Are Students Spending too much? 

Tens of thousands of students each year are using their loans to gamble in a bid to top up their funds

We tend to think of gambling addiction as something that affects older people. You may imagine a seasoned individual who develops a habit after years of gambling. However, due partly to the rapid growth and ease of access to online play, younger players are finding themselves bogged down in problem gambling. Many students experience problem gambling, and many find themselves in a very dangerous situation.<h3>The UK’s student gambling figures – you are not alone!</h3>Online betting is a fast-growing trend among young adults in the UK. Students are especially susceptible; in fact, <a href="https://www.nus.org.uk/en/take-action/welfare-and-student-rights/gambling--knowing-the-risks/">according the National Union of Students</a>, about 59% of university students have gambled within the last year. About one in eight will eventually gamble more than they can afford to lose, with nearly 10% of UK students having used student loan money to gamble at least once.How do young people get sucked into this cyclic behaviour? One widely-cited rationale is money. The financial pressures of supporting oneself through school can tempt users to see gambling as a quick way to get cash. However, entertainment and the excitement of betting are also common motivations. It may seem harmless at first, but a leisure activity can turn into an addiction easily.This can have serious, lasting consequences. For example, nearly a quarter of respondents to the NUS study reported feelings of guilt when gambling. Many have even experienced problems with mental health as a result of gambling, such as extreme stress and depression. This is exceptionally dangerous for young people, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/mar/05/levels-of-distress-and-illness-among-students-in-uk-alarmingly-high">who are already very vulnerable group</a> from a mental health perspective.The rate of suicide among university students in the UK <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/12/universities-have-suicide-problem-students-taking-lives-overtakes/">increased by 56%</a> between 2007 and 2016. There are many factors at play here, and not all of these cases are related to gambling addiction. However, the increase does correspond to <a href="https://www.tmcnet.com/topics/articles/2018/06/19/438514-uk-online-gambling-industry-growth-over-years.htm">the rise in online gambling</a>.<h3>Identifying and addressing problem gambling</h3>It’s not always easy to determine when gambling becomes problematic. By the time you can identify the issue in young people, it’s often already at an advanced stage. Here are a few key indicators to watch out for that might suggest a problem:<ul><li>Skipping classes, activities, or other social events to engage in gambling.</li><li>Losing interest in favourite pastimes and choosing to gamble instead.</li><li>Avoiding or lying to friends and family to hide the habit.</li><li>Selling or trading personal belongings to acquire money to put toward games.</li><li>“Doubling-down” and trying to win money back by gambling more.</li></ul> As with any addiction, the first step with problem gambling should be to seek help.The National Gambling Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call them on 0808 8020 133. It’s free and it <a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/frontline-services/helpline">does not show on itemised phone bills</a>.If you are not ready to talk yet, you can take the first step towards recovery by installing Gamban on your devices – computer, mobile phone and tablet. <a>Click here</a> to register and get started today.Gamban is a leading provider of blocking software. The tool is demonstrated to be up to 99% effective, offering security and peace of mind and allowing victims of problem gambling to focus their attention on recovery. SOURCES:<a href="https://www.nus.org.uk/en/take-action/welfare-and-student-rights/gambling--knowing-the-risks/">https://www.nus.org.uk/en/take-action/welfare-and-student-rights/gambling–knowing-the-risks/</a><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/mar/05/levels-of-distress-and-illness-among-students-in-uk-alarmingly-high">https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/mar/05/levels-of-distress-and-illness-among-students-in-uk-alarmingly-high</a><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/12/universities-have-suicide-problem-students-taking-lives-overtakes/">https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/12/universities-have-suicide-problem-students-taking-lives-overtakes/</a><a href="https://www.tmcnet.com/topics/articles/2018/06/19/438514-uk-online-gambling-industry-growth-over-years.htm">https://www.tmcnet.com/topics/articles/2018/06/19/438514-uk-online-gambling-industry-growth-over-years.htm</a><a>http://OFFLINEZIP.wpsho/register/</a>

Do Students in the UK Have a Gambling Problem? 

