The US has a unique gambling legislation, as each state has the right to regulate the industry independently. No federal laws controlling the sector currently exist, which makes the iGaming world flexible in the country. Over 50% of Americans reported gambling at least once during the past year, which makes the US market one of the most valuable globally. On the other hand, the high accessibility of this risky entertainment on the continent raises significant challenges. Gambling addiction is progressing in the state: statistics show that approximately 1% of the population suffers from compulsive disorders. Some industry experts claim that implementing a self-exclusion tool will be beneficial, so let’s explore both the advantages and drawbacks of this solution.

Following UK’s Steps: How GamStop Works

The UK has become the first country to introduce a nationwide self-exclusion software covering all the jurisdiction’s casino and betting sites. The program allows restricted access to potentially harmful content for six months to five years and time to pass appropriate treatment. It cannot be suspended once a user joins the program, so participants must pass the entire term before returning to gambling activities.

On the other hand, UK-based websites imply numerous limitations for customers, so players often select non-GamStop casinos on UK Non-GamStop.CasinoGap that offer more freedom and opportunities. The availability of alternative programs reduces self-exclusion efficiency but provides adrenaline seekers with more choices when it comes to this thrilling entertainment. Would this approach benefit the American market, and what to consider to boost the program’s efficiency?

Advantages of Nationwide Self-Exclusion in the US

The country’s government has recently initiated NVSEP, a GamStop-like tool that aims to cope with gambling-related disorders among the population. The program is only available in five states, California, Tennessee, Iowa, Michigan, and California, but it is projected to expand the impact on other regions in the following years. NVSEP differs from GamStop since it doesn’t block users automatically, and problem gamblers can join it voluntarily.

Effective Treatment of Gambling Addiction

GamStop was launched on the UK market in 2018, and over 400,000 people joined, while 80% reported improved conditions after passing self-exclusion. Therefore, the tool is effective in addressing casino-related harm and promoting a healthy approach to this activity. Users don’t have the chance to access any gambling sites, which reduces the temptation to make another deposit and continue playing despite any circumstances.

Additional Support Tools for Customers

Self-excluded users can instantly restrict access to potentially dangerous content and enjoy gambling-free lives in a matter of minutes. Besides limiting the possibility of playing online casinos and placing sports bets, GamStop offers mental health support for those affected by compulsive habits. Hence, problem users can instantly reach helplines and treatment centers to accelerate the efficiency of self-exclusion and recover as soon as possible.

Pitfalls of Self-Exclusions in the Global Market

Despite the positive results shown by GamStop in recent years, the program is still imperfect. The tool can block players automatically after it notices excessive activities, and it’s not surprising that many users are dissatisfied with this approach. Therefore, compulsive gamblers often search for ways to overcome self-exclusion. GamStop only covers UK-registered platforms, while the country also accepts licensed overseas operators. Selecting a casino without self-exclusion is not complicated for customers, which is the main drawback of the gambling blocker. Compulsive individuals can continue enjoying harmful content, which can eventually worsen their conditions.

The American iGaming market is also diverse, and many states allow the presence of offshore service providers. Even though it provides users with broader opportunities, this point may significantly decrease the efficiency of self-exclusion programs. Integrating the tool into all in-country casinos is costly but possible. However, overseas sites will continue operating independently without a GamStop-like tool.

The Need for Complex Measures for Addressing Gambling Addiction

Self-exclusion can become a viable additional tool for coping with compulsive disorders in the US, but it will definitely not become a solution to the challenge. Following the UK’s example, experts predict that many players will use all the means to avoid the program and search for gambling destinations outside the American borders. Licensed overseas online casinos are legal in multiple US states, and adapting regulations is a complicated, time-consuming process.

Instead, a complex approach is a better solution for the American gambling market. Virginia strives to negate gambling damage and several protection methods are already held in the state, and increasing user awareness about the possible harms is the latest trend. It should grow in the future so that customers will evaluate all the potential risks and build strategies before entering a casino site.

Final Thoughts

Self-exclusion is always a controversial topic: even though the tool is effective in coping with gambling problems, players often claim that this tool infringes on their rights. Now, users can only join NVSEP voluntarily in several states, but the UK’s example can be considered in the future. Self-exclusion is a working tool for compulsive gamblers, but it should be complemented with other measures, including instant access to support groups and special initiatives on responsible gaming.

Disclaimer:

Gamble responsibly. You must be 21 years old or older to gamble. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.