If you have a gambling addiction or you are worried about it, keep in mind that technology can help you. There are three main possibilities here. The same goal of the three is also the same way how these operate. These will keep you away from gambling as long as needed. You will be discouraged to gamble and you will have time for help.
Self-exclusion schemes
This is the first option you have at your disposal and one that works exceptionally well. The idea is simple. You will create an account at one of these platforms and you are done. They will block all gambling websites and betting sites in general. Once done, you can start with treatment and get help.
The best example is GamStop. It is not the only one. Anyway, due to popularity, we will talk about this platform. It cooperates with all UKGC websites for gambling and betting. Once you have an account here you won’t be able to access these sites hence you won’t be able to gamble. You can choose how long this lasts. The longest time frame is 5 years. After the self-exclusion expires, you can call customer support and have the self-exclusion lifted. This takes 24 hours.
It is important to add that GamStop covers only players from the United Kingdom and it cooperates only with gambling sites with UKGC license. Other sites are not parts of the organization and as such the blocking system will not work here. However, we can see a lot of effect from the blocking system to implement their ban to MGA and other casinos.
Gamblock is another example of this technology. It works in the same way and it is effective. It is worth noting that players should use only one self-exclusion system. There is no need to use 2 of them.
These platforms work well and there is no way around it. You won’t be able to gamble for a selected time frame, period. You will have to wait until the self-exclusion expires, and only then you can continue to play games at the casino.
It’s important to note that attempting to get off GamStop during the exclusion period is not advisable, as the program’s purpose is to provide a break from gambling. Instead of seeking ways to bypass it, consider utilizing this time to reflect on your gambling habits and explore alternative forms of entertainment. When the self-exclusion period ends, you can resume gambling responsibly with a fresh perspective.
Transaction control technology
This is a bit different and more specific method. If you want to gamble online, you will want to do that using real money. Only then can you win real money as well. Many players use credit cards for gambling transactions, making it a convenient option. However, if you’re concerned about responsible gambling, you can take proactive steps to manage your spending. For instance, you can contact your bank and ask them to limit or ban gambling-related transactions on your credit card. This approach allows you to exercise control over your gambling expenses and make informed choices while engaging in online betting activities.
Once you are done with this, the bank will not allow transactions of this kind. You won’t be able to use credit or even debit cards for gambling. The bank will not allow any of the related transactions either. If we know that using cards to deposit funds at online casinos is the most common method of them all, you can see why this is an effective method.
Some of the banks in the United Kingdom that allow you to gamble are HSBC, First Direct, Barclays, Starling bank, and many more. Yes, you can contact these banks and you can instruct them not to allow you gambling transactions. As such, you won’t be able to play games and deposit funds.
We must add that according to UKGC rules and requirements, these casinos are unable to accept credit card deposits. The transactions will be declined for the gambler’s safety. However, there are still a lot of online casinos that will accept credit cards as deposit methods. These transactions are instant and easy to complete.
Blocking software
This method is based purely on technology and it is very appealing and easy to use. The major difference compared to the past 2 is the cost. These options are not free. You will have to pay for a monthly subscription as long as you want to use the software. Yes, these are software options and there are as many of them as you like. We will cover a few of the most commonly used ones.
The mission is the same as with any other method here. But, you will have to download and install the software. Once done, all gambling sites that are present in the database of that software are blocked. It can block countless sites and you won’t be able to create a new account, visit your old one or play at these sites.
Some of the examples here are Gamban, Netnanny, and Betfilter. Of course, there are many more but these ones are extremely popular and they are proven to work successfully. You can install the app or software on your computer, smartphone, or almost any other device. For instance, Gamban works with Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac operating systems.
As you can assume, there is no way around the software. The only way to remove it is to have a special account, and only when your self-exclusion time is up. This software works well not just as a means of self-exclusion but also as a parental control program. While exploring alternatives, you might come across various apps for making money or engaging in different forms of entertainment. However, during the self-exclusion period, it’s advisable to refrain from seeking ways to bypass the software and instead focus on utilizing this time for personal reflection and exploration of other beneficial activities.
The final word
Yes, technology can help you with your gambling issues. You can use it in multiple ways to keep yourself away from gambling websites. You will have the time to adjust, to work on your addiction, and when ready you can go back and play casino games once again. The same methods in the same way work for betting and all gambling sites in general.
