Why Problem Gamblers Often Don’t Seek Help

Small Acts You Can Take On to Help Yourself and Others with Online Gambling

<h1>How to Help Those Looking for Gambling Addiction Support</h1>There is a long-running stigma attached to those suffering from gambling addiction. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5264412/">Plenty of research on the subject</a> makes that fact abundantly clear. Even without the data, those suffering under the weight of problem gambling know the pain well.It’s time to open up about the stigma surrounding problem gambling. Let’s see how this silent epidemic impacts victims, and what we can do about it.<h3>How stigma hurts compulsive gamblers</h3>A stigma is defined as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.” The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.who.int/">World Health Organization (WHO)</a> describes social stigma as “a major cause of discrimination and exclusion.”Those targeted by a social stigma are seen as having less value than “normal” people. The victims of this phenomenon may be shunned by friends, family and their peers. They may also experience discrimination in education, housing, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/protect-your-business-from-online-gambling">employment</a> and other factors that impact them in daily life. In its most extreme forms, social stigma contributes to substantial human rights violations. This stigma affects both men and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/women-and-gambling-addiction">women</a>. Those suffering under the weight of gambling addiction are routinely stigmatised. Even though we understand addiction much better today than ever before, it is still seen by many as a personal flaw, rather than for what it is: an illness, beyond the person’s control.Stigmatisation carries serious consequences. The fear of social isolation can keep victims of addiction from seeking treatment, as they suffer in silence instead of opening up about the issue. This inhibits long-term harm reduction efforts and damages the victim’s self-esteem and self-worth.The end result: the potential for increasingly-destructive behaviour and even suicide. In fact, problem gamblers have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://800gambler.org/quick-facts-gambling-suicide/">the highest rate of attempted suicide</a> among all addictive disorders. Because of the stigma of problem gambling, those suffering under the weight of addiction and social pressure can be made to feel there is no other alternative.<h3>What can be done?</h3>The problem can get better, but only once people feel more comfortable reaching out for help. That’s why destigmatising gambling addiction is the key to treating the problem.Beating the stigma surrounding problem gambling is not going to be easy or quick. It will take years to reshape how we think about addiction and how we treat addicts in general. However, there are small acts you can take on your own to help:<ul><li>Be compassionate: Show understanding, kindness and support to those suffering from addiction. Withhold judgement, and instead simply listen to their experiences and needs.</li><li>Do your research: Education breeds empathy. If you understand what those in the grip of addiction are going through, you can better understand how to help.</li><li>Avoid labels: Words like “addict” put blame on the individual. We want to avoid blaming the victim and instead focus on the real problem: the behaviour.</li><li>Educate others: Even those with good intentions can cause harm through a lack of knowledge. Share what you learn to help broaden the understanding.</li><li>Be an advocate: Don’t stay silent when you see others abuse or misrepresent victims of gambling. Speak up and let people know they’re not alone.</li></ul>Of course, while the behaviour is the core problem, access to online gambling often enables and aggravates the issue. That’s why <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/belts-and-braces-why-more-than-one-tool-can-be-helpful">tools capable of blocking access</a> to such sites are an important piece of the puzzle.<h3>Help is out there</h3>Even if you are not ready to talk, there are tools you can use to start your recovery journey. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/">Gambling blocking software</a> allows you to keep gambling away from your devices (computers, smart phones and tablets); It works better when deployed together with GamStop, the UK’s free self-exclusion scheme, and payment blocking solutions, such as the one provided by Monzo. Get all of them, and as soon as you’re ready, get in touch with the National Gambling Helpline. They are there to listen, no shame, no stigma. Break the silence!Recovery is possible.

The Silent Epidemic Made Worse by Shame and Stigma

How to Help Those Looking for Gambling Addiction Support. Small Acts You Can Take On to Help Yourself and Others with Online Gambling

We Go Through Some of the Ways to Bar Yourself from Online and Offline Gambling

How do I Self-Exclude?

