LeoVegas collaborates with GAMSTOP for player safety.
Swedish online casino operator LeoVegas has added GAMSTOP, a new self-exclusion software, to its player protection measures. The company is aiming to take a responsible approach to online gambling by integrating this software. This comes after a reprimand by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
GAMSTOP, the industry-wide self-exclusion system developed by the UKGC and the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), has been implemented by LeoVegas on its online casino platforms. This will allow players to practice self-restraint by excluding themselves from all licensed gambling websites in the UK.
What sets GAMSTOP apart is its comprehensive nature. When activated, it not only excludes customers from one, but from all licensed gambling sites in the United Kingdom. Essentially, registration means a complete ban from all online gambling for individuals who may need it.
The heart of the "GAMSTOP system" is the UKGC's online database, which serves as the central control center for "GAMSTOP customers."
The introduction of GAMSTOP on the UK online market was initially planned for 2017, but technical issues in unifying the system caused a delay in the project. LeoVegas CEO Gustaf Hagman is therefore glad to see this development:
"In addition to LeoSafePlay, our all-encompassing platform for responsible gaming, we're now making another step towards enhancing player protection. The adoption of GAMSTOP showcases our lofty ambitions in the realm of Responsible Gaming."
Response to the Penalty
Following allegations of violating self-exclusion measures, LeoVegas was fined £600,000 (~ €700,500) by the UKGC in early May. The infractions were serious:
LeoVegas published a total of 41 misleading advertising campaigns and sent these to 1894 customers who had been on self-exclusion for some time. Furthermore, 418 "cheaters" had their gambling winnings returned without regulation. LeoVegas accepted bets worth over £200,000 here. The remaining balance of more than 11,200 identified problem gamblers was not paid out.
Both LeoVegas and the UKGC viewed these multiple lapses as a flawed self-exclusion system. It remains to be seen whether GAMSTOP can put a stop to such issues concerning consumer protection. While British gambling legislation is considered the most progressive in the world, non-compliance with these rules is a significant concern. Prior to LeoVegas, in the last two years, fines were imposed on Camelot, Ladbrokes, William Hill, Sky Bet, and 888 Holdings, all of which also had issues with self-exclusion procedures.
888 Holdings, based in Gibraltar, currently holds the record for the highest penalty at this location, a staggering £7.8 million (~ €8.5 million). However, all the mentioned companies shared player protection violations regarding the self-exclusion process.
The introduction of GAMSTOP on the UK online market represents a step forward in the fight against problem gambling. Let's hope it lives up to expectations and provides players with the necessary tools to manage their gambling habits.
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