysed existing literature on blocking software, tested its effectiveness in blocking the 2,417 licensed Gambling Commission sites, conducted in-depth interviews with current industry stakeholders and both current users and potential users of blocking software.
Karl King, associate director of Winning Moves, said: “Based on the results of systematic testing, blocking software appears to be generally effective in restricting access to online gambling. One gambling-specific package was found to block access to 99% of active gambling websites associated with UK Gambling Commission licences.”
The report found that blocking software is effective in reducing gambling-related harm, however its effectiveness is dependent on the willpower of the individual and whether a friend or family member is providing support in the individuals treatment.
It concluded that blocking software is not a ‘magic bullet’ and works best in partnership with other treatment methods (including therapy and self-exclusion).
Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware added: “This report reinforces the point that such tools work best as part of a treatment package tailored to the individual rather than being effective in isolation. This evaluation gives us the confidence we needed to fund the use of this software for anyone who is referred to our treatment services.”