Smart money management for gambling recovery

Gambling addiction is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide, with far-reaching consequences not just for individuals, but also for their friends, families, and communities. The financial, emotional, and social costs of gambling harm are often overlooked, leaving many without the support they need.To address these challenges, we are excited to announce our latest partnership with Sibstar, an innovative debit card and app designed to help protect individuals from gambling-related harm. This collaboration aligns with our shared mission to provide effective tools for reducing gambling harm and supporting those in recovery.Sibstar offers a range of money management features that empower customers to regain control of their finances. The Sibstar debit card can be loaded with a chosen amount of money, and its functionality can be managed via the Sibstar app. Key features include:<ul><li>A gambling block to prevent transactions with gambling merchants.</li><li>Spending controls, including monthly, daily, and ATM withdrawal limits.</li><li>Online and phone transaction switches, enabling users to control where their money is spent.</li><li>Instant freeze/unfreeze functionality for added flexibility.</li><li>Auto top-up options to maintain a daily balance.</li><li>Real-time notifications to track spending in detail.</li></ul>What makes Sibstar unique is its dual-management capability. Customers can self-manage their app and debit card or choose to share management with a trusted friend or family member. This added layer of accountability ensures that individuals who need extra support have it readily available.Sibstar’s approach to money management is built around self-empowerment and informed decision-making, which are critical for addressing gambling harm. By providing practical tools and real-time support, Sibstar enables individuals to set their own limits, monitor their behaviour, and make healthier financial decisions.Through this partnership, we aim to build on our promotion of Layered Self-Exclusion by promoting further resources available to individuals seeking to quit gambling with Gamban. Together, Gamban and Sibstar want to create more robust pathways to assist with addiction recovery, encouraging individuals to take steps that enhance their likelihood of gambling abstinence.As gambling harms continue to grow, innovative solutions like Sibstar are more important than ever. This partnership represents a significant step forward in promoting healthier, more informed money management and supporting long-term recovery.Learn more about Sibstar here. - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sibstar.co.uk/quitgambling">https://www.sibstar.co.uk/quitgambling</a>

Sibstar Partners With Gamban

Discover how Gamban and Sibstar are partnering to support recovery from gambling harm with innovative tools and solutions.

Dutch regulator KSA funds pilot, making Gamban available to support recovery.

Dutch gambling regulator <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://kansspelautoriteit.nl/">Kansspelautoriteit (KSA)</a> has agreed to fund a pilot that will provide Gamban free-of-charge for a year to people in the Netherlands.This follows similar partnerships struck with Norway’s government-owned national lottery and gaming operator, Norsk Tipping, to provide its software to those who are self-excluded, as well as Finland’s monopoly operator Veikkaus. Gamban is also free through Ohio’s self-exclusion platform TimeOutOhio.Anyone in the Netherlands can obtain a free one year Gamban subscription by contacting the country’s national support service, Loket Kansspel, via the website, WhatsApp, email or over the phone. Users will be able to access a recently released Dutch version of the app, making it even easier for people in the Netherlands to take positive action in their recovery journey. Gamban is also assisting the KSA in detecting unregulated sites in its renewed efforts to tackle illegal gambling.Nathalie Smit, Director at Loket Kansspel said: "At Loket Kansspel, we believe that taking control of your online environment is crucial for breaking free from gambling addiction. By partnering with Gamban, we're empowering individuals to stay in control and manage their gambling behaviour. We are excited to provide people with free access to gambling blocking software.”Thomas Borghols, Addiction Prevention Fund Adviser at KSA said: “At present, KSA offers players struggling with their gambling behaviour the option to self-exclude through Cruks. However, Cruks pertains only to operators holding a licence in the Netherlands. Gamban gives players the opportunity to also block access to illegal gambling websites. When used together, Cruks and Gamban provide players a perspective on recovery. Teaming up with Loket Kansspel for the distribution of Gamban subscriptions was a logical choice for us, given that they are the first point of contact for players looking for an independent, judgement-free talk about the gambling issues facing them.”Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, said: “Having a self-exclusion scheme in place can lead to the unintended consequence of leaving the most vulnerable individuals exposed to black market operators. Layering up blocking software with self-exclusion ensures that devices are unable to access gambling sites and apps, whether regulated or unregulated.” Once the player downloads Gamban, our protection is designed to be as difficult to remove as the various devices allow and without being intrusive.Zarb-Cousin added: “We always recommend using other barriers in addition to gambling-blocking software, such as self-exclusion. The friction these offer give the individual a chance to think between urge and action. During this time, they can ride out their urge or think again before acting on temptation. In a world where the lure of immediate gratification through digital activity is increasingly tempting, we want to help people regain control and balance - and by using Gamban, they can do that.”

