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

The New Gamban update is here! New features await to improve your journey

We're thrilled to introduce our biggest Gamban app update ever!We've given Gamban a complete makeover, a sleek new design with a host of new features to help support you along your recovery journey. Whether you’ve been with us for a while or just joined, we want to make sure you know all about what’s new.<h3 class="thin">Improved Blocking</h3>While we've been busy creating all these new features, our commitment remains to ensure the quality and reliability of Gamban's blocking technology to help you stay on track with your recovery.We're continually improving and strengthening our blocklist, consistently monitoring online landscapes to identify new sites and platforms that may pose a risk. While we remain vigilant, you can now help too! If you come across a website that should be blocked but isn't, we've made it simple for you to report it. You can quickly and easily submit the link to us within your app, and we'll review it.<h3 class="thin">Dashboard</h3>Your dashboard has been completely redesigned to offer a hub of tools, resources, and personalised information to provide you with additional support. Here's what you can expect from your new dashboard<ul><li>Progress Updates: Monitor your recovery journey in real-time. The dashboard will provide updates on your gamble-free days and money saved.</li><li>Recommended Reads: Whether you're looking for tips, research, personal stories, or advice about recovery or gambling harm, you'll find a wealth of information directly on your dashboard.</li><li>And More: We’ll be constantly adding new features and enhancements to make your experience with Gamban as helpful as possible. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/d7a0891f-b271-41fc-af98-318538c16c44.jpg" /></figure>With all of these features and tools just a tap away, the dashboard is your one-stop hub for managing your recovery journey.  <h3 class="thin">Money Saved</h3>Want to keep track of how much money you’ve saved while using Gamban? Well, now you can! We're delighted to announce the introduction of a powerful new feature to the Gamban app: the Money Saved Tracker. <figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/934b578a-855e-418c-a409-ce3b1c07aea9.jpg" /></figure>During the Gamban setup, you will be asked if you want to set up your Money Saved Tracker. All you need to do is enter your average past gambling expenditure and choose your preferred currency. The tracker will automatically calculate the money you've saved since you started using Gamban.It’s as easy as that to get started! The Money Saved Tracker is more than just a tool, it's a source of inspiration and motivation for a successful recovery journey.<h3 class="thin">Time Saved</h3>We're proud to introduce another great new feature: the Time Saved Tracker. This amazing tool lets you see how much time you've reclaimed from gambling!<figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/c104312c-f2a5-430b-98c5-1b8363175f3f.jpg" /></figure>During the Gamban setup, you will also be asked if you want to set up your Time Saved Tracker. You just need to enter the average amount of time you previously spent gambling. Using this information, the tracker will calculate the total hours, days, or even weeks you've saved since starting your recovery journey with Gamban.See how your hard work has paid off, and easily share your milestones directly from the Gamban app!<h3 class="thin">Layered Self-Exclusion</h3>Introducing the new Multi-Layered Self-Exclusion feature in the latest Gamban app update.<figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/c542941d-7c88-42d4-a680-1474a2760d0d.jpg" /></figure>We understand that overcoming addiction is a difficult process, and while Gamban is a great first step, putting other tools in place can help make your recovery journey more effective. This feature is designed to guide you towards additional tools that are available to you.What the Multi-Layered Self-Exclusion feature includes<ul><li>Self-Exclusion Registers: We’ll guide you to local self-exclusion registers where you can sign up to block yourself from all gambling venues or sites near you. </li><li>Counselling Services: Having access to professional help can help support your recovery process. However, it can be difficult to know where to start. To make this easier, we've carefully compiled a list of support organisations for you!</li><li>And More: Our Multi-Layered Self-Exclusion feature is to provide you with a one-stop shop to find all the tools to help you with your recovery, wherever you are in the world.</li></ul>Remember, the road to recovery is not one you need to walk alone. With Gamban's Multi-Layered Self-Exclusion feature, we are here to help you navigate the path every step of the way.<h3 class="thin">Access to Support and Resources</h3>If you're looking for extra support while using Gamban, our updated Links &amp; Support page has you covered. It's packed with useful resources, from podcasts to support groups, all organised to make finding and using them simple and convenient whenever you need them.<figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/1310a872-6513-4426-aaa2-1ed4c82c455f.jpg" /></figure>On our Links &amp; Support page, you'll find curated resources, showing only the organisations and support options available near you.We're dedicated to helping you quit gambling, and with these new features, we want to support and empower you by making that journey clearer. Your recovery is important, and our aim is to assist you with every step. Check out the new Gamban today.

