UK online self-exclusion scheme roll-out postponed
EGR Intel understands the GAMSTOP initiative has been delayed until spring 2018 to give operators “ample time” for integration
The launch of the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme (GAMSTOP) has been delayed until spring 2018 to allow operators more time for implementation, EGR Intel can reveal.
GAMSTOP was originally scheduled to go live before the end of the year and once integrated will enable customers to self-exclude from all operators licensed by the Gambling Commission in a single step.
The government indicated it also expected such a timeline in its triennial review consultation document published Tuesday morning.
However, the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), which has led the creation of GAMSTOP, told EGR Intel today the roll-out of the multi-operator scheme would now be delayed until next year.
“The launch date has been pushed back to the spring in order to give companies ample time to integrate with the scheme,” Fiona Palmer, the RGA’s director of social responsibility, said.
“The information operators need in order to begin integrating with the scheme will be made available later this month and they will be notified accordingly via the Gambling Commission.”
The RGA’s comments came in response to an article written on EGR Intel earlier today which featured industry reaction to the UK government’s long-awaited findings of its triennial review.
In the article, Bede Gaming chairman, Joe Saumarez Smith, questioned whether GAMSTOP would go live before the end of the year as no one in the industry had “even received the technical specifications yet”.
“They don’t know what they’re building so I think it’s very unlikely this will get done,” Saumarez Smith said.
“The major operators need four or five months for this project. And I’m concerned the government will hold that up as an example and say, ‘we gave you a warning, and it hasn’t been done, so here’s legislation’.”
The UK government today launched a 12-week consultation on reducing stakes on fixed odds betting terminals, stronger protections around online gambling and a new industry-led responsible gambling advertising campaign.
As part of its consultation document, the government welcomed the development of GAMSTOP but urged the online gambling sector to implement the scheme as soon as possible.
“While we welcome the positive industry led initiatives outlined above, we also note concerns expressed by the Gambling Commission that the pace of change by the industry to enhance the measures currently in place to protect consumers and promote responsible gambling has not been fast enough.
“We expect industry to… ensure that implementation of the new multi-operator online self-exclusion scheme is completed at the earliest opportunity.
“Industry must promote awareness of the scheme, and other responsible gambling tools that are available, so that more customers who would benefit from them use them.
“And there should be an evaluation of this scheme (GAMSTOP) to ensure it is delivering the benefits we want to see for those who want to self-exclude.”