GAMSTOP: Evaluating the effectiveness of the national online self-exclusion scheme

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Reports

Author(s): Clifford, Jim ; Theobald, Chris ; Arora, Roshni

Publisher: Sonnet Advisory and Impact

Year Published: 2021

Date Added: August 12, 2021

Resource Type: Evaluation

This report evaluates GAMSTOP, a national self-exclusion program in the UK. Voluntary self-exclusion is a popular intervention carried out by governments and gambling venues. Self-exclusion allows people to ban themselves from certain gambling activities for a specified period of time. GAMSTOP was launched in 2018 as a sector-wide self-exclusion program for online gambling. It allows users to block their access to online gambling sites and apps by companies in the UK. The aims of this report are to assess the effectiveness of GAMSTOP and to gain a better understanding of its users. The report assesses the broader impacts of GAMSTOP rather than focusing on customer experience. The research included:

3,300 demographic survey responses;
41 consumer interviews; and
1,700 effectiveness and impact survey responses.

Key findings include:

GAMSTOP is successful at reducing gambling-related harms with widespread positive impacts.
GAMSTOP is being used by a wide range of demographics and socio-economic groups.
Respondents reported improved well-being while enrolled with GAMSTOP.

Recommendations for the program include:

Introduce a wider range of exclusion period options.
The program's website should be reviewed and updated to make the content more accessible.
The program should seek out and engage with family and friends of problem gamblers as an opportunity to raise awareness and support to seek intervention.

Citation: Clifford, J., Theobald, C., & Arora, R. (2021). GAMSTOP: Evaluating the effectiveness of the national online self-exclusion scheme. Bedfordshire, UK: Sonnet Advisory and Impact.

Keywords: consumer protection ; evaluation ; gambling-related harm ; mental health ; multi-operator self-exclusion ; NSevaluation ; NSevaluationSE ; online gambling ; problem gambling ; self-exclusion ; well-being

Topics: Information for Operators ; Online Gambling

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Culture of Social Responsibility ; Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Environment - Responsible Gambling ; Exposure - Accessibility ; Psychological Factors ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Gambling Environment ; Resources - Service Access and Use ; Psychological - Subjective Well-Being ; Gambling Resources

Related Documents:

Sonnet Advisory and Impact (2021)_ GAMSTOP Evaluating online self-exclusion scheme.pdf

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Source: GAMSTOP

Source Type: Other

Study Funding:

GAMSTOP commissioned Sonnet Impact to conduct an evaluation to assess its effectiveness and develop a better understanding of its users.

Declaration:

The copyright of this report remains with The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited (“GAMSTOP”). Permission to include in the Greo Evidence Centre was granted by Fiona Palmer, CEO, The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited, July 14, 2021.