How Does Problem Gambling Effect Women? 

Online gambling is narrowing the gap between male and female betting habits

Problem gambling is often seen as a struggle that primarily affects men. While it is true that men represent the largest share of the betting public, and of problem gamblers, women are also susceptible to this addiction.For decades, gambling was seen as more of a men’s domain. Whether it was by lack of interest or by social convention, most women wouldn’t even entertain the idea of walking into a betting shop. However, online gaming and the industry’s efforts to find new customers for a growing offer of gambling products have helped normalise gambling for the female public. Not only that, there’s even been an effort to try and portray gambling <a href="https://www.gamblingsites.org/blog/how-gambling-can-be-more-fun-together/">as a couple’s activity</a>.How problem gambling manifests itself in players, however, tends to vary considerably based on one’s gender. Let’s take a look at some of the statistics and figures and see how this problematic behaviour impacts women gamblers.<h3>Women and Gambling: Running the Numbers</h3><a href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/survey-data/Gambling-participation-in-2018-behaviour-awareness-and-attitudes.pdf">A recent study by the UK Gambling Commission</a> produced some revealing stats on this topic. For instance, about 41% of female respondents claimed to have engaged in gambling within the previous four weeks. While men still gambled at a higher rate, the key difference is their motivation.The largest share of men reported they were most likely to gamble for fun. In contrast, women said that winning was their primary reason for playing. Also, motivations such as <a href="https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/gambling-addiction-why-women-risk-it-all/">escapism</a>, loss, abandonment and bereavement, may be more common among female gamblers.Part of the reason for the increase in gambling activity is accessibility. While the advent of online platforms made betting a much more readily-available activity, it’s the rise of mobile gambling that presents the greatest opportunity to bet. It also provides anonymity and a sense of safety that many wouldn’t find in traditional betting venues. The Gambling Commission’s study shows that, in 2018, 43% of women gamblers played using their phone – a 5% increase compared the year before.<h3>Women Gamblers Aren’t Alone</h3>The stats give an impression of the problem. However, the real-life stories of individual women back up the premise. <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6752665/The-women-gambling-marriages-careers-lives.html">As many can testify</a> it’s a problem that tends to start small, then snowballs rapidly. Within a short time, casual female gamblers can find themselves addicted to online play – just like their male counterparts.So, what can you do if you or someone you love is caught up in an addiction to online gambling? One of the first steps should be self-exclusion. This describes the practice of consciously preventing yourself from engaging in an activity, either by personal behaviour or through tools designed to block access to harmful sites.Even when it comes to self-exclusion, though, there is still a disparity between genders. Of the 47% of respondents who were aware of self-exclusion as a means to address problem gambling, men reported self-excluding at a rate nearly double that of women (7% of all respondents, compared to 4%). The numbers are even lower for women who purchased a product to help them self-exclude, representing just 1% of respondents.The journey towards recovery can begin by a multi-layer self-exclusion strategy: <a>blocking all devices from accessing gambling sites and apps with Gamban</a>, enrolling with the national self-exclusion schemes (if your country has one) and blocking payments to gambling operators – if your current bank doesn’t provide that, shop around for one that does.While abstinence can increase your chances of recovery, those with a gambling addiction should also seek treatment rather than relying solely on technology. If you are in the UK, we recommend you get in touch with the <a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/frontline-services/helpline">National Gambling Helpline</a>.  Sources:<a href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/survey-data/Gambling-participation-in-2018-behaviour-awareness-and-attitudes.pdf">https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/survey-data/Gambling-participation-in-2018-behaviour-awareness-and-attitudes.pdf</a><a href="https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/gambling-addiction-why-women-risk-it-all/">https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/gambling-addiction-why-women-risk-it-all/</a><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6752665/The-women-gambling-marriages-careers-lives.html">https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6752665/The-women-gambling-marriages-careers-lives.html</a><a href="https://www.gamstop.co.uk/">https://www.gamstop.co.uk/</a>

Women and Gambling Addiction 

How Effective Is Self-Exclusion? 

