Problems related to violating responsible gambling principles are one of the main issues that impact both casinos (their reputation) and gamblers. The same is true for the local budget. For example, it was estimated that the overall losses related to responsible gambling in 2022 were from £1.05 to £1.77bn.
The UK gambling sector has a long way to go to become one of the most well-regulated and user-friendly in the global casino industry, from the implementation of the Gambling Act of 2005 and the GamStop program to modern biometric scans for personalised controls.
Modern apps and web-based solutions allow you to block gambling-related content, limit the time spent playing games, exclude specific casino sites from being displayed by search engines, and so on. All this contributes to maintaining a flexible, responsible gambling approach based on the players’ individual characteristics and needs.
Online tools for enhanced self-exclusion
Modern self-exclusion solutions work on different levels. There may be cross-platform programs you may access from any device like GamStop or dedicated applications that require installation on your PC or mobile devices (for example, BetBlocker). Also, there are tools that allow you to filter specific content and use additional services like Parental Control (NetNanny).
GamStop – streamlining self-exclusion across platforms
GamStop is one of the popular centralised tools that help people self-exclude from multiple UK-based casinos. All you need is to register on the site without the need to download any software.
After joining the program, your information is added to databases of 128 casinos within 24 hours. It is a simple and, at the same time, cohesive approach to self-exclusion from all casinos controlled by UKGC for a 6-month, 1-year, or 5-year period. Players are also welcome to register with non GamStop gambling sites on NonGamStopCasinos.org if they are looking for a gaming experience outside of the UKGC licensed platforms.
They are the same safe and stick to Responsible Gambling rules through proprietary self-exclusion programs and the ability to set deposit limits and cool-off periods.
BetBlocker – device-level self-exclusion
BetBlocker is a handy device to restrict access to gambling platforms across various devices and stick to responsible gambling habits. It is a free solution you may use without signing up. You only need to download and install the app on your PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. BetBlocker provides a reliable block of more than 77,700 gambling sites and over 1,500 applications.
The best thing is that the database of this tool is updated weekly. BetBlocker offers a calendaring feature to customise the booking time in advance and the Parental Control option for better convenience.
NetNanny – filtering and restriction tools
Thanks to NetNanny, you can control access to specific (gambling-related) content, including casinos and bookmakers. Along with BetBlocker, NetNanny is a cross-platform solution that helps get rid of gambling triggers, concentrate on current affairs, and distract from gambling during the cool-off period.
Along with blocking gambling sites and apps, the platform supports screen time management, social media protection, a report feature, and location tracking. Unlike the previous option, it comes with pricing plans.
Biometric verification for secure player protection
Modern technologies allow self-exclusion and blocking tools to create a secure environment for gamblers. First, this relates to incorporating biometric checks, including facial recognition and fingerprint scans.
Facial recognition technology
Using the face recognition option, online casinos can quickly identify the user by comparing the photo with documents uploaded during the ID verification. This method is implemented through access to the device’s camera. Facial Recognition technology has obvious security advantages, such as preventing unauthorised access to the account to steal sensitive data.
In addition, facial recognition allows casinos to filter out people who are on self-exclusion programs and block their access to gambling content. Thus, it helps people control their behaviour and prevent gambling-related problems initially.
Fingerprint scans and personalised controls
Fingerprint scans, as well as Face Recognition technology, contribute to safe gambling. Most modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops support the TouchID feature that helps identify the device’s owner. The info about clients can not be transferred to external servers/cloud storage as well as used by unauthorised third parties and casino operators.
Along with security measures. Fingerprint scans allow casinos to identify a person by comparing him with databases of those who have problems with gambling behaviour. It is also a convenient mechanism for receiving information about betting patterns (the number of log-ins to the site, transaction confirmations, etc.).
Positive impacts and future technological trends
Device-level self-exclusion and blocking tools are now among the main trends in ensuring responsible gambling principles. First of all, it relates to solutions such as BetBlocker and Gamban. They offer a very flexible adaptation of self-exclusion to the needs of each user.
Along with this, the gambling industry experienced a decrease in the popularity of more critical self-exclusion methods, such as GamStop, when you are simply banned from all gambling platforms simultaneously. Gamblers also actively explore deposit and time limit features incorporated into casino sites.
As for blockchain technology, it effectively ensures the users’ security and the transparency of casino operations activity. However, it is not so widely implemented, so there is still a long way to go. The same applies to biometrics, which are effective for identifying problem players and supporting safe gambling in general.
Nevertheless, this technology is not available on all gambling sites. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are among the main trends that will grow in the future. Using AI, casinos can process large data amounts, set restrictions for individual players, and analyse game patterns to predict future violations of responsive gambling rules.
Conclusion
Responsible gambling principles are among the most important aspects contributing to a pleasant online casino gaming experience without negative consequences. At the same time, this approach is also critically important for the casinos themselves, as compliance with these rules affects their reputation.
Modern technologies allow players to conveniently and flexibly set limits (deposit and time), use cool-off periods, and filter gambling content on their devices. This is realised thanks to both built-in tools on casino sites and global solutions such as GamStop.
Moreover, there are multiple solutions (paid and free) to control the time spent playing games and deposit sums used. Modern technologies make it possible to make safe gambling convenient and customised for a specific user.
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