GAMSTOP “working hard” to improve as investigation reveals failings
BBC investigation reveals problem gamblers can still access sites by altering personal details
GAMSTOP, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme, defended itself following revelations that problem gamblers who had chosen to self-exclude could still access gambling sites.
A BBC investigation into the service found gamblers who had self-excluded could register for sites merely by changing minor personal details during registration.
GAMSTOP said it was “concerned” about the failings and was working hard to improve its level of service.
It cited difficulties in matching consumer records, together with the diversity in verification methods being used by operators, as important factors in the issues.
Similar self-exclusion schemes used by European regulators have proved more successful due to the presence of national ID numbers, but the UK does not operate this policy due to human rights concerns.
Over 50,000 individuals have registered with the GAMSTOP site since it became operational in April 2018. However, scheme organisers said the varying verification methods being used by operators makes GAMSTOP an “extremely complex technology project” to realise.
It also highlighted the introduction of a “consumer account function” making it easier for consumers to update their personal details on the GAMSTOP website.