Gambling surely is an exciting game, which triggers adrenaline rush, excitement, and fun. But behind the glittering aspect of gambling, there often lies the darker scenario of problem gambling and gambling addiction. The people of the UK have been in love with the thrilling game of gambling since the Tudor and Stuart era(16th century England) and has been much popularised to date. According to the 2021 reports published by the government, around 0.5% of the adult gamblers are dealing with the issue of problem gambling, around 3.8% are at extreme risk level, and almost 7% of the population are negatively impacted due to the actions of gambling.
However, the introduction of the self-exclusion program, GamStop in 2018 has enabled responsible gambling to a great extent. Self-exclusion programs, such as GamStop abstain the user from using any gambling programs, websites, etc. for a specific period(6 months/1 year/ 5 years) as selected by the user.
Sporting industries such as Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) have shared a complementary bond with GamStop. However, as this self-exclusion program works only with UK based providers and there are many available non GamStop online bookmakers even in the United Kingdom, it will be a good gesture to cooperate more with all popular programs around the world. This is so because such an active industry as MMA paves way for thousands of gamblers to participate daily. Thereby, there is often a risk of leading to gambling addiction, or gambling among the fans, as well as the players.
Reasons To support GamStop by MMA fighters
In the current decade, MMA is the fastest-growing sports industry in the UK. This could possibly be because of the English people’s love for masculine strength, galore, and blood sport. Nevertheless, the top 7 bookies for MMA, such as Betfair, Unibet, William Hill, 888sport, bet365, NetBet, and LeoVegas Sport have reported their positive financial growth due to more and more people participating in MMA betting.
The reputed MMA fighters of the UK, represented in the Professional Players Federation(PPF), the national body that promotes the interests of the players, are in view to support the steps towards responsible gambling. The MMA players feel that the need of the hour is to spread the practices pertaining to responsible gambling, and also educate the fans regarding gambling addiction.
Most of the fans of MMA are young adults and adolescents. People of this age group have a tendency of shaping their behaviour according to their favourite person. Hence, when their favourite players start preaching to them about the harmful impacts of gambling, there is a high chance that they follow in their footsteps, and correct themselves by registering on GamStop.
Besides reaching out to potential MMA fans, the PPF also looks into the well-being of their players. Players are exposed to the potential risks of problem gambling. The PPF provides them with medical aid and keeps track of their development. Furthermore, they also suggest the players promote self-exclusion programs. Once they start propelling steps towards responsible gambling, there is also an awareness created within themselves.
GamStop has also emerged to be a co-sponsor in several MMA tournaments, due to which the MMA players also spread the message regarding the facilities aided by GamStop, and potential risks of gambling addiction.
Top MMA fighters supporting GamStop services
Ross Pearson: Born on September 26, 1984, this English MMA star has a record of winning 20 matches in his lifetime, out of the 38 matches played. He is renowned for winning the ‘Fight of the Night’ three times in his career. He also became the lightweight winner in ‘The Ultimate Fighter 9’. Fighting for team Alliance, this MMA star has been vocal about the consequences of problem gambling, and gambling addiction.
John Hathaway: John Lawrence Hathaway, or John Hathaway has displayed a prolific career of sheer power and might. Having won 17 matches in his lifetime, with only 19 matches played, he competed in the ‘welterweight’ division. Born on July 1, 1987, this star MMA player propagated the practices of using self-exclusion tools.
Jan Blachowicz: Blachowicz is suggested to wear the ‘crown in a UFC Fight Night bout’. He is a highly ranked player. He has previously won against the undefeatable Israel Adesanya. Born on February 24, 1983, this Polish professional MMA star gained the ‘No. 1 ranking in the UFC Light Heavyweight rankings.’ He won round 28 matches in his lifetime, by playing a total of 37 matches. He preaches safe and responsible gambling practices to his fans.
Conclusion
The MMA players are striving hard to influence their fans to not go astray due to problem gambling, and use GamStop as a precautionary measure. But due to the immense popularity and excitement of MMA, fans often tend to breach the promises and look into non-GamStop sports sites to place bets. Furthermore, newer alternatives to the UFC are emerging, which often use overseas licensed bookmarkers, such as from the Malta Gaming Agency, Gibraltar, etc. Hence, the emphasis and importance of responsible gambling lie with self, since one has to remain focused to give up problem gambling. These tools and advice should create a background and help people who have such issues and make their everyday life easier and safer.