Loket Kansspel Partners with Gamban

Dutch regulator KSA funds pilot, making Gamban available to support recovery

Help shape GAMSOL’s services to reach and support more people in need

GAMSOL specialises in supporting people with or who have had a gambling disorder in reclaiming losses from negligent gambling companies.To date, they have assisted clients on a one-to-one basis through their Early Representation service. Now, they are looking to expand their offerings to reach as many people as possible.Your input will help GAMSOL effectively target claims suitable for our Group Claims service (on a no-win, no-fee basis).The Gambling Commission frequently publishes <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/enforcement-action">Enforcement Actions</a>, and whilst household names like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/bet365-to-pay-gbp582-120-for-regulatory-failures">Bet365</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/entain-to-pay-gbp17-million-for-regulatory-failures">Entain (Ladbrokes/Coral)</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/william-hill-group-businesses-to-pay-record-gbp19-2m-for-failures">William Hill</a> often appear, it is increasingly common for less familiar brands to act negligently in their pursuit of profit. Such examples include <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/vivaro-limited-faces-gbp337-631-regulatory-action">vbet (Vivaro)</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/blue-star-planet-faces-gbp620-000-regulatory-action">10Bet (Blue Star Planet)</a>, and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register/business/detail/domain-names/2091">11 brands</a> operated by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/gbp6-1m-fine-for-online-operator-in-touch-games">In Touch Games</a>.Completing the questionnaire will not only help GAMSOL but also the many others they are assisting.<a class="btn btn-primary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamsol.org/research-gb" role="button">Start Questionnaire</a>

GAMSOL needs your input to help people like you

Share your input to help GAMSOL expand their service and support more gambling claim victims.

Gamban introduces Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch languages to expand accessibility worldwide

At Gamban, we believe that recovery from gambling addiction should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where you are or the language you speak. That's why we're excited to announce the latest update to our app - Gamban is now available in Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch!Jack Symons, CEO of Gamban, said: “We understand that language can be a significant barrier when accessing tools that support your journey toward a healthier, gambling-free life. By expanding our language offerings to Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch, we hope to make it even easier for more people to use Gamban effectively, no matter where they are.”<h3>Why We Chose Brazilian Portuguese</h3>Brazil is home to millions of individuals affected by gambling addiction, and we recognised the growing need for tools that can support recovery in their native language. Recent studies show that nearly 20 million Brazilians engage in some form of gambling, with about 2% of the population estimated to be at risk of developing a gambling addiction.Right now, Brazil doesn’t have the same kind of self-exclusion options or tools that other countries offer, where users can easily opt-out of gambling websites or apps. That’s where Gamban comes in. With our app now available in Brazilian Portuguese, people in Brazil can now access gambling blocking software in their native language.<h3>Why We Chose Dutch</h3>Just like in Brazil, the Netherlands has seen a surge in people betting and playing casino games online. Since online gambling became legal in 2021, it's more important than ever to have tools that can support those who may be struggling with gambling.By offering Gamban in Dutch, we're making it easier for people in the Netherlands to take the right steps on their recovery journey.<h3>Supporting a Global Audience</h3>These updates are part of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. With Gamban already available in English, French and Spanish, we're proud to expand our offerings to more people around the world. No matter what language you speak, Gamban provides the same high level of protection and support, empowering individuals everywhere to take control of their recovery.<h3>How to Get Started</h3>If you already use Gamban, update your app to access the new language options. For those new to Gamban, getting started is easy! Download the app or visit our website to sign up, and with this latest update, you can now choose from five languages - English, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Dutch - to tailor your experience. Whether you're struggling with gambling or supporting someone who is, Gamban is here to help you take back control.

Gamban is Now Available in Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch!

