GB Group Suggests Self-Exclusion Program to Control Problem Gambling Online

The world's largest provider of identity based information to the online gaming industry has called for an industry-wide "self-exclusion" process to tackle the issue of problem gambling following the decision by a gambling addict to sue a betting chain for losses incurred after he had 'self-excluded' from further activity.

The judgement in the case of Graham Calvert, 28, who is suing William Hill in the High Court this week for more than £2 million - is due today. He lost the money gambling after asking the bookmaker to block his account from further use.

And now GB Group, providers of online tools to confirm the age and identity of new players on all major remote gaming sites, has called for an industry-wide, joined-up approach to share self-exclusion data as part of the player verification process. The company also provides analytical tools, through its PlayerProtect solution, that can identify potential problem gamblers within a client's customer-base, based on known trends and behaviours.

As market leader in the whole field of identity verification, GB Group is already collaborating with major players in the industry including Skybet, Virgin Games and Probability to ensure a shared, joined-up approach can be in place in the near future for the gambling sector to put self-regulation mechanisms in place.

By using self-exclusion screening as part of the initial player verification process, and using technology to predict problem gambling patterns, operators can greatly reduce the risks associated with dealing with players who develop addictive traits.

Richard Law, CEO of GB Group, said: "Whilst I hugely sympathise with Mr Calvert who had clearly identified that he had a problem and was trying to do something about it, under the present system he could still have gone online to an alternative provider and continued gambling even if the operator concerned had enforced their exclusion policy.

"For this reason we believe the gaming industry urgently needs to get together and share information on problem gambling and use the tools and technology that already exists to detect potential signs of addiction in order to help people like Mr Calvert."

March 12, 2008
Posted By Susan Torres
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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