Betting has been a significant business for thousands of operators throughout the world for decades. Today, gambling is dedicated to practically every sport imaginable, increasing the number of gambling markets available to casinos and sportsbooks. It’s undeniable that gambling’s tenets encourage people to spend their money and free time in a pleasant, responsible, and regulated manner.
However, it has been seen that some players have polluted such essential tenets with unhealthy, reckless, and dangerous gambling practices. Problem gambling has become a global threat to the gaming industry, and several countries are tackling it hard. The United Kingdom is an example of a forward-thinking gaming jurisdiction that is leading the charge against compulsive gambling.
There are plenty more internet-based gamers who take advantage of the ease that the internet provides. Regrettably, some people have been addicted to gambling or have gambling-related issues. As a result, initiatives to assist such gamblers have been intentionally designed around both general and gambling-specific blocking software.
The filtering software designed specifically for gambling is said to be more successful, with some costing a fee and others being free. All you have to do is sign up for the free blockers and supply the requested information. The following are some examples of free blockers:
GamStop
The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing compulsive gambling, runs GamStop, a gambling-targeted initiative. Some NonStop operators such as sportsbooks not registered with GamStop in the UK aren’t forced to use it just yet, but many casinos and betting sites already do. Through the power of Parliament, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission made GamStop mandatory for all operators. GamStop is a free resource for anyone who has problems with betting or know someone who does.
You may self-exclude from betting by downloading the software on any device, particularly Android. You must choose between 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years for the blocking service. Practical controls, debt help, emotional support, and gambling support are all part of GamStop’s service offering. If you register there by accident, you may alternatively look at the NonStopCasino list, which lists online casinos that are not excluded by GamStop.
Bank Transaction Blocking
Banking innovation encompasses a wide range of new options that allow for unique advancements. Some banks in the United Kingdom are preparing to help in the fight against compulsive gambling. This is accomplished by limiting the usage of your debit or credit cards to pay for gambling-related expenses.
Lloyd Banking Group, HSBC, Monzo, Starling Bank, Barclays, Santander, RBS/Natwest, Cashplus, and First Direct are now on the list. As a result, if you bank with any of them, you can enable transactions connected to online gambling to be blocked.
BetBlocker
ThePOGG, an Alternative Dispute Resolution organization that previously handled gambling-related claims, created BetBlocker in 2017. BetBlocker is available for free on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. If you have a gambling problem, BetBlocker can let you unsubscribe from as many gambling sites as you like.
This is due to the fact that the application can now ban over 13,613 gambling websites on the internet. This blocking tool for MMA fans can also be used in conjunction with other gambling-related programmes. BetBlocker’s Gambling Self-Restriction choices are strict, and the restriction isn’t lifted until the activation period has passed.
Paid Gaming Blockers
Some blocking software, on the other hand, charges a registration fee or a monthly membership to provide excellent service to gamblers. Paid blockers are based on the assumption that paying for a service would increase the desire to use it. The aim remains to be free of compulsive gambling, regardless of the amount spent.
A few paid blockers would comprise of:
BetFilter
BetFilter is another paid filtering programme that has a database of predominantly European gambling websites. It, like others, offers a variety of possible durations and subscriptions from which any candidate may pick. When BetFilter is on, it prevents adults and parents from accessing any gambling-related content on the internet.
BetFilter may be downloaded for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. The programme does not block gambling-related terms, but it is extremely difficult to deactivate once it has been installed.
GamBlock
GamBlock is a well-known programme that restricts access to thousands of gambling websites and gambling-related information on the internet. GamBlock employs cutting-edge technology to add a diverse range of gaming businesses to its database, allowing for maximum protection. Individuals, small enterprises, government departments/agencies, and corporations can subscribe to GamBlock for periods ranging from one month to five years.
In the same vein, the programme charges varying sums depending on whether you’re using a Mac, Windows, Android, or iOS device. Once engaged, it’s difficult to get rid of the block; it only goes away when the subscription expires and a clear request is made.
In Conclusion
In modern culture, both young and old individuals are affected by problem gambling and MMA outcomes. As a result, it’s always encouraging to see that a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations both inside and outside the UK are working hard to combat it.
As a result, all of the organizations mentioned here, as well as others, have done an excellent job addressing compulsive gambling. If you know somebody who is struggling with or is likely to struggle with problem gambling, please pass along our best wishes and advice.