Gamban is now available in Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch, offering wider access to tools for gambling recovery

Share your insights in a 1-hour interview with UNLV to help improve gambling research

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is looking to understand perceptions about gambling among recovering/recovered gamblers, and is looking for US-based recovering or recovered gamblers to take part in online recorded audio interviews.The interviews will take approximately 1 hour. UNLV will compensate participants for their time, with each receiving a $100 Amazon gift card. There are limited spaces, but if you are interested, then please sign up using this link, and the research team will be in touch.We greatly appreciate your time and input. If you have any questions before, during or after the interview, please feel free to contact the principal investigator, Dr. Marla Royne Stafford, at <a href="mailto:marla.stafford@unlv.edu">marla.stafford@unlv.edu</a>.If spaces fill up, and you’re unable to participate at this time, don’t worry. We plan to bring more of these opportunities to you. Lived experience is a valuable resource for the academic community, and research can help inform and influence policy on gambling. By taking part in these studies, we can try to make gambling fairer and safer, so fewer people experience harm in future.<a class="btn btn-primary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://unlv.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cOtzBm2cA8fcA9o" role="button">Sign Up</a>

Participate in UNLV's Study on Gambling Recovery

UNLV seeks US-based recovering gamblers for a one-hour audio interview on gambling perceptions. Apply today to share your insights.

Empowering Vulnerable Members with Free Tools to Combat Gambling Harm

<h4>Vulnerability Registration Service Partners with Gamban to Recommend Free Gambling Blocking Software to its Members</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.vulnerabilityregistrationservice.co.uk/">Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS)</a>, a not-for-profit organisation providing a central, independent register of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.vulnerabilityregistrationservice.co.uk/who-should-register-for-the-vrs/">vulnerable people</a>, has partnered with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/">Gamban</a> to recommend its software that blocks access to all online gambling sites and apps across all of a person’s devices. This can be accessed free of charge in the UK through TalkBanStop.comVSR’s mission is to help flag vulnerable individuals to companies to help keep them safe. People who register for the VRS can choose to simply make people aware of their circumstances, or they can opt to be declined financial or related services for a period of time - perhaps because they feel that they are not in the position to make a decision which is really in their best interests.The collaboration with Gamban will encourage those who have registered to protect themselves from any temptation to gamble.Helen Lord, CEO of VRS, said: “Those experiencing financial vulnerability have very often experienced gambling harm. That is why it is so important that services like the VRS and Gamban work together to ensure that people presenting to either of us are signposted to any additional support they need.”In 2020, Gamban teamed up with the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP, and the leading treatment provider GamCare to form TalkBanStop, giving those experiencing harm from gambling access to their software for free. The company also struck a partnership with Norway’s government-owned national lottery and gaming operator, Norsk Tipping, to provide its software to those who have self-excluded, as well as Finland’s monopoly operator Veikkaus. Gamban is also free through Ohio’s self-exclusion platform TimeOutOhio, and has recently commenced a similar pilot in the Netherlands.Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, said: “In a world where the lure of immediate gratification through digital activity is increasingly tempting, we want to help people regain control and balance - and by using Gamban, they can do that.“Layering up blocking software with self-exclusion ensures that devices are unable to access gambling sites and apps, whether regulated or unregulated. This approach to gambling harm reduction is now utilised across the world and we’re delighted to be partnering with VRS to raise awareness of the free tools and support available in the UK.”Once the player downloads Gamban, it’s designed to be as difficult to remove as the various devices allow. Gamban aims to provide the right balance between protection and intrusion. Zarb-Cousin added: “We always recommend using other barriers in addition to gambling-blocking software, such as self-exclusion. The friction these offer give the individual a chance to think between urge and action. During this time, they can ride out their urge or think again before acting on temptation.”

VRS Partners with Gamban

VRS partners with Gamban to offer members free access to software that blocks online gambling sites and apps.

