Covid-19 Has Introduced Drastic Changes in Online and I Feel That the Regulators Should Be More Pro-active

Stephen Aupy VP of Strategic Partnerships at Gamban, speaks to Gambling.Re on the remote gambling world from a safer gambling perspective.

<h2>The remote gambling sector, like the rest of the world, is undergoing major change. </h2>As we are all trying to navigate around this uncharted climate, my current trail of thought regarding gambling addiction is that, whether in lockdown or isolation, players may very well find themselves vulnerable to online gambling.I would expect that more people are likely to present via remote treatment resources and helplines. Given the circumstances, safer gambling is even more critical to what regulators and operators in various markets do during this testing time.I feel that the industry needs to increase efforts on educating more of the public about the risks associated with online gambling and to promote safer gambling solutions. It is remarkably interesting to see what the interplay between land-based and online casino looks like during COVID-19. According to the findings of a survey carried out by Clean up Gambling in the UK, <blockquote>“The absence of opportunities to bet on sports indicates that they are resorting to online casino games and slot machines, which carry higher rates of addiction. Even among casual gamblers, more than half of respondents said they had sustained or increased their level of gambling”</blockquote><h2>“The rise of e-sports betting is becoming of great interest.”</h2>I have been following various markets and am finding the rise of wagering on e-sports to be of significant interest. Due to the lockdown of sporting events, we are seeing e-sports becoming fast-tracked for wagering in multiple markets. It is my opinion that the links between gaming and gambling will most certainly make for a Molotov of problematic behaviours that will attract the next generation of gamblers.On the other hand, we are hearing about how different regulators are stopping or limiting the amount of marketing that operators are sending to their customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.Unfortunately, I feel that these measures alone are still not efficient enough keeping an actual safer gambling perspective. COVID-19 has introduced drastic changes in online and I feel that the regulators should be more pro-active on addressing operators to ensure that compulsive online gambling doesn’t spike in society for their jurisdiction.I would like to see the regulators from various markets start to take the potential rise of problem gambling more seriously and start to underpin self-exclusion through the use of blocking software to really combat the issue.

Responsible Gambling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In a World of Evolving Technology, Access to Gambling Has Grown Exponentially

Our very own <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-etherington-5419b483/">Melissa Etherington</a> was featured on the <a href="https://addictedgamblerpodcast.libsyn.com/096-talking-gamban-with-melissa-from-gamban">All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast</a> talking on our software Gamban, digital recovery tools, Americas approach to safer gambling with and self-exclusion. In a world of evolving technology, access to gambling has grown exponentially. Users can find themselves in any situation gambling online, whether that's at work, waiting for the bus or sitting on the toilet.  <blockquote>"I work also on a problem gambling helpline, I have filtered a few calls from individuals that have gambled in casinos, without much of a problem, but once they were forced to go online and gamble they recognised that their gambling got to the point of being concerning" - Jeff W</blockquote>This concern is reflected by recent <a href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Statistics-and-research/Covid-19-research/Covid-19-update-June-2020/Covid-19-and-its-impact-on-gambling-%E2%80%93-what-we-know-so-far-updated-June-2020.aspx">reports</a> explaining that while overall people are gambling less, however those who are gambling are spending more. More than six out of ten (62%) have either increased their time or money spent on at least one gambling activity, including the National Lottery.Melissa goes on to mirror our optimism for a safer approach for America as they allow more online gambling operations. We hope that American casinos and regulators take note on how the UK has adapted and changed its approach to safer online gambling; putting more precautions in place, restrictions on advertising and offering mandatory self-exclusion. Getting it right, from the start, and even building upon it. <blockquote>"I'm all for any kind of tools that will help us as problem gamblers or addicted gamblers in recovery, to put obstacles in our way and certainly with the increased popularity of online gambling I think that you really provide a great service." - Jeff W</blockquote>We'd like to thank Jeff and Brian of the All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast for featuring Melissa and Gamban, helping create more awareness around problem gambling and problem gambling solutions. Find more helpful podcasts <a href="https://addictedgamblerpodcast.libsyn.com/">here</a>.