As we've said in the <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/belts-and-braces-why-more-than-one-tool-can-be-helpful">past</a>, having more than one tool in place to ban yourself from gambling, online and offline, means giving yourself the best chance to overcome the habit. Whether that be gambling blocking software, self exclusion from online gambling or bank transaction blocking. There are many tools out there to help.<h2>Gambling Blocking Software</h2>Gambling Blocking software, such as Gamban, can be downloaded onto all of your devices, for the purpose of blocking access to 1000s of gambling websites and apps, worldwide. We offer a trial for Gamban that grants you free access to our state of the art programmes and applications for your devices. Learn more about Gamban here. <a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://gamban.com/" role="button">Learn More</a>.<h2>Self-exclusion</h2>Self-exclusion typically involves asking a gambling operator, casino or betting shop, for example, to exclude you from gambling with them over a set period of time. This means that you will be refused service at the locations, online and offline, from which you are self-excluded. By law gambling operators in the UK have to provide self-exclusion.Manually self-excluding yourself from every venue or website can be a daunting task. However, there are "multi-operator" schemes available, allowing anyone to easily "mass" self-exclude. Listed below are some of these schemes. <h3>Online Gambling Self-Exclusion - GAMSTOP</h3><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/71dc41da-7341-4e67-9b8e-7a0ab497a381.jpg" alt="gamstop self exclusion" /></figure>One of the most well-known multi-operator schemes is <a href="https://www.gamstop.co.uk/">GAMSTOP</a>, which is currently available as a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme to UK and NI residents. However, It does not cover all gambling sites, only those based in the UK. Find the list of participating online gambling companies <a href="https://www.gamstop.co.uk/participating-companies">here</a>.<h3>Arcades and Adult Gaming Centres</h3><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/f61bad09-687d-4001-a30d-f21828603465.jpg" alt="bacta Arcades and Adult Gaming Centres" /></figure>Unfortunately, as of this date, it is not possible to mass self-exclude online from Arcades and Adult Gaming Centres. However, through the Bacta Self-Exclusion Scheme, you will be able to self-exclude from Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) by simply visiting one AGC or by phoning one of them and enquiring.Anyone wishing to join the Bacta Self-Exclusion Scheme should contact Bacta on selfexclusion@bacta.org.uk or 0207 730 6444.For further details, <a href="https://bacta.org.uk/self-exclusion/">click here</a>. <h3>Betting shops / Bookmakers</h3><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/57786737-7d23-4df1-8fee-32389777fb78.jpg" alt="multi operator self exclusion scheme betting shops bookies bookmakers" /></figure>Through the self-exclusion.co.uk Multi Operator Self Exclusion Scheme you can designate betting shops from which you want to self-exclude. This scheme is tailored to the needs and habits of the registrants. By identifying the betting shops someone uses or might try to use, the scheme passes on the information to all the relevant betting shop operators.Call the Multi Operator Self Exclusion Scheme helpline on 0800 294 2060 to exclude yourself from more than one bookmaker in your area. For more details please <a href="https://self-exclusion.co.uk/">click here</a>.<h3>Bingo venues</h3><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/2f210a79-68e9-4a04-8b5c-2634fc48522a.jpg" alt="bingo industry self exclusion scheme" /></figure>To self-exclude from licensed bingo premises across Great Britain, use The Bingo Associations' Self-Exclusion Scheme. Simply register at your local bingo club or alternatively, you can do so online if you <a href="https://www.bingo-association.co.uk/site/bing/templates/selfexclusion.aspx?pageid=181&amp;cc=gb">click here</a>.<h3>Casinos</h3><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/217133b8-be91-49b3-91e6-05fb1a50f07a.jpg" alt="sense self enrolment nation self exclusion" /></figure>SENSE enables you to register in a scheme to exclude themselves from all UK land-based casinos. Once you have requested exclusion through the SENSE scheme, your information will be shared with all casinos across the country. Furthermore, your details will be removed from all land-based casino marketing databases. For more information, <a href="https://bettingandgamingcouncil.com/sense-self-exclusion-scheme">click here</a>.While for some, Gambling Blocking Software will be enough to ban themselves from gambling, others (problem gamblers or otherwise) may want to use self-exclusion schemes in conjunction with Gamban.Learn more about Gamban’s Gambling Blocking Software <a href="https://gamban.com/product">here</a>.Find more information on how gambling self-exclusion can be effective <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/gambling-self-exclusions-can-be-effective">here</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>Find more information about gambling problems and support <a href="https://gamban.com/help">here.</a>

