Is GAMSTOP’s rise in self-exclusions creating a larger UK online gambling black market? Find out what other forces are at play – the answer is simple! (Photo by Kanchanara on Unsplash )
It’s a topsy-turvy market in the UK when it comes to stats, but then again, where are the figures ever smooth?
Online gamblers who are aware of possible problem gambling issues appear to use the tools at their disposal to limit their losses, most notably GamStop’s self-exclusion register. On the other side of the coin, 250,000+ players sought out unregulated online gambling websites.
The two opposites make for an interesting analysis of what’s happening in the UK Gambling Commission-regulated United Kingdom iGaming and sports betting markets.
Could the two be related? Or are there other forces at play here?
In a move to protect people from gambling addiction, the UK Gambling Commission co-created the GAMSTOP self-exclusion program in 2018. Since then, the platform has grown in popularity, with all licensed online casino and betting operators being required to register for it.
Players can use a cooling-off period or self-exclusion that sets an irreversible period of time self-banning themselves from real money gambling. If the player is also registered with GAMSTOP, the self-exclusion replicates the self-ban to all other gambling establishments operating under a UKGC licence.
As a result, players cannot sign up and play at a casino they did not self-exclude from because the setting propagates. Some feel that the recent rise in UK residents seeking out black market websites, 250,000 during the World Cup, is due to the GAMSTOP self-exclusion tool. However, from my experience as a live casino player and journalist, it more likely that a large number of these players are looking to bet using cryptocurrency.
Find out more about the UKGC and GAMSTOP via the live casino UK guide. The page takes you through the best the best live casino bonuses for UK players, gives you a list of the the best UK live casinos and it also comes with game as well as software provider advice.
Cryptocurrency Gambling is Likely the Cause
Although some gamblers self-excluded under GAMSTOP will seek out non-regulated online gambling platforms to get around the ban, judging by the numbers provided below, this group will make up for a small percentage of the 250,000.
With the continued rise in cryptocurrency gambling as well as the number of cryptos casinos accept, the popularity of this niche is increasing. On top of this, some of the most popular software providers accept crypto bets. For example, in the live casino niche Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live and Ezugi are three of the most widespread platforms available at crypto casinos across the globe attracting players that want to bet using BTC, BCH, ETH, XRP, DOGE, ETH or USDT.
The 250,000 Figure Explained: No casino operating under the UKGC licensing offers cryptocurrency gambling. Of course, this means crypto enthusiasts that want to gamble online using the convenience of virtual currencies will seek out unregulated gambling sites for this service.
Crypto Gambling in the UK
- Only black-market casinos offer crypto gambling
- No UKGC casino accepts cryptocurrency
- Top gaming brands accept crypto bets
GAMSTOP’s Purported Rise in Self Exclusions
The number of people registered on the GAMSTOP self-exclusion scheme rose in 2022, with a record-breaking 21% increase reported by the platform in February. This followed a 14% rise in January and 326 new users signing up to the scheme on 22 February alone.
Although it is a positive trend, GAMSTOP CEO Fiona Palmer cautioned that the recent rise in registrations is likely to be the result of a combination of factors. These include the current economic climate and affordability of living costs, which are influencing people’s decisions on their lifestyles and spending habits.
Since GAMSTOP Emerged in 2018 there have been 341,365 self-exclusions – here are some of the figures that go with this stat:
- Minimum exclusion time rises: GAMSTOP has also seen an increase in the percentage of people registering for a minimum exclusion time. This is a crucial component of the platform, as it gives people time to cool off. In turn, this prevents them from chasing losses.
- 12-Month Self Exclusions: Almost one in four (24% to be exact) registrants have chosen to exclude themselves for at least a year.
- 5-Year Self Exclusions: 48% of people since 2018 choose to self-exclude for five years. This reflects the fact that people are seeking more control over their gambling habits and more of a long-term approach to addiction recovery.
Some people choose to continue gambling in casinos and betting shops, which are not part of the GamStop self-exclusion scheme, which also contributes to the rise in UK black market online gambling.
Since GAMSTOP began…
- …341,365 have registered
- …50% used the 5-year option
- …24% used the 12-month option
- …others use short-term exclusions
More Interesting GAMSTOP Facts & Figures
Another significant factor behind the rise in registrations was an increase in women registering for the service, with 75,000 more women than last year currently registered on GAMSTOP. This is an encouraging sign that the platform is providing a safe and reliable place to register for self-exclusion.
GAMSTOP Research Fact: Women are more likely to develop problems with gambling than men.
A growing number of people have also opted to exclude themselves from all gaming sites, even those that are not on the GAMSTOP self-exclusion list. This is in stark contrast to the previous trend, which saw people only excluding themselves from those sites that are not part of the GAMSTOP self-exclusion system.
These increases in the number of people excluded from all gambling platforms can be attributed to the growth in the prevalence of online gambling, as well as a shift in how people are coping with their own issues and deciding to seek help. It is estimated that 6% to 8% of the global population experience gambling problems, and this figure has increased over the past few years.
Find out more about GAMSTOP: At the bottom of every UKGC-licenced online casino, there is a GAMSTOP logo. Alternatively, you head there directly via this link – https://www.gamstop.co.uk/.
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