An increase in online betting during the Covid-19 pandemic led to a surge in the amount of gamblers trying to block themselves from play. GamStop, the national self-exclusion scheme for problem gamblers, saw a gain of 21 percent in new members during February, according to the Guardian.
The number of people who signed up could reach 200,000, including 326 new registrations on February 22, a record. GamStop credited the jump in online betting in November and December.
The figures also speak to the problems people have in keeping away from gambling. In January, 49,328 out of a possible 177,038 were stopped from gambling with GamStop, which closes access to those on the list for a period of time.
“With the rate of registrants continuing to rise, I would urge anybody putting self-exclusion from online gambling in place through GamStop to also seek treatment,” the organization’s chief executive, Fiona Palmer, said. “Awareness around self-exclusion schemes and blocking software has been increasing throughout the last year.”
Matt Blanks, a project manager at Peer Aid, which helps people who are addicted to gambling, said blocking himself saved his life.
“It gives you that moment’s pause, that bit of breathing space, to ensure that when you have an urge or impulse, you can’t place a bet in that moment,” he said. “That time to reflect can make all the difference.”
An increasing number of women have signed up, but it’s still only 29 percent female.