How to Ban Yourself from Gambling Online

While for some, Gambling Blocking Software will be enough, others may want to use self-exclusion schemes in conjunction with Gamban.

Take Steps to Protect Your Business from Online Gambling

Online Gambling May Be Hurting Your Bottom Line. Here’s What You Can Do about It.

What would you do to protect your employees—and your entire organisation—from a destructive, dangerous threat to your productivity and your bottom line? We’re talking about online gambling:  a serious (though often overlooked) risk confronting your business.It’s no natural disaster or cyber-attack, but online gambling is one of the costliest threats to contemporary commerce. In fact, gambling addiction costs the UK economy <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41846126">more than 1.2 billion pounds</a> yearly.This behaviour facilitates numerous dangers for your business and your staff, including:Lost time &amp; productivity: The average gambler will lose more than seven hours of work time each month as a result of their addiction. This dramatically impacts your entire team’s effectiveness in the workplace, costing the organisation time and resources as employees lose focus.Employee Wellbeing: Gambling addiction is associated with numerous negative effects on the victim’s mental health, including depression, loss of motivation, and withdrawal from social situations. This further impacts the individual’s performance and ability to interact with team members.Crime: 23 percent of adults who underwent treatment for gambling problems admitted to committing fraud or some other financial crime to secure money for their habit. In many cases, this takes the form of theft or embezzlement from one’s employer.<h2>Take Steps to Protect Your Business</h2>Online gambling, both in the workplace and at home, is a major risk hiding in plain sight. Given that one in three cases of embezzlement involve perpetrators suffering from this addiction, it’s clear that online gambling is a liability you can’t afford to ignore.Fortunately, there are steps you can take to address this issue and ensure the productivity and wellbeing of your employees: Implement the Right Policies: Establish a clear, concrete policy against gambling of any sort in the workplace. This will give you a formal basis for any necessary disciplinary action and help foment a workplace culture that does not tolerate such practices. Divide Responsibilities: Don’t put too much responsibility for the company’s finances in one individual. Instead, divide all bookkeeping activity between multiple parties and perform regular audits to detect fraud or any other suspicious activity. Identify Warning Signs: Learn to identify the trademarks of an individual with a gambling problem. These can include asking for regular advances, borrowing money, arguing about money with co-workers, or requesting additional pay in lieu of vacation or sick time.<h2>Prevention Is the Answer</h2>The above steps may help protect your business against loss resulting from online gambling; however, they are largely reactive solutions. Knowing the warning signs of an employee suffering from gambling addiction or dividing responsibilities cannot address the core issue: the impulse to gamble in the first place.The best solution is one that prevents a problem rather than mitigating the damage once it’s already been done. Gamban enables you to go beyond discouraging gambling and trying to identify potential problems. Now, you can eliminate online gambling entirely, both at home and in the workplace.While other services offer expensive, ineffective products that fail to speak to the problem of online gambling itself, Gamban provides the cross-platform solution you need to minimise risk and ensure productivity. Adopt the tools you need to protect your staff and eliminate risk to your business productivity today.For more information on how Gamban can help your organisation please visit: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/contact/enterprise">https://gamban.com/contact/enterprise</a>

Gambling Addictions at Work – How Can Employers Help?

Online gambling may be hurting your bottom Line. Here’s what you can do about It.

Mitchell Symons Breaks Down His Relationship With Gambling Addiction.