The New Gamban: More Than A Blocking Software

Find out more about Gamban's biggest update ever! A host of brand-new features to support you on your recovery journey

We are delighted to announce that Gamban has been handed the 2023 Tech Cares Award in recognition of our dedication to corporate social responsibility 

Gamban Recognised with the 2023 Tech Cares Award

We are delighted to announce that Gamban has been handed a 2023 Tech Cares Award for effecting a positive transformation in the technology industry.Megan Headley, Vice President of Research at TrustRadius, said: "Gamban has been recognised with a 2023 Tech Cares award for demonstrating a significant commitment to corporate social responsibility.""As a critical offering in Responsible Gambling, Gamban's proactive approach in providing global protection to thousands of players and partnering with operators, treatment providers and regulators reflects their dedication to benefiting the industry and players alike."This award reflects our ongoing efforts to create a responsible business environment and prioritise the well-being of our community, customers and employees. Winning a 2023 Tech Cares Award confirms our belief in integrating ethical practices and social values into our business model.We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our technology serves as a force for good, and this award represents a significant milestone in our journey. The Tech Cares Award evaluates a company's approach to environmental stewardship, labour practices and community engagement. It also acknowledges Gamban's innovative solutions that have had a positive societal impact. The 2023 Tech Cares Award challenges us to continue striving to innovate and care for our community and the industry.

Gamban Wins the 2023 Tech Cares Award

Gamban has been handed a 2023 Tech Cares Award

Helping spread awareness of its credit score-building tool.

Gamban has partnered with Loqbox to spread awareness of its credit score building tool.

Established in the UK in 2017 and present in the majority of the United States since 2020, Loqbox lets you plant the seeds today to begin growing your credit score. Whether yours has plateaued or been impacted negatively in the past, there are actions you can take today to help it grow. In the UK, Loqbox has both free and paid membership options, offering four credit building tools.<ol><li>Loqbox Save works the same way as its Lite counterpart except there are no fees when unlocking your savings into an existing bank account. Over 12 months you make monthly payments that are reported to the credit agencies and at the end you unlock your savings.</li><li>Loqbox Spend is an interest-free credit account, part of the paid membership at an affordable £2.5 per week subscription it grants you access to all the available resources whilst boosting your score. </li><li>Loqbox Rent makes your monthly housing payments work towards your credit score goals by reporting your rent payments to Experian, helping you to build a better credit history over time.  </li><li>Loqbox Coach provides easy to follow steps to improve your financial health and helps to plan your next steps with a personalised financial plan especially tailored to you.   </li></ol>This interest free solution combines the benefits of a savings account with those of a credit building loan, helping you set aside your preferred amount (min. $20, max. $200) to be paid in monthly instalments for up to a year.There are no initial costs or fees, there is no penalty for closing your account early and withdrawing your savings up to that date (this is encouraged if you can't make payments on time to prevent hurting your score). However, it usually takes 3 to 4 months to see results, and unlocking your account within this period might prevent you from seeing improvement.Regardless of when you unlock your Loqbox Save account, there are two options:<ul><li>Free if you choose to open a new bank account with one of Loqbox's list of partners and receive the full sum saved until then.</li><li>Fee deduction ($40) for your savings to be sent to an existing bank account.</li></ul> <h2>Ease of use</h2>Loqbox provides easy approval with no credit check. Whether you're in the US or UK Loqbox reports your payments to Equifax, TransUnion and Experian on a monthly basis, which is why it is important to be consistent with any and all payments to achieve the best results. Over time, your efforts can prove fruitful by unlocking better rates in mortgage, loans and credit card applications.Understanding finances can be a daunting process and to make knowledge accessible to everyone Loqbox has taken an educational approach by creating a Learn Page.While tools like Loqbox can be helpful to improve your credit score and financial health, it’s always important to make sure you understand the commitment that you are making with the product and the potential repercussions if you don’t make the payments.   If you’re interested in learning more about your financial health and how to take steps to actively improve it, visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.loqbox.com/en-gb/?affiliate_ref=887343413&amp;affiliate_source=831580127&amp;sskey=4f6a00dcb558424ea03bc037a48c1306">Loqbox.</a>If you do sign up for Loqbox you’ll not only be helping your credit score, you’ll also be helping to keep Gamban affordable for our users. As every time one of you signs up, we’ll get a referral fee from Loqbox. So this is a partnership we hope everyone benefits from!

Loqbox has partnered with Gamban

Pennsylvania's Council on Compulsive Gambling Partners with Gamban to Offer Effective Self-Exclusion Tool 

Gamban are very happy to be partnered with The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania to make our online gambling blocking software, Gamban, available for free to those in Pennsylvania accessing their services, providing individuals with a one year license.  The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization and its purpose is to educate and share information on problem gambling and provide resources for help. In addition, the CCGP manages the 24/7 free and confidential problem gambling helpline in Pennsylvania, aimed at assisting people whose lives are impacted by gambling related problems. Whether it be the individual themselves, or friends and family members, they strive to connect callers with additional resources located near them. The helpline provides assistance in the way of crisis management, referrals to treatment providers and counseling agencies in PA, and more. Calls are free and entirely confidential and for callers with primary languages other than English, a language line translation service is available, offering assistance in over 200 languages. Chat and text options are also available.  "Having been working with The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania for some time now we are delighted to be partnered and happy to provide an extra resource and layer of protection for those whose gambling has become problematic.” - Melissa Etherington, VP of Partnerships at Gamban.  "Gamban takes a powerful resource like Self-Exclusion and elevates its reach significantly. We’re thrilled to be able to offer this service to folks in Pennsylvania who are struggling with gambling issues, and seeking a tool to help block their access to online gambling sites” – Josh Ercole, Executive Director, The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania.  If you are in Pennsylvania and are struggling with gambling, <a href="https://www.pacouncil.com/">help is available</a>.

