GAMSTOP users report increased safety and control

An independent evaluation conducted by Ipsos has shed light on the effectiveness of GAMSTOP, the UK's online self-exclusion service designed to help individuals manage and control their gambling habits. According to the study, users report feeling safer and more in control of their gambling since registering, highlighting the service's impact on reducing gambling-related harm.

The research findings, based on responses from more than 4,650 GAMSTOP users, present compelling evidence of the service’s success. With 78% of participants stating that GAMSTOP delivered the results they hoped for and 80% recommending the service to others, the self-exclusion program is a key tool in the fight against gambling addiction in the UK. Satisfaction levels were high, with 73% of users expressing overall satisfaction with the service, a figure that rose to 85% among those who no longer gamble.

User Experiences and GAMSTOP’s Impact

The primary goal of GAMSTOP is to create a barrier between individuals and online gambling platforms, allowing users to regain control of their gambling habits. According to the report, three out of four users felt more in control of their gambling behaviours since registering. For many, the service serves as a crucial step toward recovery from problem gambling.

One user, who has been on a five-year self-exclusion plan and no longer gambles, summed up the service’s value by stating, “GAMSTOP literally did what it said on the tin, it stopped me from being able to register with gambling websites, which was the major issue.”

Since its launch in 2018, over 500,000 vulnerable individuals have registered with GAMSTOP, demonstrating the growing demand for help in controlling gambling behaviours. The evaluation revealed that the top reasons users cited for registering were to stop gambling online entirely (55%), regain control over their lives (55%), and reduce the financial burden caused by gambling (51%).

Effective in Reducing Gambling Behaviours

A key finding of the Ipsos evaluation is that GAMSTOP has been successful in helping users reduce or eliminate gambling activities. Three-quarters of those surveyed no longer gamble online, and nearly half (48%) reported they no longer gamble at all. For users who opted for the maximum self-exclusion period of five years, the likelihood of having stopped gambling altogether was significantly higher.

Although some users noted that GAMSTOP does not eliminate the desire to gamble, the program offers an effective physical barrier to online gambling sites. For many, this barrier serves as both a practical solution and a symbolic commitment to overcoming gambling addiction.

Financial and Emotional Benefits

The evaluation highlights that GAMSTOP has had a broader impact on users’ lives beyond just gambling behaviours. More than 70% of users felt safer from the negative effects of gambling, which extended to their financial well-being and mental health. By reducing the short-term financial harm caused by gambling, GAMSTOP has allowed users to regain control over their finances, which in turn has had positive effects on their relationships and overall quality of life.

Users also reported improvements in their mental and physical health. With reduced stress and anxiety, many have had more time and disposable income to invest in their well-being. This shift has helped ease the isolation often experienced by problem gamblers and freed up time previously spent worrying about gambling-related issues. The evaluation noted that more than three-quarters of respondents are currently in employment, with a significant portion reporting household incomes in the higher brackets, between £55,000-£99,000.

Recommendations for Improving GAMSTOP

The Ipsos evaluation offered several key recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of GAMSTOP. One of the primary suggestions was to provide users with the option of a longer or lifetime exclusion period, which would offer greater peace of mind for those committed to ceasing online gambling for good. Currently, the program offers exclusion options ranging from six months to five years, but some users felt that a longer-term option would further solidify their recovery.

The report suggested that GAMSTOP should enhance communication with users following the conclusion of their minimum exclusion period. This suggestion aims to help individuals maintain their progress and avoid potential relapse. Moreover, increasing communication may ensure that users are fully aware of the tools and support services available to them after their exclusion period ends.

Another key recommendation focused on raising awareness among younger audiences. The evaluation suggested that GAMSTOP should continue its advertising efforts on social media to reach a demographic more vulnerable to gambling addiction due to the easy access to online gambling platforms.

Addressing Black Market Gambling

While GAMSTOP has proven effective in blocking access to licensed UK gambling sites, the report raised concerns about black-market gambling operations. Some users reported engaging with unlicensed operators since registering with GAMSTOP, highlighting the need for stricter regulation and enforcement to prevent the promotion of these illegal gambling websites.

The report urged the government, the Gambling Commission, and various stakeholders to take stronger action against the challenges posed by black-market gambling. Enhanced regulation and restrictions on the promotion of unlicensed gambling platforms, particularly on social media, would help reduce the risk of users falling into illegal gambling practices.

Conclusion: GAMSTOP’s Role in Reducing Gambling Harm

Overall, the Ipsos evaluation affirms that GAMSTOP remains a valuable tool in the effort to reduce gambling-related harm. By offering an effective blocking mechanism for licensed UK online gambling operators, the program has helped thousands of individuals regain control over their lives and significantly reduce their gambling behaviours.

The evaluation underscores the importance of GAMSTOP for those seeking a long-term lifestyle change rather than just a temporary break from gambling. The majority of users were satisfied with their experience and felt that the service delivered on its promise to help reduce gambling-related harm.

Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, remarked on the importance of continued evaluation and improvement of the service. “We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the service through comprehensive independent research, and it is gratifying to know that most of our users feel GAMSTOP has helped them significantly reduce gambling-related harm,” she said.

Palmer also acknowledged the responsibility that GAMSTOP carries, with 60% of users relying on the service as their sole means of support. The organization is studying the recommendations closely, particularly the suggestion to extend self-exclusion periods, while recognizing that current exclusion periods continue for up to seven years unless a user requests removal.

FAQs

What is GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP is an online self-exclusion service that helps users block access to UK gambling websites, aiding in controlling gambling behaviours.

How effective is GAMSTOP?
According to the Ipsos evaluation, 78% of users found GAMSTOP effective in delivering the results they hoped for, helping to reduce gambling.

Can GAMSTOP help me stop gambling altogether?
While GAMSTOP blocks access to UK-licensed sites, it does not eliminate the urge to gamble. However, 48% of users report they no longer gamble at all.

What are the options for self-exclusion with GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP offers self-exclusion periods of six months, one year, or five years, with longer periods showing greater success in stopping gambling.

Is GAMSTOP effective against black-market gambling?
GAMSTOP only blocks UK-licensed gambling sites. Users have reported accessing unlicensed gambling platforms, raising concerns about black-market operations.

What are the financial benefits of using GAMSTOP?
Many users report feeling financially liberated after using GAMSTOP, as it helps reduce the financial harm caused by gambling and improves mental well-being.

Can GAMSTOP help with my mental health?
Yes, users have reported improved mental health, reduced stress, and more disposable income to focus on their well-being since using GAMSTOP.

Does GAMSTOP communicate with users after self-exclusion ends?
The Ipsos report recommends more frequent communication after exclusion ends, to ensure users remain supported and avoid relapsing into gambling.

Is GAMSTOP recommended by its users?
Yes, 80% of users would recommend GAMSTOP to others, emphasizing its role in helping people regain control over their gambling habits.

Can I register with GAMSTOP if I want to stop gambling permanently?
Currently, GAMSTOP offers exclusions up to five years. The Ipsos report recommends adding a lifetime exclusion option for long-term recovery.