Guest Blog by Mitchell Symons

OK, so Winnie was talking about Montgomery’s victory at Alamein in World War 2 but he could just as easily have been talking about Gamban.There will be many people who have downloaded Gamban and thought “I’ve done it: I’ve finally removed gambling from my life!”<h2>If only it were that simple.</h2>Unless you discover – and address – the reason for your addiction, it will always acquire willpower to keep it at bay. And that requires eternal vigilance. Which is why you hear alcoholics who are 20 or 30 years ‘clean’ still refer to themselves as alcoholics rather than as ‘former alcoholics’ as you’d think they would eventually be able to call themselves.Allow me to ‘fess up a secret. I was gambling way too much on my desktop computer. Poker every evening and slots when the poker tournaments were taking a break. So I installed Gamban and it was brilliant: a real gamechanger (literally).At the same time, I found myself increasingly disinclined to go into (high street) bookies or casinos: if I was (effectively) banning myself from my favourite form of gambling, why would I want to ruin it all by chucking away the money I was saving on fruit machines with fewer choices and lower payouts? It would be like having hypnosis to stop me eating my favourite chocolate (Lindt’s 70% dark since you ask) and then scoffing bars of Bournville<h2>This virtuous circle…</h2>…continued until July of last year when I had a brain haemorrhage and nearly died.While recovering, I ‘discovered’ that I could play slots on my iPhone and also on my iPad. So I did.If I wanted to, I could blame this lapse on the fact that my frontal cortex had filled with blood and thus removed my inhibitions.It’s true: that’s what happened but was it the cause of my gambling?Or was it merely the occasion?If I’m honest, I think it was the latter.I had been looking for a reason, a pretext, to gamble again and this terrible event provided me with it.Yes, I was bored (and uninhibited) but there were plenty of positive, life-affirming things I could have done instead of gambling. I was like someone who’d given up smoking who suddenly lost a loved one and therefore had an excuse to start again.The trick I had found with smoking was to go from being a smoker to becoming a non-smoker (who wouldn’t want to smoke in any circumstances) rather than an ex-smoker who felt as if was depriving himself of his pleasure and so would take advantage of anything that justified returning to it.It turned out that my return to online gambling wasn’t enough: I started going to the bookie’s too. For six months (until I eventually saw the error of my ways and decided to stop), I would go to the bookie’s pretty well every day and spend thirty or so minutes playing the wretched FOBTs.I did quite well, funnily enough, winning more than I lost but I found that my FOBT-use cross-fed my online addiction to the point where I was gambling more than was good for my bank balance or for me.So I’m trying to wean myself off online gambling again.Gamban is an incredibly useful tool in this process but it’s only as good as I choose to make it.There are – and there will be until we get the legislation that many of us believe we need to protect us from ourselves and the rapacious gambling industry – always devices to gamble on and new temptations to withstand.I do my best and I know that constant vigilance is the only sure protection.<h3>But I’m a work in progress, not the final article.</h3>The key thing, I have learned, is not to treat every lapse as though it’s the end and that, if one’s going to give in then one might as well go the whole hog and splurge until all bank accounts and reservoirs of self-respect are drained.

Willpower, Gambling and Commitment to Recovery

Gamban is an incredibly useful tool in this process but it’s only as good as I choose to make it.

What Are My Odds? To Be Blunt… They’re Not Great

As They Say, “the house always wins.” 

