Self-exclusion in Great Britain

We present a discussion on the process of GB self-exclusion methods across:

• Online gambling

• Betting shops

• Casino

• Adult Gaming Centres

• Bingo

Background

• The Gambling Commission outlines three tools: setting limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to help users 'gain control' as a part of 'safer gambling.'

• Literature has shown that self-exclusion programs are beneficial but under-utilised

• In 2019, 53% of gamblers were not aware of self-exclusion

• Gambling Commission code of practice for non-remote gambling:

1. Individuals should be able to self-exclude without having to enter gambling premises (3.5.2:2)

Results

Online Gambling

• A free online form that takes a "few minutes" on gamstop.co.uk (Effective within 24 hours)

Betting shops

• Phone the MOSES team (8 am to 12 am) & send documents by post or email

Casino

• Visit a UK land-based casino

• Download & print form to be completed by hand and then emailed or posted

Adult Gaming Centres

• Visit an Adult Gaming Centre

• Phone an Adult Gaming Centre

• Non-bacta members should contact bacta on e-mail or by phone

Bingo

• Attend local bingo club or licensed bingo premises, explain and interview, take pictures, and assist in completing an online self-exclusion form.

OR

• Contact licensed bingo premises by phone or website

OR

• "Contact The Bingo Association, who will give them the telephone number of their club or licensed bingo premises. To start the process, a customer should complete the form below. Following receipt, a staff member from the Association will contact the customer (usually within 2 working days)."

Summary of UK self-exclusion

• Two out of five self-exclusion groups are independent of contact with industry (online and betting shops)

• One out of five self-exclusion groups involve a method that is quick and available 24/7 (online)

• No self-exclusion method is clearly and easily advertised as available in multiple languages.

Discussion

• A systematic review of 16 original studies published over 1997-2017 found that self-exclusion barriers need to be reduced.

• In line with the evidence, we also perceive industry-modifiable barriers to self-exclusion in availability and accessibility for the UK consumer, which we suggest are:

1. Independence from gambling

2. Perceived complexity

3. Perceived chance of success

4. Perceived time spent

5. Language barriers

6. Time restrictions (A lack of a 24/7 service)

In particular, we note that the description for self-exclusion to Casino's states that the form must be printed and signed by hand (despite law on e-signatures)

Conclusions

• We recommend that fit-for-purpose self-exclusion schemes be independent of gambling activity or representation, devoid of unnecessary verbosity and complexity, available at any time and in any language.

• Barriers in self-exclusion schemes, for all types of gambling except for online gambling, need to be urgently addressed using a simple online technology-based solution such as an online form (at minimal cost or specialist ability)