A survey into the usage and effectiveness of self-exclusion as a part of the recovery process. 

In October 2018, GambleAware commissioned an <a href="https://about.gambleaware.org/media/1813/blocking-software-evaluation-findings-report.pdf">independent evaluation</a> on online blocking software, designed to block access to gambling websites and apps.The evaluation, conducted by researchers from Winning Moves, led to <a href="https://about.gambleaware.org/media/1814/2018-10-10-blocking-software-evaluation.pdf">GambleAware’s decision to fund distribution of Gamban</a> through the national gambling treatment network.Karl King, Associate Director of Winning Moves said: “Based on the results of systematic testing, blocking software appears to be generally effective in restricting access to online gambling. One gambling-specific package [<a href="https://gamban.com/">Gamban</a>] was found to block access to 99% of active gambling websites associated with UK Gambling Commission licences. When gamblers experiencing gambling-related harm are not aware of blocking software it can come as a welcome surprise, particularly to those feeling that they had exhausted all other potential self-treatment methods available to them. Blocking software was felt to work best as part of a treatment package tailored to the individual rather than being effective in isolation.”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.”As part of the distribution arrangement between <a href="https://gamban.com/">Gamban</a> and <a href="https://www.begambleaware.org/safer-gambling/gambling-blocking-software/">GambleAware</a>  individuals obtaining the software free-of-charge through the network of distribution partners, including the <a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/">National Gambling Helpline</a> (operated by <a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/">GamCare</a>), Breakeven,<a href="https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk/"> Gordon Moody Association</a> and <a href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/">Citizens Advice</a>, opted to participate in a survey evaluating effectiveness of Gamban. Just over a year since distribution started and the headline results are:<ul><li>89% of participants said that they thought Gamban was a helpful tool in aiding their recovery</li><li>62% of participants said that they used additional digital self-help tools to aid their recovery</li><li>70% said they felt that Gamban helped them significantly reduce the amount of time they spent gambling online</li><li>88% said they would recommend Gamban as part of the recovery process</li></ul> Jack Symons, Chief Executive of Gamban says “Although these figures are both positive and promising, there is also room for improvement. We continue to believe that blocking software works best in conjunction with other barriers and have come to understand that Gamban is particularly effective when used in a structured treatment environment, as part of a more holistic recovery process. We will continue to develop functionality that adds value to individuals and treatment providers in this way. As well as using technology to minimise gambling-related harm and support recovery, we must also work on improving distribution effectiveness through training, while continuing to play a role in combating stigma, shame and silence that prevents many from making that crucially important first step."<figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/5cd49ba8-5de3-4b9c-8459-977ceabcb692.jpg" alt="gamban gambling recovery process" /></figure>

Self-Exclusion As A Part Of Treatment &amp; Recovery 

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

2019 

Gamban recognised at 2019 Global Regulatory Awards<figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/9b3f771a-a293-4026-a80d-ed83230c87e9.jpg" alt="gamban at the global regulatory awards 2019" /></figure>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.

RegTech Provider Of The Year

The truth is you may need more than blocking software to stop gambling online… 

The truth is you may need more than blocking software to stop gambling online… And that’s coming from us at Gamban.We say this because we understand problem gambling and we’ve been there ourselves. Gamban is great as a tool to help you get on the path to recovery and keep you on that path, but you may find the following practical resources extremely helpful.Remember TIME, ACCESS &amp; MONEY.<h3>Time: Don't give yourself time to gamble</h3>This is the more difficult of the three components and involves distraction, filling the gambling “void” and exploring appropriate treatment options. This doesn’t have to be a negative undertaking; it’s a chance to adopt new hobbies and pastimes, with more available spending money.<h3>Access: Restrict access to gambling</h3>In addition to Gamban, we recommend registering with GAMSTOP, the national online <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">self-exclusion scheme.</a> Over the year more and more operators are likely to sign up to this, which means better protection. GAMSTOP is good and it’s only going to get better when the UKGC licensing conditions enforce all UK operators to fall into line.<h3>Money: Control your gambling spending</h3>The popular “21st Century” banks Monzo and Starling each offer excellent gambling spend-blocking. This is as helpful as it is forward-thinking.What all of these resources have in common is they do not require a parent, partner or friend to safeguard you. Abstaining from gambling is no longer infantilising. The tools are there to help. You just need to commit.For more information on resources in your area please visit Gamban resources. With Gamban installed, you will also see this page on attempting to access a gambling site.