Slot machines are among the most popular games in the world, both in betting shops and online. You’ve probably heard stories about slot “experts” improving their odds with simple tricks and strategies. You may even wonder how you can get in on the game.Let’s take a look at the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/understanding-and-controlling-gambling">mechanics</a> behind slot machines and see how well those tricks hold up.<h3>How does a slot machine work?</h3>All digital slots operate based on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.techopedia.com/definition/9091/random-number-generator-rng">a random number generator</a>, or RNG. This is a basic computer process designed to assemble random strings of numbers.The RNG in an average slot machine assembles hundreds of random sequences every second. Before you begin a game, the computer is already generating number sequences. The machine then records the randomised set of numbers generated the millisecond you click “start,” thus determining the position of each slot reel.Contrary to popular belief, slots are not programmed to have “hot streaks” or “cold streaks.” <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thoughtco.com/understanding-the-random-number-generator-536660">Each pull has the same odds</a>, and the probability of winning isn’t impacted by how long you sit at the machine or how long it’s been since the machine paid out.Let’s assume you’re sitting at a slot machine in a high street betting shop. You don’t have any luck, and you decide to switch to a new machine. Minutes later, someone comes along, sits at the machine you just vacated, and wins a jackpot on the first go. You can take solace knowing your odds wouldn’t have been any better if you’d stayed put. It’s all a matter of luck.  <h3>How slot machines play with your perception</h3>Make no mistake: slots are a game of chance. However, they can use certain tricks to make you feel you have more control over the outcome than you actually do. Here are a few common examples:<ul><li>False wins: This occurs when you win, but your prize is less than what you wagered. It feels like you won, but in reality, you’ve lost money.</li><li>Near-misses: A jackpot symbol appears directly above or below the pay line, giving you the impression, you were just one space away from the prize. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.wired.com/2011/03/the-near-miss-effect/">Research suggests</a> there’s a psychological effect at work, making you more likely to keep playing if this happens.</li><li>Stop buttons: You might feel like pressing the “stop” button will have an impact, but because of the RNG, the outcome is already determined the moment you hit “spin.”</li><li>Small wins: Similar to false wins, small wins give you the sense that you’re making progress. However, they’re not collectively enough to recoup losses.</li></ul> <h3>What are my odds?</h3>To be blunt… they’re not great. For example, assume each of the three reels on a machine has 64 virtual stops. That means your odds of landing the jackpot 1 in every 262,144 pulls.Remember – digital slots are all based on the random number generator. There are no real shortcuts or tricks that can help improve your odds. Some slots may have a higher payback percentage, but these machines don’t change your actual odds of winning.Beyond that, though, improving your odds at the slots is just a myth.

Improving Your Odds at Slots Is Just a Myth

Improving Your Odds at Slots. What are my odds? To be blunt… they’re not great

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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nus.org.uk/en/take-action/welfare-and-student-rights/gambling--knowing-the-risks/">according to 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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. Click here 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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>http://OFFLINEZIP.wpsho/register/

Do Students in the UK Have a Gambling Problem?

Are students spending too much? Nearly 10% of UK students having used student loan money to gamble at least once

Not Just a Problem That Impacts Men

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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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: blocking all devices from accessing gambling sites and apps with Gamban, 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/frontline-services/helpline">National Gambling Helpline</a>.  Sources:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamstop.co.uk/">https://www.gamstop.co.uk/</a>

How Is Online Gambling Affecting Women?

Online gambling's hidden impact on women. Addressing the growing challenge of female gambling addiction.

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

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

<figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/5cd49ba8-5de3-4b9c-8459-977ceabcb692.jpg" alt="gamban gambling recovery process" /></figure>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.”<h3>How Effective are Gamban and Self-Exclusion?</h3>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 the 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."

Does Gambling Self-Exclusion Work?

How effective is self-exclusion? 88% of participants would recommend Gamban as a part of the recovery process.

The Truth Is You May Need More than Blocking Software to Stop Gambling Online…

Improving Your Chances of Beating Gambling Addiction  

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 target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" 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.

Why Using More than One Tool Is Important

Learn why a multi-tool approach is key to stopping online gambling. Discover practical resources and tips to support your recovery.

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Do Students in the UK Have a Gambling Problem?

How Is Online Gambling Affecting Women?

Does Gambling Self-Exclusion Work?

Why Using More than One Tool Is Important

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

News & Articles

List of Articles

The Silent Epidemic Made Worse by Shame and Stigma

How to Ban Yourself from Gambling Online

Gambling Addictions at Work – How Can Employers Help?

Willpower, Gambling and Commitment to Recovery

Improving Your Odds at Slots Is Just a Myth

Do Students in the UK Have a Gambling Problem?

How Is Online Gambling Affecting Women?

Does Gambling Self-Exclusion Work?

Why Using More than One Tool Is Important

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

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