A UK national gaming trade association has announced the launch of a public awareness problem-gambling program called SENSE, or the Self-Enrollment National Self-Exclusion program. The program was launched ahead of an April 2016 mandate by the nation’s Gambling Commission that requires operators to participate in such programs, reported SBC News.
The SENSE plan enables customers to voluntarily self-exclude from all participating land-based casino premises for six months. The program is mandatory for all NCF member operators.
The system requires casino operators to read the terms and conditions of the program to the customer, and then ask the customer to electronically sign the enrollment form. The casino operator will also photograph the customer and upload the photo and enrollment form onto the secure SENSE system. Customers can also download the SENSE information and self-exclusion form at www.playingsafe.org.uk.
The Gambling Commission called the development of sector-specific self-exclusion programs “an important step in providing greater protection to players who require help managing their gambling. The casino sector was well-placed to lead the way in this, but implementing SENSE now, well ahead of the deadline we set, is a significant achievement.”
“The NCF and its members took the decision to pioneer the first national self-exclusion program,” said NCF CEO Tracy Damestani. “Self-exclusion is an important step for people who have recognized that they have a problem with gambling and have made a commitment to deal with it.”
