Reasons why sports teams support GamStop

Calls for moderation and exercising responsible gambling continue to echo among all involved stakeholders as more people become aware of the potential gambling harm.

According to studies, up to 300,000 to 1.4 million punters have a gambling problem, and sports teams aren't immune. In recent years, many clubs have showcased their support for responsible gambling and self-exclusion schemes such as GamStop.

Teams like Middlesbrough FC and Luton Town FC actively promote the national self-exclusion program during matches and on their sites. Other clubs show support by engaging in safer gambling campaigns. But why do sports teams support GamStop?

What is GamStop?

GamStop is a national self-exclusion scheme introduced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) as a mandatory licence requirement for UK operators and a voluntary program for punters.

Gambling operators with a UKGC licence must participate in GamStop by conducting thorough KYC and ID verification when a player creates an account, logs in, or makes a transaction.

On the other hand, GamStop provides a platform where players can register voluntarily to be included in the self-exclusion database. The minimum self-exclusion period is six months, and players can choose up to five years.

Once on GamStop, player data is accessible to UKGC sportsbooks and casinos. The operators must then compare the information with the database and instantly block GamStop players from accessing their platform or making real money bets.

Because of these restrictions, many UK bettors started using bookies not blocked by GamStop that are available in the United Kingdom.

Even though GamStop was launched more than four years ago, there are still such betting providers where self-excluded players are able to play.

Why sports teams support GamStop

Sports teams are just as responsible for the gambling problem as the operators, moderators/regulators and punters.

However, no law forces any club to actively support GamStop since the scheme is designed for gambling operators with a UKGC licence.

Gambling companies sponsor most sports teams. So why do teams support GamStop? Below are some popular reasons:

To get sponsorship funds

Clubs like Luton Town FC and Middlesbrough FC support GamStop to create awareness about existing solutions for at-risk gamblers in the stadiums and everyone watching the games.

In return, these clubs receive sponsorship funding to help them sustain club activities and other objectives, such as retaining team quality.

Teams don't readily point to funding as the main incentive for supporting GamStop. However, it is undeniably a significant catalyst for persuading sports clubs to actively support self-exclusion, especially those without sponsorships from gambling companies.

To serve public interest

Problem gambling impacts people without discrimination and can result in severe mental health issues, financial crisis, depression and suicidal thoughts.

It affects public wellbeing and calls for every stakeholder to provide the solution.

Most sports teams support GamStop and other responsible gaming measures to genuinely stand with the affected players and help them seek proper treatment.

The matchday banners and website campaigns are viewed by millions, which helps to spread awareness about gambling harm and the importance of self-exclusion.

To protect club members

Sports teams are just as vulnerable to problem gambling as regular players. Members of a club may face the same challenges and have friends and family who need assistance.

By supporting GamStop and other measures, the teams can cultivate best practices to ensure their ranks and teams aren't affected by compulsive gambling.

The club leaders and captains can also participate in forums, talk shows and events to promote the correct lifestyle for the public to emulate. Their behaviour also improves the team's social position.

How sports teams are supporting GamStop

Since GamStop is voluntary, it takes awareness campaigns and active advocates to persuade players to consider participating in such schemes, especially if they have a gambling problem.

In addition, sports teams partner with gambling operators for jersey sponsorships, which is the opposite of what GamStop and other self-exclusion advocates stand for.

Indeed, the gambling commission is planning to overhaul gambling regulations and banning sponsorships from gambling firms is among the key enforcement.

However, some sports teams are already supporting responsible gambling schemes.

Here's an overview of how these clubs are supporting GamStop:

Through match day adverts

Matchday adverts are traditionally filled with gambling brands and other partners promoted across the visual media available on the grounds.

Sports teams like Luton Town FC and Middlesbrough FC are among the few clubs actively supporting GamStop on match days.

The clubs feature displays and ads about GamStop and other material to bring awareness to players that are yet to ponder self-exclusion schemes.

Through online campaigns

A significant percentage of sports bettors gamble through online sportsbooks and spend considerable time across digital platforms and social media.

Running online campaigns is one of the most effective ways to reach gamblers and send the right awareness messages.

For example, a football club can promote GamStop among its fans or feature information about GamStop on their official websites and social media pages to reiterate its commitment to responsible gambling and protecting vulnerable players.

Through organised events

Participating in organised events, such as Safer Gambling Week, is one-way sports teams can support GamStop and similar schemes.

Premier League club West Ham United and EFL's Swansea City are some of the teams that show support for GamStop in this manner and have been taking part in Safer Gambling Week since 2018.

These events are organised to show solidarity and support for those affected by compulsive gambling patterns. They also create more awareness of gambling harm and existing help.

Summary

Sports teams support GamStop to increase awareness and promote best practices for public welfare. In return, the team gets funding and a positive reputation while protecting the internal family from gambling harm.

We can say that football is the leader in promoting responsible gambling and other tools.

GamStop and other responsible gambling measures have become a common theme among online punters, and there seems to be a consensus about promoting awareness and helping vulnerable players.

Supporting such schemes earns good favour from players, the commission and other advocates of safe practices.