Belt &amp; Braces: Why More than One Tool Can be Helpful

The mechanism of self-exclusion falls into each of the stages of responsible gambling...

The mechanism of self-exclusion falls into each of the stages of responsible gambling – yet it depends how the operator delivers and upholds the exclusion.The late economist and gambling expert, Bill Eadington, proposed four Stages of Responsible Gambling: Denial, Lip Service, Halfway House and Full Commitment.Self-exclusion is the process by which an individual can ban themselves from a site (or in some cases, a network of sites under an operator), restricting access to the iGaming platform. This has come to be a requirement of operators and, although a necessary option, the way it tends to be implemented is inherently flawed.In the first instance, problem gamblers can often bypass their own self-exclusion. A new [email] address and a common name can enable self-excluded gamblers to re-register and continue betting.However, even if a player observes the self-exclusion, what’s to stop a self-excluded individual from moving on to one of thousands of other online gambling sites?From a player’s perspective, there isn’t much that differentiates one gambling site from another, so excluding a problem gambler from one platform does not tackle the issue, especially as operators are vying to attract new players with sign up bonuses and incentives.Industry-wide self-exclusion requires operators en-masse to sign up and participate.Alas, not all operators do.A combination of registering with a national self-exclusion scheme – gamstop for those in the UK – and blocking software, such as Gamban, can be extremely effective at enforcing self-exclusion and improving overall industry sustainability.The industry must recognise collectively that ‘passing the buck’ or allowing individuals to sign up to other sites, is unsustainable and that the actions of the least responsible affect the reputation of the most responsible.It is conceivable that there’s a competitive ‘disadvantage’ that comes with acting responsibly. Doing the ‘right thing’ should not result in competitor absconsion.One operator, aligned with Gamban, explained that in offering Gamban protection to their players who presented with problems, the results were remarkable; aggression was replaced by gratitude – and support agents were able to respond with actionable solutions to uphold self-exclusion. This has a positive effect, not only on the individuals struggling to control their online gambling, but on the morale of the team and an industry that struggles to control its reputation.For more information on how operators can align with Gamban visit: <a href="https://gamban.com/contact/enterprise">https://gamban.com/contact/enterprise</a>

The Flaws Of Self-Exclusion

Self-reflective questions for those at risk with online gambling

Ask yourself the following questions and consider the effect gambling has on you and the people around you.<ul><li>Are you preoccupied with gambling?</li><li>Do you forget everything else when you gamble or think about gambling?</li><li>Do you need to bet more money more frequently in order to experience the same excitement?</li><li>Do you become restless or irritated when you have to leave a game?</li><li>Do you often gamble to escape worries or troubles?</li><li>Are you more preoccupied with gambling than you or your family and friends find reasonable?</li><li>Are you convinced that happiness will be yours, or that all your financial problems will be solved if only your winnings were big enough?</li><li>Do you feel that it’s only a matter of patience, a question of perseverance before it’s your turn to be lucky?</li><li>After losing, do you feel the need to return as soon as possible and win back your losses?</li><li>Do you lie in order to hide your gambling activities from your family and friends?</li><li>Have you ever committed an illegal act, e.g. credit card fraud, theft or embezzlement, to finance your habitat?</li><li>Have you lost, or risked losing your friends or your job, or been forced to drop out of your education, because of gambling?</li><li>Have you been forced to rely on others, e.g. family, friends or an institution, to solve the financial difficulties which result from your gambling?</li><li>Have you tried repeatedly to bring your gambling under control, or to stop completely, without success?</li></ul>If you feel some additional help alongside Gamban would be helpful, please visit our Get Help page for links to valuable resources and other self exclusion schemes.

