TalkBanStop launches as a 12-month pilot scheme from 17 December to offer three free tools to help those suffer from gambling problems manage to stop.

The tools include support via GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline, Gamban’s gambling blocking software and Gamstop’s self-exclusion scheme.

The three key steps include ‘Talk’ which is covered by support and treatment via GamCare’s helpline, ‘Ban’ which includes Gamban’s blocking software being offered for free to anyone contacting the helpline, and ‘Stop’ with players signing up to Gamstop unable to access and create accounts with all UK online operators.

The campaign comes at a time where problem gambling risks have been heightened due to an online spike in gaming since the first lockdown was introduced in March, and is being funded by the Gambling Commission, while it will be evaluated by market research company Ipsos MORI.

GamCare CEO Anna Hemmings said: “After a particularly challenging year when many have been impacted by job losses and reduced income, Christmas can be a difficult time for those struggling to stop gambling.

“The TalkBanStop. campaign sends a message of hope to those who are struggling with gambling but don’t know how to start their recovery journey, by providing free tools and support that give breathing space to reflect on what’s going on.”

Gambling Commission CEO Neil McArthur added: “We are happy to approve funding of the blocking software pilot and evaluation element of this work through the distribution of regulatory settlement money to properly identify what works.”