Understanding the Retail Trading Ecosystem

While most understand that gambling means the house always wins, it’s less known that 90% of retail traders fail to be profitable on a yearly basis. According to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/active-trading/030515/what-difference-between-institutional-traders-and-retail-traders.asp">Investopedia</a>, retail traders are “individuals who buy or sell securities with money from personal wealth, rather than for an institution”.The reality is the retail trading infrastructure is set up for people to fail. Self-described trading educators and charlatan “brokers” are in fact collecting large profits derived from retail trader losses.In this blog we’ll explore how this happens, who is profiting, and how similar these practices are to those of online gambling affiliates.<h3 class="thin">Who’s profiting?</h3>Charlatan “trading educators” have found it highly lucrative to sell online courses, teaching consumers terrible trading strategies, which if followed, will result in people trading their accounts to zero.Trading educators often have no knowledge of professional trading. Typically their experience is in digital marketing, which enables them to sell their courses. You will almost certainly spot lifestyle messaging in their promotional content. For example, “Follow these steps and you will own a car like mine”. In fact, most of these individuals don’t own these cars, they simply rent them to pretend on social media. Similarly, posts that show them “travelling” by private jet are always staged, utilising <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.scouty.com/location/vip-private-jet-for-filming-photography--influencer-shoots-601876a9fcba4300178dedc3">promotional shoot locations</a>. <h3 class="thin">If they’re bad at trading, how do the educators  end up making a profit?</h3>In every country where there is financial regulation, licensed brokers are required by their regulator to have an ‘Introducing Broker’ (‘IB’) agreement in place. This is an agreement between any individual or company that ‘introduces’ individuals to their trading platform.There are jurisdictions where anyone can become an Introducing Broker, without any special certification. Although some markets, such as Australia, South Africa and the United States require some certification for Introducing Brokers.These IB agreements typically include payments for the educator based on the size and frequency of an introduced client’s trading activity, such as spread and commission on trades.Outside of the United States, IB Agreements rebate “educators” between 20-50% of the spread + commission paid by an introduced individual to the trading platform, back to the “educator”.A minority of IB Agreements also rebate the “educator” a percentage of any finance charges paid by the client to the trading platform.This is clearly a huge conflict of interest. The “educators” are incentivized to encourage overtrading and increased position size, as this generates them the most profits in payments from the trading platform.There are clear similarities between this and online gambling affiliates who generally make a percentage of a referred individuals’ losses to any gambling site, sometimes more than 50% of the total losses from that account in perpetuity.The rise of “Day Trading” and “Technical Analysis Courses” can in part be attributed to this conflict of interest amongst market participants. The strategies taught by false “educators” typically applies very rudimentary knowledge. Technical analysis, for example, involves following lines on a chart. Teaching people with a lack of financial education something they believe they can understand can feel empowering to them. But this opens the door to much greater risks.One reason gamblers may continue to gamble in the face of sustained losses is due to the illusion of control. Gamblers may persist in the belief that they have special skills or knowledge that enable them to gain an advantage, which convinces them to keep going. When reflecting on a gambling session, a gambler may focus on a particular moment that doesn’t threaten but instead supports their notion that they’re able to find patterns in random events. Similar mechanisms are in play when it comes to trading and following lines on charts.“Technical Analysis” may form a small part of an overall system that a professional trader would employ, but it wouldn’t be enough to warrant making a trade on its own.Professional traders do not typically “Day Trade”, except in certain market conditions. “Day Trading” is normally carried out by algorithms trading several times per second and even these tend to become obsolete relatively quickly or “machined out”. This is the process whereby the algorithm stops working effectively due to market forces. Gary Stevenson, a former professional trader for Citibank, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-new-middle-class-gambling-addicts-how-day-trading-is-ruining-lives-wm5nbjwdm">told The Times</a>: “I was one of the most successful and best-paid traders in the world and I don’t day trade. It’s roulette.”“The people at home think they are the Wolf of Wall Street. But traders in the City are, in general, not taking bets on the short-term future of the market because there’s no way you can predict the movement. It’s impossible.”Note: In the US, an “educator” cannot receive a percentage rebate unless they are fully regulated as a broker, however nonregulated educators can receive flat payments for client introductions to the broker. These payments can be significant, and the broker is only willing to pay them due to the huge amounts of money they are making from loss-making traders.<h3 class="thin">Did you know?</h3>Since September 2021, Gamban’s blocking software has blocked access to all known “Trading Platforms”, including “Crypto” trading and “Non-Fungible Tokens” (NFT) trading platforms. Many individuals that are trading and losing money after having followed an online course are not aware that they are gambling.Our co-founder Matt Zarb-Cousin spoke to Gary Stevenson about the difference between investing strategies and speculating, and how new forms of gambling have emerged that masquerade as financial products. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/hK2VyOGb6CI?si=YpO32sOu-n_wkcKT">The full video is here</a>.Are you able to help a friend or loved one who may be affected by this? Always speak with a professional. If you’re in the UK, you can speak with the National Gambling Helpline for free and confidential advice.For resources available in your region please check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/help">our get help page</a>.