All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast Talking Gamban with Melissa from Gamban 

Our very own Melissa Etherington was featured on the All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast talking on our software Gamban, digital recovery tools, Americas approach to safer gambling with and self-exclusion.

Gamban is thrilled to announce Jody Bechtold as the newest member of its advisory board.

We are honoured to announce that Jody Bechtold (an expert in gambling addiction, CEO at The Better Institute, counselling, coaching and consulting practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US) has become the newest member of Gamban’s advisory board. Jody Bechtold presents both nationally &amp; internationally about education and treatment for problem gambling. She serves as Vice President for the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board, and as a board member for the National Council on Problem Gambling.Jack Symons, Co-Founder and Director of Gamban says: “I am thrilled to welcome Jody Bechtold to our advisory board. Her frontline experience combined with rational and pragmatic treatment strategies offers us critical insight that will help us further develop Gamban and build traction, particularly in the United States.”Appearing on numerous TV spots, print media and presenting national webinars on the topics of mental health gambling addiction and self-exclusion technology, Jody stands as one of the most knowledgeable individuals on gambling addiction, understanding the importance of technology within recovery.“I'm honoured to join the advisory board for Gamban. As a Certified Gambling Addiction Counselor, I have witnessed first hand the benefits of Gamban and how it helps individuals on their road to recovery and a better life,” said Jody Bechtold.<h3>About Jody Bechtold</h3>Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, PC is the CEO at The Better Institute, a counseling, coaching and consulting practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US. Before starting The Better Institute, she worked with small businesses, pre-IPO and venture backed organizations as well as academic institutions with the primary focuses of mental health and technology. She has delivered dozens of workshops, trainings, webinars and keynote speeches for the mental health, addiction, and technology industries. She serves as a board member of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), Vice President of the Board for International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB), and member of the National Speaker Association (NSA) Pittsburgh chapter.Jody holds a Master Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s College of Business Administration, and is a graduate of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Coaching Certification Program at Duquesne University’s School of Leadership and Professional Advancement.When Jody isn’t working, you can find her providing pet therapy with her dog, Hanna, and supporting her husband’s business, Pittsburgh Guitars.For more information, please contact Melissa Etherington <a href="mailto:melissa@gamban.com">melissa@gamban.com</a> or visit <a href="www.gamban.com">www.gamban.com</a>

Jody Bechtold joins Gamban’s advisory board 

We are honoured to announce that Jody Bechtold (an expert in gambling addiction, CEO at The Better Institute, counselling, coaching and consulting practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US) has become the newest member of Gamban’s advisory board.

Shining a Light on Responsible Companies

The Knowledge Podcast 

Gamban's co-founder and director Jack Symons joins Richard Delaney on The Knowledge Podcast. Talking on Jack's own struggles with gambling, Gamban's conception and the changes in users we've seen during these challenging times.<blockquote>“Aside from the nasal tones of British summer Hay fever, it was a pleasure to speak with Richard Delaney about player protection on The Knowledge Podcast. We are excited to work with Gambling.com to provide access to effective tools like Gamban that protect and minimise gambling harm.” - Jack Symons </blockquote><h5>Listen to the Podcast below.</h5><h5><a href="https://soundcloud.com/the-knowledge-gdc/episode-10-jack-symons-co-founder-director-at-gamban">https://soundcloud.com/the-knowledge-gdc/episode-10-jack-symons-co-founder-director-at-gamban</a></h5>

Gamban's Jack Symons on The Knowledge Podcast 

Gamban's co-founder and director Jack Symons joins gambling.com's Richard Delaney on The Knowledge Podcast.

Highlighting the Importance of a Multi-Layered Approach to Self-Exclusion

Author: Patroklos Androulakis-Korakakis, Research Officer, Gamban

The UK Online Gambling ‘Self-Exclusion Puzzle’: Putting the Pieces Together

Highlighting the Importance of a Multi-Layered Approach to Self-Exclusion From Online Gambling

Enabling Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Halifax Customers Access to Gamban. 