Are You At Risk From Online Gambling? 

Let’s put all available self-exclusion tools in place

Gambling addiction is a serious problem in many countries. Although this is something that many associate with land based casinos and high street betting shops, increased access to online betting caused the rate of addiction to explode in recent years. The increased access and less-tangible oversight of remote betting did not change any of the fundamental causes or contributing factors of addiction. It merely expanded upon a pre-existing social issue to which most countries are slow to react.Currently, users are forced to rely primarily on self-control to manage their behaviour, doing their best to ignore aggressive advertising, emails from operators offering a huge bonus, the machines available at the local pub, and everything else that pushes them into some sort of gambling. That means hundreds of thousands of victims of addiction are fighting–and often losing–an uphill battle.Managing problem gambling effectively demands supplementary assistance to provide a firm barrier between victims and opportunities to gamble.<h3>Background &amp; research</h3>Online gambling represented approximately 35% of total market share in the UK betting industry in 2018. This demonstrates incredible growth in the last decade. Data published by the UK Government shows total online spending grew from £816.86 million annually in 2008 to £4.9 billion in 2018. Total revenue generated by gaming software increased 172% between 2015 and 2016 alone.Unfortunately, rates of addiction have kept pace right alongside this fast-growing business sector. According to the UK Gambling Commission, more than 2 million people in the UK are either current problem gamblers or are at medium to high risk of addiction. Of that subset, roughly 430,000 people are already victims of a serious betting habit. But it could be even worse. Those who help treat problem gambling often tell us that in their experience, it is far worse than what these figures show.The problem is also spreading to a wider range of individuals. Although according to the UK Gambling Commission, “men are 7.5 times more likely than women to be classed as problem gamblers,” the Gambling Commission’s data shows gambling on the rise across every demographic. The increase in gambling addiction is especially prominent among younger (16-24 year old) players, whose lack of experience and self-control can compound the problem. Additionally, while only 4% of the nation’s population gamble online, the percentage of at-risk gamblers who do is almost 35%. This places the overall rate of problem gambling in online betting at 10.6% of usersClearly, something needs to be done.<h3>What about gambling self-exclusion?</h3><a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">Self-exclusion</a> is the key means of mitigating the impact of problem gambling. And, on a positive note, the number of gamblers choosing to exclude themselves from online gambling companies is on the rise, as the most recent data from the UK Gambling Commission shows.Total number of self-exclusions in online gambling: <ul><li>Nov 2014 – Mar 2015: 179,142</li><li>Apr 2015 – Mar 2016: 612,427</li><li>Apr 2016 – Mar 2017: 1,117,322</li><li>Oct 2016 – Sep 2017: 1,309,740</li></ul> Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. A growing number of cases has been reported where a breach of self-exclusion has happened. This can happen because the technology has failed, because the operator didn’t honor the self-exclusion request, or simply because the player found a way to circumvent the self-exclusion process.Total number of known breaches of self-exclusions in online gambling:<ul><li>Nov 2014 – Mar 2015: 12,576</li><li>Apr 2015 – Mar 2016: 36,992</li><li>Apr 2016 – Mar 2017: 73,715</li><li>Oct 2016 – Sep 2017: 86,800</li></ul> The key issue is clear: as interest in online gambling grows, so does problem gambling, as well as breaches of self-exclusion.Gambling addiction is already a serious problem, but reliance on traditional self-exclusion alone is not a reliable solution. A more comprehensive solution is clearly required.