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania Partners with Gamban 

Pennsylvania's Council on Compulsive Gambling Partners with Gamban to Offer Effective Self-Exclusion Tool

The First Gambling Blocking Technology to Receive B corp Certification

Meeting the High Standards in Social and Environmental Performance, Transparency, and Accountability

Device-level gambling blocking software Gamban has today announced its certification as a B Corporation, joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit. Gamban has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit. The B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a business’ operations and covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. The certification process is rigorous, with applicants required to reach a benchmark score of over 80 while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency. In addition, the company must legally embed commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles.Gamban is now part of a community of over 45000 businesses globally who have certified as B Corps. The B Corp community in the UK, representing a broad cross section of industries and sizes, comprises over 1000 companies and include well-known brands such as The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop and organic food pioneers Abel &amp; Cole.Recent attention on the harms that can arise from remote gamblingmakes Gamban’s B Corp certification a notable step, signalling a shift towards technology led solutions that can accompany reform to regulation.Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK says “We are delighted to welcome Gamban to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Gamban are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward”. “We are pleased to have B Corps of all shapes and sizes as part of our community – from startups to multinationals and across many different industries. Business is a powerful force and B Corps demonstrate that you can do good in any sector. Welcoming Gamban is an exciting moment because they have an opportunity to lead the way within the Responsible Gambling industry. We and the rest of the B Corp community are really pleased to support Gamban in paving the way for a new way of doing things”. Gamban is the first blocking software to achieve certification as a B Corporation.About B Lab UK:B Lab UK is transforming the economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates standards, policies, and tools for business, and we certify companies—known as B Corps—who are leading the way. To date, our global community includes 6,058 B Corps in 84 countries and 158 industries, and over 150,000 companies manage their impact with the B Impact Assessment and the SDG Action Manager.Certification Notice“Certified B Corporation” is a trademark licensed by B Lab, a private non-profit organization, to companies like ours that have successfully completed the B Impact Assessment (“BIA”) and therefore meet the requirements set by B Lab for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It is specified that B Lab is not a conformity assessment body as defined by Regulation (EU) No 765/2008, nor is it a national, European, or international standardization body as per Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012. The criteria of the BIA are distinct and independent from the harmonized standards resulting from ISO norms or other standardization bodies, and they are not ratified by national or European public institutions.<a class="btn btn-primary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/beanstalk-h-p-s-ltd/" role="button">View Our Certification</a>

Gamban Certifies as a B Corporation

A Whole Host of New Features 

Visit Our Exhibition at the Player Protection Zone

We're excited to announce that we'll be exhibiting at SBC Barcelona on the 21st and 22nd. Over the last year, our team has been working on building Gamban into something much more than just market-leading blocking software. We've been developing a whole host of new features, resources and valuable tools, which we'll be showcasing at SBC.As the SBC Summit Barcelona conference and exhibition is an event where global leaders in sports betting and igaming assemble, we thought it would be an excellent chance to show off what we've been working on. You'll also get the opportunity to demo the product and provide helpful feedback on the new features. If you'd like to find out more, visit our exhibition at the Player Protection Zone, or you can book in a meeting with one of us <a href="https://calendar.app.google/ut3MudNGvR36tYeVA">here</a>.<a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://calendar.app.google/ut3MudNGvR36tYeVA" role="button">Book a Meeting</a>

Gamban to Showcase New Features at SBC Barcelona

We've been developing a whole host of new features, resources and valuable tools, which we'll be showcasing at SBC.

Announcements

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

Gamban partners with Svenska Spel

Gamban Awarded Platinum by Investors in People

The New Gamban: More Than A Blocking Software

Gamban Wins the 2023 Tech Cares Award

Loqbox has partnered with Gamban

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania Partners with Gamban

Gamban Certifies as a B Corporation

Gamban to Showcase New Features at SBC Barcelona

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

Announcements

List of Articles

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

Gamban partners with Svenska Spel

Gamban Awarded Platinum by Investors in People

The New Gamban: More Than A Blocking Software

Gamban Wins the 2023 Tech Cares Award

Loqbox has partnered with Gamban

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania Partners with Gamban

Gamban Certifies as a B Corporation

Gamban to Showcase New Features at SBC Barcelona

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

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