To Help Customers Block Access to Online Gambling with Gamban

Since 2015, <a href="https://gamban.com/product">Gamban</a> has gone from strength to strength, setting the standard in gambling blocking software. Gamban is the smartest and most effective software for blocking gambling sites and applications. First-hand experience of problem gambling, combined with the most talented minds in the field of self-exclusion software have resulted in the <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/gambleaware-chooses-gamban-gambling-blocking-software">most effective</a> cross-platform solution for creating friction and aiding willpower in the fight against gambling addiction. We're extremely excited to announce a partnership between Lloyds Banking Group and Gamban, enabling Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Halifax customers access to Gamban. This is in addition to the Lloyds Banking Group Gambling Transaction Freezes which customers can activate from within the mobile banking app, providing an additional layer of protection from potential gambling harm.<blockquote>“We know that gambling related harm can have serious and long term impacts on our customers and we are committed to making sure they can easily access a wide range of support. In addition to our card controls that allow the freezing of gambling transactions we are delighted to have developed a pilot with Gamban offering our customers three months free access to their software, providing another level of protection” Elyn Corfield, Managing Director, Consumer Finance, Lloyds Banking Group</blockquote>Gambling addiction is a complex problem and offering vulnerable customers a multi-layered form of protection is the best approach to help people control gambling activity. By blocking transactions and access to online gambling, people can more effectively tackle their relationship with gambling. Lloyds Banking Group has been working closely with experts in the field of gambling support to ensure that customers have easy access to a wide range of help and support options.<blockquote>"It’s very positive to see forward-thinking banking institutions such as Lloyds Banking Group rise to the challenge of protecting vulnerable customers from gambling addiction through barriers such as spend control and collaboration with market-leading gambling-blocking technology, Gamban." - Jack Symons, Founder, Gamban</blockquote>Initial integration of Gamban within Lloyds Banking Group banking offering was completed towards the end of January 2020 and a significant number of people have already activated the blocking protection, protecting iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS devices from thousands of gambling sites and applications.More information on the Lloyds Bank Gambling Support: <a href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/customer-support/help-with-gambling.asp">https://www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/customer-support/help-with-gambling.asp</a>More information on the Bank of Scotland Gambling Support: <a href="https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling.html">https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling.html</a>More information on the Halifax Gambling Support: <a href="https://www.halifax.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling/">https://www.halifax.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling/</a>Find more information on how to block gambling transactions from your bank account <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/block-gambling-transactions">here.</a>

Gamban Partners with Lloyds Banking Group

We're extremely excited to announce a partnership between Lloyds Banking Group and Gamban, enabling Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Halifax customers access to Gamban.

GambleAware has published an independent evaluation of software packages designed to block access to gambling websites and apps.

Gambleaware’s Decision Was the Result of an Independent Evaluation That Compared Six Different Products

Southampton, 10 October 2018 – Gamban announces that UK based charity GambleAware has selected Gamban’s gambling blocking software as a tool to be available to all clients of the national gambling treatment service.Marc Etches, Chief Executive of GambleAware said: “Blocking software can be an effective tool to help those at-risk of getting into difficulties resist the ubiquitous gambling adverts and special offers that surround us these days. This report reinforces the point that such tools work best as part of a treatment package tailored to the individual rather than being effective in isolation. This evaluation gives us the confidence we needed to fund the use of this software for anyone who is referred to our treatment services.”The decision was taken after the publication of an independent evaluation that compared six different software products. In this comparison, Gamban emerged as the most effective solution for blocking access to legal and illegal online gambling sites, achieving as much as 99% success. The published research anonymises the considered packages, but Gamban emerged as the most technologically effective to block licensed and illegal gambling sites.Jack Symons, CEO of Gamban said: “Significant investment and dedication in the development of our software has got us to the point where we’re now world-leading in gambling blocking. We’re delighted that this has been recognised by GambleAware, who will provide Gamban for free to those whose treatment they fund.”Gamban works with gambling operators, businesses, universities, affiliates and third sector organisations to help minimise the problems caused by online gambling.GambleAware’s public announcement can be found <a href="https://about.gambleaware.org/media/1814/2018-10-10-blocking-software-evaluation.pdf">here</a>.To read the full report, please follow this <a href="https://about.gambleaware.org/media/1813/blocking-software-evaluation-findings-report.pdf">link</a>.About GambleAwareGambleAware is a charity tasked to fund research, education and treatment services to help to reduce gambling-related harms in Great Britain. For additional information, please visit their <a href="https://about.gambleaware.org/">website</a>