<h3>Effective self-exclusion for problem gambling</h3>Problem gamblers need help, and operators are well-positioned to provide the necessary assistance. Online gambling websites have a moral responsibility to engage in harm-reduction best practices, and it’s often while on their websites, that players take the decision to reach out for help. Beyond that, though, operators also have a clear business interest to ensure safe play.Preemptive action by businesses has long been seen as an alternative to enforced regulation. While this does involve some minor investments, the amounts are minimal when compared with the alternative.For example, failing to act in the face of rising instances of problem gambling is likely to lead to greater scrutiny of the industry. Government regulatory bodies may enforce stricter control over the sector, leading to greater fines and penalties for operators. We are seeing this already in the UK, where the regulator issued several fines, and of record amounts, over the past months. This will damage further the reputation of the industry, creating a negative media and public impression of gambling in general, and ultimately, threatening the industry’s sustainability. As increased breaches of self-exclusion techniques underscore, there is a need for more than one approach.A loose variety of different tools and strategies cannot guarantee greater protection. In fact, deploying technologies in an uncoordinated or haphazard manner may cause tools to overlap or interfere with one another, creating additional vulnerabilities that operators hadn’t anticipated. These tools need to work in a coordinated, targeted manner to have the greatest effect.First, we should identify three key points at which the individual online gambler is at risk:The Person: The individual who gambles.The Device: The medium through which the individual plays.The Money: The funds used to fuel the gamble.A working, comprehensive strategy for problem gambling will block users at each point of vulnerability. We recommend you deploy a unique exclusion tool at each of these points:The Person: Encourage users to enroll in GamStop. This nonprofit service allows users to exclude themselves from a growing number of UK gambling operators, based on user identity.The Device: Blocking the device itself from accessing gambling websites is what tools like Gamban do. A growing number of gambling operators and support organisations is distributing Gamban licences to their customers and service users. The software is also available for purchase online, directly at Gamban’s website.The Money: Working with banks like Monzo and Starling can give users the power to block transactions to their players’ accounts. This way, they cannot fund their gambling account, preventing them from playing.Comprehensive blocking is the most effective solution available offering immediate access by players and operators. The strategies recommended above showcase demonstrated, long-term effectiveness when deployed as part of a unified front against problem gambling.There are many other necessary steps in the process to provide genuine consumer protection against problem gambling, including education as well as more dynamic and responsive regulation. However, providing customers with the ability to exclude themselves–and make that exclusion more reliable and difficult to trick–is a critical first step.<h3>Sources:</h3><a href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Statistics-and-research/Statistics/Industry-statistics.aspx">https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Statistics-and-research/Statistics/Industry-statistics.aspx</a><a href="https://data.gov.uk/dataset/e7032815-5990-4439-b5c8-8553cf5b7fdd/uk-gambling-industry-statistics">https://data.gov.uk/dataset/e7032815-5990-4439-b5c8-8553cf5b7fdd/uk-gambling-industry-statistics</a><a href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/survey-data/Gambling-behaviour-in-Great-Britain-2015.pdf">https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/survey-data/Gambling-behaviour-in-Great-Britain-2015.pdf</a>http://tuck-fac-cen.dartmouth.edu/images/uploads/faculty/andrew-king/selfreg.pdf

