The Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS) has partnered with Gamban.
VRS provides a central, independent register of vulnerable people, and through this deal will recommend Gamban’s gambling-blocking software to its members, which they can use for free in the UK through TalkBanStop.com.
The hope of this collaboration is that those individuals who are registered for the VRS will be able to obtain the support they need, such as Gamban’s software that blocks access to all online gambling sites and apps across all of an individual’s devices.
VRS CEO Helen Lord said: “Those experiencing financial vulnerability have very often experienced gambling harm. That is why it is so important that services like the VRS and Gamban work together to ensure that people presenting to either of us are signposted to any additional support they need.”
Gamban Co-Founder Matt Zarb-Cousin added: “In a world where the lure of immediate gratification through digital activity is increasingly tempting, we want to help people regain control and balance – and by using Gamban, they can do that.
“Layering up blocking software with self-exclusion ensures that devices are unable to access gambling sites and apps, whether regulated or unregulated. This approach to gambling harm reduction is now utilised across the world and we’re delighted to be partnering with VRS to raise awareness of the free tools and support available in the UK.
“We always recommend using other barriers in addition to gambling-blocking software, such as self-exclusion. The friction these offer give the individual a chance to think between urge and action. During this time, they can ride out their urge or think again before acting on temptation.”
Last month, VRS partnered with the Department of Trust, with the main aim of the collaboration looking at reinforcing gambling operator’s protection solutions in the UK.
