GAMSTOP becomes fully independent non-profit organisation
Remote Gambling Association gives up ownership of national self-exclusion scheme
The Remote Gambling Association has withdrawn its controlling interest in the UK self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP, paving the way for it to become independent for the first time.
The RGA was previously the sole owner of the National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme (NOSES) Limited, the not-for-profit entity behind GAMSTOP, which was to reflect its prior status as an industry-led initiative.
However, following meetings with GAMSTOP, the RGA has chosen to give up its interest in NOSES, transferring ownership to the GAMSTOP board.
GAMSTOP chair Jenny Watson thanked the RGA for the constructive nature of its discussions with the board and for relinquishing its role as sole owner, adding this would strengthen its independence.
During the past year, GAMSTOP has been moving towards establishing greater independence from the industry, making independent appointments to its five-member board.
GAMSTOP confirmed the appointment of Watson as its first independent chair in September, following this up with the appointment of Kevin Beerling and Dr Jo Watts as independent board members in March.
In addition to the change in ownership, GAMSTOP has appointed Addaction CEO Mike Dixon as a new non-executive director of NOSES Limited with immediate effect.
Dixon was appointed as CEO of Addaction, a charity which deals with alcohol and drug misuse in May 2017. He has previously served as assistant CEO of Citizens Advice and director of Victim Support.
Mike Dixon said he was delighted to join GAMSTOP at this important time for the multi-operator self-exclusion scheme, as it looked to enable the conditions to allow the Gambling Commission to make membership mandatory for licensed operators.
“We are focusing on how to offer the best possible service to people who need help, and I’m pleased to contribute to that,” Dixon added.