Why Retail Traders don’t know that they’re Gambling

Making Gamban available for free to self-excluders in Sweden

We are pleased to announce that <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.svenskaspel.se/">Svenska Spel</a> has partnered with Gamban to provide players wanting to quit gambling with free blocking software.  The partnership will see individuals who have chosen to self-exclude offered a free Gamban license and access to more support via the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/">Gamban app</a>.Matt Zarb-Cousin, Director of External Affairs at Gamban, said: “We are excited to be working with Svenska Spel to provide market leading blocking software to people wanting to stop gambling. This partnership reflects Svenka Spel’s commitment to all of their customers playing in a fun, safe and healthy way.”Svenska Spel, with roots all the way back to the 1930s, is a state-owned gaming company operating in the regulated gambling market in Sweden and has both an online presence and many retail outlets. For some time Svenska Spel was the only licensed online provider in Sweden, and is still one of Sweden’s largest operators."We're convinced that if someone is suffering from their gambling they should not gamble at all. Therefore, in the rare cases our customers experience this, we'll offer them a free Gamban license for up to 5 years. We believe that using Gamban may give someone the pause from gambling that is required for seeking help, going into treatment and start recovering." -  Daniel Harre, Responsible Gambling Specialist, Svenska Spel AB

Gamban partners with Svenska Spel

Gamban Earns Platinum, A Testament to Team Excellence

We’re proud to announce that we have been awarded Platinum by Investors in People, which represents the highest level of recognition possible under the We Invest In People accreditation.Achieving Platinum status is a testament to our commitment to our team and the culture we have cultivated. At Gamban, we believe that every team member is integral to our success. This recognition underlines our dedication to continuous improvement and the value we place on every individual within our organisation.Despite our small size, we’ve made substantial impacts on both customer engagement and the wider online gambling industry, brought about by a senior leadership team that fosters deep-seated trust and passion within our workforce. This award validates our efforts in creating an environment where our organisational values are not just words, but are deeply ingrained in our day-to-day operations.Innovation and adaptability are core principles at Gamban. We have embraced change by supporting flexible and autonomous work environments, including the opportunity for our team to work overseas. This approach has cultivated a culture where new ideas are welcomed, and professional challenges are met with enthusiasm.Commenting on the award, our CEO Jack Symons said: "Receiving the Platinum accreditation is a significant milestone for us at Gamban. As a mission-driven organisation, our focus is not only on our users but also on maintaining high standards for our staff and societal responsibilities. This award, alongside our B-Corp designation, is a recognition of our commitment to these values."At Gamban, we believe that our people are the key to our success. We're committed to making Gamban a great place to work, because when our team is doing well, it positively impacts our business, the industry and society. It is an honour to be recognised in the 1% of organisations that have achieved Platinum. We’re proud of this, but remain dedicated to keeping our workplace enjoyable and fulfilling for everyone.

Gamban Awarded Platinum by Investors in People

Gamban achieves Platinum status from Investors in People, highlighting our dedication to team excellence and a culture of continuous improvement

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Sibstar Partners With Gamban

Loket Kansspel Partners with Gamban

GAMSOL needs your input to help people like you

Gamban is Now Available in Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch!

Participate in UNLV's Study on Gambling Recovery

VRS Partners with Gamban

Why Retail Traders don’t know that they’re Gambling

Gamban partners with Svenska Spel

Gamban Awarded Platinum by Investors in People

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

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List of Articles

Sibstar Partners With Gamban

Loket Kansspel Partners with Gamban

GAMSOL needs your input to help people like you

Gamban is Now Available in Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch!

Participate in UNLV's Study on Gambling Recovery

VRS Partners with Gamban

Why Retail Traders don’t know that they’re Gambling

Gamban partners with Svenska Spel

Gamban Awarded Platinum by Investors in People

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

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