Gamstop CEO calls for vulnerable gamblers to self-exclude during lockdown
The Gamstop CEO has urged anyone worried about their gambling during the coronavirus lockdown to exclude themselves from all gaming websites for protection.
Online casino gambling has risen during the period the public are being kept at homein the UK, raising fears among MPs, with the Gambling Related Harm All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) calling for operators to introduce a daily gambling limit of £50 ($61.85).
Last week, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) published a 10-point plan for its members to follow, aiming to protect players during the coronavirus outbreak.
But Gamstop, the self-exclusion scheme, stated early evidence suggests that, since the nationwide lockdown, there has been a spike in requests from registered users trying to lift their self-exclusion before their chosen minimum period has expired.
Now, CEO Fiona Palmer has recommended consumers take action to protect themselves if they have any concerns,
She said: “We are concerned that, at a time when so many people are being forced to stay at home during the coronavirus, vulnerable consumers who may have an issue with their gambling might be tempted to spend money they do not have on online gambling.
“People generally come to us when they realise excluding themselves from all online gambling is the first step they need to take to provide the necessary breathing space to tackle their issues with gambling.”
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