Gambling-related problems have been a major challenge in numerous countries, and the UK is no exception. The British casino legislation is one of the best developed globally, and UKGC, the local regulatory authority, regularly adds new requirements for enhanced industry transparency and reliability. GamStop self-exclusion was implemented in 2018; since that year, over 400,000 people have joined the program. This tool is mandatory for all online casinos and sportsbooks licensed in the state, which couldn’t but affect the horse racing betting sector.
Horse racing takes the second place on the list of popular disciplines for betting with a 37% user engagement in the United Kingdom. The country is home to numerous loud competitions, including the renowned Royal Ascot and Grand National, with a multi-decade-long history. Unsurprisingly, betting on these events is in demand among risk hunters, so millions of users choose this pastime. However, the implementation of GamStop and updated gambling regulations influence the market and users’ actions, so let’s explore the main outcomes.
Self-excluded users are often not inspired by the possibility of being restricted from their favourite entertainment for a long. The UK self-exclusion only covers in-country platforms, so passionate punters prefer to join horse racing not on GamStop registered abroad. In this case, they don’t risk being blocked and face fewer limitations from the online bookmaker. Even though the UKGC aims to decrease the impact of overseas platforms on the British iGaming sector, offshore sportsbooks are still legal if licensed and regulated.
According to reports, over 80% of self-exclusion participants mentioned improved condition, which indicates the tool’s efficiency. However, the software is still imperfect, so many prefer to get around it and opt for overseas horse racing betting sites. Users are often anxious about limitations and restrictions, which encourages them to completely use non UK bookmakers regulated by other jurisdictions. Therefore, GamStop decreases user engagement in this risky activity. Moreover, program participants often face bugs and delays when cancelling self-exclusion, which is another reason why they get around the tool.
GamStop affects not only punters but also bookmakers, as implementing self-exclusion and ensuring its stable work implies higher expenses. This sometimes results in the betting company’s inability to survive in the stiff competition and stop their operations in the country. UKGC aims to decrease the number of sportsbooks in the state, and high licensing costs and implementation of self-exclusion are among the tools to make the industry more controlled.
Even though the program is imperfect and is yet to be advanced, it still has numerous benefits for the country’s horse racing betting market. Currently, approximately 0.5% of the entire UK’s population suffers from gambling-related problems, which is a relatively low figure compared to other states. Besides banning customers from bookmaker sites, GamStop provides detailed guidance and multiple resources to lead users to full recovery.
The gambling block cannot be suspended or cancelled, so problem punters must finish the chosen term. During this time, they can reconsider their approaches to horse racing betting and other risky activities and return to this entertainment with new knowledge and habits.
A responsible approach to online betting is essential: this pastime is risky and can always result in a loss. Moreover, horse races are dynamic and unpredictable, so punters should be ready for any outcome, positive or negative. Therefore, sticking to responsible gambling principles should be the core priority for everyone engaging in the industry. GamStop educates users on being conscious when predicting the outcome of horse racing events and controlling their expenses and time on the chosen website.
In 2024, each online bookmaker holding licensing from the UK Gambling Commission must implement GamStop self-exclusion. It’s predicted that the tool won’t lose relevance in the British market since it provides comprehensive results in coping with gaming problems. The self-exclusion doesn’t operate outside the UK, but other states also consider this approach for better market regulations. Even though GamStop creates a lot of disputes, it still has numerous advantages for horse racing betting lovers and other punters.
GamStop self-exclusion is a controversial tool with pros and cons for operators and bettors. Currently, the program is mandatory for all UK-based platforms, and eliminating the ban is impossible once a user confirms their participation. Of course, many prefer to get around the tool by joining overseas horse betting sites and using cryptocurrencies in iGaming. On the other hand, GamStop has shown enhanced efficiency in coping with gambling-related issues, which positively affects the overall population’s well-being.
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