Problem gambler self-exclusions are up in the UK

Anti-gambling campaigners tried this week to exploit new figures from the UK Gambling Commission which show a rise in the number of problem gambler self-exclusions.

But the Commission said that there was no discernable single or particular cause for the increase, and there could be a variety of reasons for it.

The statistics suggest that self-exclusions have grown significantly since 2010, with the number of gamblers using this facility between April 2013 and March 2014 increasing from 16,312 in 2010 to 24,417.

The latest numbers are the result of submissions by British licensed and reputable bookmakers, whilst the older statistics were gleaned from local authorities.

Self-exclusion does not apparently stop some problem gamblers from continuing to try and access wagering opportunities; the Commission’s numbers also flag 19,589 known incidents where self-excluded customers either gambled or attempted to gamble during the period under review.

Recent media reports (see previous bulletins) have indicated that the Commission is talking to the industry regarding the practicalities of a national online gambling self-exclusion system, a consultation which will continue into the New Year.

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