Among the significant impacts of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns are isolation and loneliness so each of us has to struggle with these issues. We miss the good old days when we kept entertained with our loved ones, going out with our friends, or playing our favourite sports with our beloved team members. For many people, turning to gambling is a way to spend time and forget about this feeling like in a house arrest.
They spend more time gambling online than ever, meaning they squander money on this activity. In the UK as stated by the UK Gambling Commission, the national average of people who spend more time on online entertaining activities has increased from 11% to 17%. This rate is unbelievable because this country is recognized for implementing stricter regulations regarding players’ protection.
In other words, despite the release of several self-exclusion schemes to help vulnerable gamblers quit gambling websites, the raise of gambling issues is a danger to both the consumers and the country. As raising awareness against the dangers of gambling is, thus, vital, the three powerful self-exclusion organisms have teamed up by releasing a new programme under the name of TalkBanStop.
A Trio of Free Tools
TalkBanStop is a campaign launched through the partnership of three schemes like GamCare, Gamban, and GamStop:
- In fact, GamCare is an experienced programme that has existed since 1997. The scheme is operated by the National Gambling Helpline to help people affected by problem gambling. The National Gambling Helpline is a charity organisation to treat gambling addiction and promote responsible gambling.
- As for Gamban, this powerful blocking service was established by GambleAware to help the problem gamblers ban themselves from their chosen websites. With this tool, the users just install the application on their computers or mobile devices, and then, can exclude themselves from any online gambling activity.
- The third free programme that has joined GamCare and Gamban is GamStop, a national self-exclusion scheme mandatory within the UK gambling industry. This popular facility has been around since 2018 to prevent excessive gambling. However, there are many bookmakers including sites at NonStopCasino.org that aren’t on the GamStop scheme and accept excluded punters.
Therefore, TalkBanStop is created to help players who are struggling to control their gambling participation. This combination of schemes supported by the National Gambling Treatment Service is an additional layer of protection for people who cannot manage their gambling activities.
How to Use TalkBanStop?
TalkBanStop starts with a chat and those who feel addicted to gambling can get in touch with trained advisors on the National Gambling Helpline. They can benefit from free and confidential advice, support, and information. They will be able to access free support 24/7 every day of the year through the National Gambling Helpline whether on phone calls or live chat.
The counsellors are always reachable to offer further support and expert advice when they register at this tool. The second option that the consumers can do with TalkBanStop is the ‘Ban feature’ with Gamban blocking software. As mentioned above, the users will be blocked from gambling sites and applications compatible with up to 15 devices. The good news is that this worldwide blocking service is now available free for those who call the National Gambling Helpline or those who use its support and treatment options.
The ‘Stop option’ is the third and last feature that people can use with TalkBanStop practical tool. This feature is a GamStop self-exclusion solution that prohibits accessing the players’ online gambling accounts or creating new ones. The duration of their ban can be customized depending on their choice and once the registration is confirmed, they won’t be able to log in to their chosen websites. Aside from the ban, direct marketing from gambling companies will also be blocked.
Conclusion
“When the fun stops stop” is a phrase encouraging self-reflection on people to avoid gambling harm. This phrase is backed by the release of a new tool for further support to those who need help. TalkBanStop is the new facility from the collaboration of the three leading self-exclusion schemes as GamCare, Gamban, and GamStop.
Together, they offer a combination of three effective tools to help and assist individuals who are experiencing gambling problems. Through the use of this new campaign, gambling addiction is expected to reduce as quickly as possible and the goal to promote responsible gambling will be reached.