Increase in German Self-Exclusions Reaches Over 350,000 Registered Individuals

In the ever-evolving landscape of online gambling, self-exclusion programmes have emerged as a significant tool to help combat problematic gambling behaviour. One such programme, OASIS in Germany, is operated by the Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen (DHS). Across the English Channel, the United Kingdom's self-exclusion programme, launched in 2018, has garnered impressive numbers, with approximately 560,000 individuals enrolled.

The British programme offers a unique feature that could contribute to its success - the option to exclude oneself for a short term period of just 24 hours. This feature, while designed to provide a quick respite, could potentially incentivise players to opt into the programme more frequently.

However, the programme's effectiveness may be undermined by offshore operators who can target self-excluded individuals. These operators, which control at least 71% of the total gambling market in the European Union according to a recent study by Yield Sec, are using search results to advertise gambling websites not part of the self-exclusion system in the United Kingdom.

In the UK, search results on Google show domains advertising "gambling websites not on GamStop," a concerning trend that highlights the need for more stringent regulations. Offshore operators are capitalising on the gap in regulation, targeting individuals who have self-excluded themselves from regulated platforms.

The intuitive integration of the self-exclusion programme into operators' websites could be another factor in its success. This ease of use likely contributes to its appeal and accessibility, making it simple for individuals to take control of their gambling habits.

Despite these challenges, the self-exclusion programme's success could be tied to its user-friendly features and wide availability. As the battle against problematic gambling continues, it's crucial to address these issues and ensure that self-exclusion programmes remain a valuable tool in the fight against gambling addiction.