Gambling controls and blocks
One of the first steps in treatment for gambling addiction is to put barriers in place to reduce your contact with your ability to gamble, which is called ‘gambling controls or gambling blocks’.
All gambling establishments are required by law to offer the facility for individuals to exclude themselves for a set period of time. This is true for bookmakers, casinos, arcades and online gambling. We recommend this as a way of reducing the opportunity to gamble.
By self-excluding, it becomes more difficult and less convenient to gamble. By having these strategies in place, it forces the brain to think twice about whether or not to gamble; in turn making it more likely that the habit will be broken as there is time to think through options.
We will support you to put this in place during your initial sessions with our therapists. However, if this is something you feel able to do independently, we can recommend the following tips:
- Self-excluding from those premises that are more frequently visited
- Installing online blocking software – e.g. Gamstop, Gamban
- Activating the gambling block feature on your bank account if your bank offers this
- Consider downgrading smartphones to a more basic device in order to limit internet access
Multi Operator Self Exclusion Scheme
A scheme to help gamblers self-exclude from betting shops. The registration process is telephone-based and is customised to the person’s area and needs; you can call them on 08002942060 or visit their website to find out more about how this works and sign-posts to other exclusion schemes and agencies.
SENSE - Casino Self-Exclusion Scheme
A scheme to help gamblers self-exclude from all land-based casinos. For more information or to enrol on the scheme please visit the playing safe website.
Gamstop
Gamstop is a service that started in May 2018. It’s a platform that allows people to exclude from many online gambling sites with one registration for a maximum of 5 years. They are always adding more companies to their list so it is a good idea to use both Gamstop to self-exclude as well as software such as Gamban to block gambling websites.
Gamban®
Software that helps problem gambling by preventing protected devices from accessing online gambling.
With the free Gamban code you can install it on up to fifteen devices (phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) and it will block gambling websites and apps globally for up to five years.
For more advice and other methods to self-exclude from gambling establishments visit-
www.gambleaware.co.uk/confidential-support-and-advice/self-exclusion
Bank Account Gambling Blocks
Monzo, Starling and Barclays banks have implemented a gambling block feature on their mobile apps which will stop any transactions made by credit or debit card at gambling premises.
It is also possible to set transaction and cash withdrawal limits. Visit these sites to find out more information on how it works.
