Responsible gambling has become the main industry pillar since online casinos began evolving globally. The sector is legal and regulated in most European countries, including Spain and the UK. Overall, the two states have a similar approach to the iGaming legislation, thoroughly controlling all market players and prohibiting illegal activities. Self-exclusion is a relatively new mechanism for controlling gambling habits and limiting access to risky platforms if any problems are witnessed. This tool is available in both Spain and the UK, so let’s explore the similarities and differences.
Exploring the UK’s Self-Exclusion & Its Impact on the Gaming Market
GamStop was implemented in the British gambling industry in 2018. Since then, over 400,000 problem players have joined the program, mentioning its enhanced efficiency. Currently, the UKGC is strengthening its policies and aims to gain more control over the sector. GamStop is mandatory for all online casinos and sportsbooks registered in the jurisdiction. On the other hand, non-GamStop casinos are also available to risk seekers in the UK, and they are gaining popularity among British players. Casinos operating under the licensing of offshore authorities don’t have self-exclusion tools and allow more flexibility and freedom.
Spanish Gambling Regulations & Self-Exclusion Tool
The sector is thoroughly controlled in the country, and all activities not regulated by local responsible authorities are prohibited. Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) is the main body that issues licences, supervises the operations of online casinos and bookmakers, penalises illegal companies and protects users. The Spanish self-exclusion program for problem players was launched in 2020. Users can voluntarily join it and provide the necessary personal details that are added to the General Registry of Gambling Access Prohibition (RGIAJ), after which the gambler is banned from potentially dangerous platforms. The system is pretty similar to GamStop, but there are still some differences.
Self-Exclusion Terms in Spain and the UK Compared
The Spanish regulatory authority allows users to voluntarily self-exclude from gaming and betting websites for a period of one month, three months, or half a year. When the term is over, users can deactivate the tool and return to their hobby. At the same time, the minimum GamStop self-exclusion term is six months, while the maximum reaches five years. In both countries, the ban cannot be cancelled or suspended until it’s over, while compulsive individuals can explore treatment opportunities to develop healthy gambling habits. Moreover, users can extend self-exclusion if they need more time to cope with compulsive problems.
The Program Is Not Mandatory in Spain
The UK has one of the strictest gambling regulations globally, so in-country gaming and betting platforms cannot operate legally without implementing self-exclusion. However, Spanish operators don’t face similar requirements. AI-based algorithms analyse user activities in online casinos and provide recommendations on how to take a break or ask for qualified help to avoid excessive spending. Spanish customers can decide whether they would like to consider this piece of advice and self-exclude voluntarily. At the same time, British players are restricted from gambling sites.
RGIAJ Self-Exclusion Also Covers Licensed Land-Based Casinos
Entering a brick-and-mortar gaming house in Spain is not simple since the administration asks visitors to show their documents. Therefore, underage individuals and self-excluded players cannot engage in this risky pastime. The RGIAJ database covers land-based casinos, so problem gamblers won’t be able to come in. This works differently with the UK’s GamStop – the tool only operates online and restricts players from online gaming venues. British customers use offline venues, get around the ban, and still enjoy slots and tables without restrictions.
Future of Self-Exclusion in Spain
The program is considerably young and has a promising future in the iGaming market. Currently, Spanish authorities concentrate on educating the population about responsible gambling principles, specifically focusing on the younger generation. Reports indicate that up to 1.6% of the country’s residents suffer from gaming-related disorders. Underage users’ engagement in this risky activity is the most alerting point, which is why the government and regulatory bodies have developed more mechanisms to control customers. Self-exclusion is gaining popularity in the country, so it’s possible that it will become mandatory in the future.
Final Insight
Self-exclusion tools are efficient in coping with gambling-related problems, but this concept is still in its infancy. While the UK obliges all legal casinos to use the GamStop software, joining RGIAJ is voluntary in Spain. The country’s residents have the right to decide whether to limit access to gambling activities or continue playing casinos without bans. However, the addiction rates in the state are alarming, so the Spanish government may tighten regulations in the following years. The issue of responsible gaming is discussed globally, and all reputable market players heavily invest in increasing user awareness on this point and preventing the disorder rate while maintaining the industry’s attractiveness.