Gambling Self-Exclusion Can Be Effective

We believe there is a place for will-power – or more accurately, ‘won’t-power’ 

Gamban has been designed by people (gamblers) with first-hand experience in problem gambling. While our primary focus is software development and creating practical barriers to online gambling, we wanted to share some of our own ideas for recovery and minimising the risk of gambling relapse.<h2>Gamban can remove the gambling temptation</h2>Before we started Gamban we heard stories of people freezing credit cards in blocks of ice to create a ‘temptation buffer’ and a lady who, knowing she’d gamble only on weekends, would send her payment cards in the post to herself on a Friday, so they would arrive on Monday. We experimented with parental control systems where a friend was needed to look after a code and we explored other, more expensive and restrictive gambling-blocking software. We hope, with Gamban, you don’t feel you need to resort to these methods. We also hope, in time, that you don’t even need Gamban. We see Gamban as a tool that can help people on their path to recovery, quite possibly alongside other forms of treatment. Like the dating site, Match.com famously celebrate drop-offs in user numbers as a sign that people are finding love, we like to think that those who no longer require our software are out of the ‘danger zone’. That said, many choose to keep Gamban on their systems for ongoing peace of mind. After all, the cost of Gamban is negligible compared to the cost of online gambling addiction.Here are some ideas that you may find helpful:<h3>A new email address</h3>You may continue to receive gambling-related emails and enticing 500% bonus offers after closing your account. It may be easier to start using a different ‘clean’ email address. Give yourself a fresh start – but don’t forget to update your Gamban account with your new email.<h3>Self-compassion</h3>Learning to understand, tolerate, like and love yourself is a crucially important aspect to recovery. It’s important to understand that self-compassion does not mean self-indulgence. The objective is not to give yourself permission to gamble but to forgive yourself if you fall. Setting unreachable standards can be less than useful in recovery from gambling addiction. For more information on self-compassion and for some useful exercises visit http://self-compassion.org/ (one useful, if a little strange, exercise involves sending a letter to yourself from the perspective of a close and empathetic friend).<h3>Draw a line</h3>It’s OK; you’re never going to get that money back. It’s gone. The worst thing is to continue chasing. Learn and move on. You may be searching for someone to give you that reassurance that everything will be OK. If you are reading this with that mindset, then take this onboard: it’s what you do now that matters.<h3>Know you will never win</h3>You might win occasionally but what you win is almost certainly going back… and then some. One of the worst things that can happen to a gambler is a big win. You’re either chasing losses or worse, chasing wins. The best advice is to stay away completely. The cost of advertising, licensing, buildings, salaries – you gamble long enough, you lose – it’s that simple. This alone probably isn’t enough to make you stop – and we understand that.<h3>Give control away</h3>You may need someone to handle access to money in your state of vulnerability. Discuss this with parents, friends, family, partners – anyone you completely trust. Failing this, being accountable to someone else by showing them your bank statements means there is someone else included in your path to recovery.<h3>Distraction</h3>It may be too hard to stop ‘cold turkey’ with no other distractions or alternatives to gambling. Quite simply, you aren’t going to find anything to rival gambling in terms of excitement. It’s designed to transition you from a high to a low and back again. Try to reduce the requirement for stimulation from an activity by engaging in more activities that involve ‘flow state’. Get ‘absorbed’ in video games, play cognitive strategy games or engage in something more meditative like puzzle games. The jury’s out on free-to-play gambling games and whether they act as a relapse risk or as ‘methadone-to-heroin’.<h3>Mindfulness</h3>Using an application like Headspace can be extremely helpful in understanding your mind and slowing the response between thought, feeling and behaviour. Countless medical professionals suggest mindfulness as an effective option for problem gamblers. For more general information on Mindfulness (and getting better sleep!), visit <a href="https://www.nestmaven.com/sleep/aids/mindfulness/">https://www.nestmaven.com/sleep/aids/mindfulness/</a><h3>Create digital barriers</h3>By signing up to GAMSTOP (Spring 2018), you reduce the options for gambling with UK based gambling sites and with Gamban installed you reduce access to all gambling sites and applications. Download Gamban at <a href="https://www.gamban.com/register">https://www.gamban.com/register</a><h3>Create physical barriers</h3>Where do you gamble? In the bedroom? In the lounge? Then ban your computer from the bedroom and lounge. It may be easier for you to set rules on where you use your computer than how you use your computer.<h3>Shaving is saving</h3>By ‘shaving’ off the middle 8 digits and security code of your credit or debit card, you remove the ability to make online payments. This may not be possible if you do the majority of your shopping online but if you can remove the ability to spend online then this might help. You may also need to close PayPal and other payment methods to enforce this barrier.<h3>Talk</h3>Whether you want to talk on the phone, message via live chat, email or talk face-to-face, there are plenty of options available. It is entirely likely that your gambling activity is symptomatic of another [deeper] problem and for this, we highly recommend therapy.Ultimately, we believe there is a place for will-power – or more accurately, ‘won’t-power’ – but effective barriers can be helpful on the path to recovery from gambling addiction. Download gamban® at <a href="https://www.gamban.com/register">https://www.gamban.com/register</a>

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