Gambleaware Chooses Gamban’s Gambling Blocking Software  

We Are Delighted to Announce That Gamban Topped the Shortlist at the Global Regulatory Awards

Gamban Recognised at the 2019 Global Regulatory Awards

We are delighted to announce that Gamban topped the shortlist at the GamblingCompliance Global Regulatory Awards, winning RegTech provider of the Year.The RegTech Provider of the Year Award goes to a product or service that makes a significant and tailored contribution to enhancing compliance in the gambling industry.We’d like to thank all the judges: Fiona Palmer, Keith Whyte, Pieter Remmers, Willem van Oort, André Wilsenach, Hartwig Gerhartinger, Joerg Hofmann, Mark Jordan, Micky Swindale, Miles Baron, Per Jaldung, Roger Parkes, Sarah Ramanauskas, Scott Longley and Simon Oaten.Victory for Gamban at the 2019 GamblingCompliance Regulatory Award’s pays rightful homage to the growing role of technology in the responsible gambling space and Gamban’s place at the forefront of this pioneering field. The self-exclusion app has played a major part in shaking up the UK gambling landscape over the past 12 months and may yet drive impactful changes to regulation.Joe Ewens, Managing Editor, Gambling ComplianceIn addition, we’d like to congratulate all those who won or reached the shortlist for the other categories and recognise the other entrants in the RegTech Provider of the Year category. We were up against some serious competition and are honoured to have made the shortlist with such a prominent and progressive group of contestants.<figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/56a5de56-4838-475e-992e-b0e4a516cae2.jpg" /></figure><h3> </h3><h3>The Global Regulatory Awards</h3>The Global Regulatory Awards #GRA2019 recognise excellence in, and commitment to, responsible gaming and gambling compliance. The awards took place at the prestigious DeVere Grand Connaught Rooms in the heart of London. Now in their 3rd year, they were brilliantly hosted by celebrated actor and comedian Stephen Mangan.The awards are a highlight of the compliance and responsible gambling calendar. The constantly changing regulatory landscape means that teams and individuals who work in the industry operate in a pressurised environment and who rarely receive the plaudits they deserve.The Global Regulatory Awards are the industry’s leading independently judged by an independent panel of leading industry experts. As a result, winning an award at the GRAs is a clear demonstration of dedication to trustworthy gambling and regulatory compliance.

Gamban Wins RegTech Provider Of The Year 2019

Gamban wins RegTech Provider of the year award at the Gambling Compliance Global Regulator Awards 2019

Announcements

Responsible Gambling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast Talking Gamban with Melissa from Gamban

Jody Bechtold joins Gamban’s advisory board

Gamban's Jack Symons on The Knowledge Podcast

The UK Online Gambling ‘Self-Exclusion Puzzle’: Putting the Pieces Together

Gamban Partners with Lloyds Banking Group

Gambleaware Chooses Gamban’s Gambling Blocking Software

Gamban Wins RegTech Provider Of The Year 2019

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

Announcements

List of Articles

Responsible Gambling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast Talking Gamban with Melissa from Gamban

Jody Bechtold joins Gamban’s advisory board

Gamban's Jack Symons on The Knowledge Podcast

The UK Online Gambling ‘Self-Exclusion Puzzle’: Putting the Pieces Together

Gamban Partners with Lloyds Banking Group

Gambleaware Chooses Gamban’s Gambling Blocking Software

Gamban Wins RegTech Provider Of The Year 2019

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

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