Should Irish Football Bettors Use the UK’s GamStop?

Responsible gambling is widely discussed in 2024, so more governments strengthen control over the industry in the state and implement special mechanisms to prevent gaming-related harms. The UK is leading the sector in this aspect since it has implemented GamStop, a mandatory self-exclusion program allowing compulsive users to limit access to potentially threatful platforms. However, the Irish iGaming regulator doesn’t oblige local operators to use GamStop or similar blockers, which is why bettors can enjoy more freedom and flexibility. At the same time, reports estimate that 1 in 30 country’s residents suffer from uncontrolled betting habits, and the challenge has yet to be resolved. Will GamStop self-exclusion become an effective solution for this problem?

Prevalence of Betting Among Irish Residents & Sportsbooks Availability

Up to 8% of the Irish reported regularly engaging in betting activities. Undeniably, the appearance and the rapid rise of digital bookmakers boosted people’s interest in this risky entertainment, so customer penetration is projected to grow in the following years. The state allows gambling and betting activities if an operator holds their services legally and transparently. 

Even though UKGC-licensed platforms can target Irish punters, some bookies not registered with GamStop are still prevalent. They offer more lucrative odds, broader sports market coverage, and enhanced promotions. Therefore, users face barely any limitations and restrictions regarding wagering. At the same time, the number of people at risk of gambling disorders is growing, so let’s see the potential effect of GamStop on the Irish betting sector.

GamStop Helps Recover from Betting Problems

The self-exclusion allows users to be banned from all gambling and betting sites in the British jurisdiction from six months to five years. Therefore, users can fully restrict access to potentially harmful content to reduce the temptation to make another deposit. Over 80% of GamStop participants reported that they have improved conditions and managed to cope with the compulsive habits. Enhanced self-exclusion efficiency is the main reason why Irish customers should try the program and fight their betting problems with additional assistance.

Self-Exclusion Tool Provides Guidance & Treatment

Besides blocking the user from all UKGC-licensed platforms, GamStop offers access to support groups and therapies, aiming to accelerate users’ recovery. The program offers individual and anonymous help so that every participant feels comfortable and safe. Moreover, GamStop is free and customisable. Users can select a suitable self-exclusion term (six months, one year, or five years) and extend it if necessary. However, suspending or cancelling self-exclusion is impossible once a compulsive person signs up for the program.

Drawbacks of Implementing GamStop in Ireland

Even though this self-exclusion has boasted enhanced customer engagement in the last few years, it’s still imperfect, which creates numerous disputes in the UK and beyond. First, the tool is only available to British punters, while risk-seekers from other regions lack support.

It’s Easy to Get Around the Ban

This is the major GamStop challenge that UKGC has yet to cope with. Users find ways to engage in betting on Irish football teams while being self-excluded due to the high availability of offshore bookmakers. GamStop does not cover these sites, and Irish regulatory authorities don’t prohibit foreign online sportsbooks from entering the country’s market. Therefore, users can still take advantage of overseas bookies, which decreases the self-exclusion’s efficiency. This gap is still present on the UK gambling sector, and the regulatory authority aims to lower the impact of foreign operators in the country.

Enforcing GamStop Is Costly and Time-Consuming

Currently, gambling blockers and self-exclusions are not mandatory for online bookmakers providing their services to Irish punters. However, integrating GamStop or an alternative tool into all sportsbooks and casinos in the state is costly. In this case, many operators will leave the market, eventually leading to a reduction in taxes. Moreover, switching to the nationwide self-exclusion system requires must time.

Should Irish Bettors Consider GamStop?

While the country’s gambling regulator doesn’t hold any discussions on implementing a nationwide blocker, Irish residents can take advantage of UKGC-controlled platforms and use GamStop at their advantage. Besides the program's pitfalls, it still boasts enhanced efficiency and assists compulsive bettors in recovering from their negative experiences. Therefore, it’s up to the user to decide whether to voluntarily join self-exclusion and remain blocked for the chosen period.

Final Insight

GamStop is a controversial tool: despite its proven efficiency, the program has significant gaps allowing customers to get around the ban. Customers can join platforms outside the British jurisdiction where restrictions are not relevant. Therefore, implementing the tool of the Irish betting market can bring positive results but still requires significant investments from bookmakers and a high level of self-consciousness among wagering enthusiasts. Irish sports betting lovers can now join GamStop sites and explore the service if noticing any signs of compulsive behaviours. Still, they should remain responsible and adhere to the program’s requirements.