Gambling is a quickly evolving sector on the continent: even though this pastime has always been in demand, it received a new popularity twist with the appearance of online casinos. African residents prefer virtual gaming establishments, as they are accessible from anywhere in the world. However, the quick industry development brought new challenges, and growing gambling addiction rates are among them. Operators and governments must unite and find ways to overcome this problem.
Gambling in Africa: Are There Any Self-Exclusion Schemes Needed?
Online casinos and sportsbooks made the risky pastime more accessible for users in different countries. Therefore, players can now engage in gambling from any location since only a device and an Internet connection are necessary. It’s a significant benefit for many, but still, multiple challenges arise. Coping with compulsive gaming requires a set of complex measures, including informing players of the possible consequences, promoting responsible gambling , and limiting access for the affected individuals. In such an instance, the implementation of self-exclusion software is a solution for many problem players.
These tools have already demonstrated efficiency: over 80% of surveyed users reported improved conditions after participating in the program. Implementation of responsible gambling tools will benefit the African iGaming market, promoting a healthy approach to online casinos and sportsbooks.
Self-Exclusion as a Solution for Responsible Gambling Practices: GamStop Example
Such programs are made to restrict access to gambling and betting websites, allowing the affected players to take time for treatment. Participation in self-exclusion like GamStop implies a complete ban on casinos and sportsbooks. Players can choose the period themselves (from six months to five years). The self-exclusion term cannot be cancelled or stopped, which is one of the reasons why the program has already shown high efficiency.
However, GamStop only covers UK-based gaming platforms, so there are still enough online casinos not registered with GamStop that provide internal self-exclusion tools. Multiple GamStop-free casinos are still accessible to African gambling fans. Therefore, compulsive players cannot access self-exclusion programs that would limit them from spending more time on risky websites. So, the gambling market in Africa faces the need for implementing innovations. GamStop is not the only self-exclusion program available for modern users, so adding its alternatives to the casino sector will significantly benefit all parties.
Innovations in Self-Exclusion Tools
While most are only aware of GamStop as the most widespread self-exclusion tool, many more options exist for those addicted. New software options are developed daily – and their efficiency is constantly tested on problem players. Currently, there are numerous alternatives that could help African gamblers cope with the first signs of gambling addiction. The most widespread self-exclusion options include the following:
- GamBan restricts over 55,000 websites and is considered one of the best cost-effective gambling blocker apps.
- GamBlock blocks 60,000+ gaming platforms simultaneously on numerous devices.
- NetNanny helps to filter websites a user visits and block numerous apps and platforms.
The above software can be accessed from any country, so African gamblers can use blockers. GamStop is a free self-exclusion program: it collaborates with operators and is obligatory for UK casinos. On the other hand, alternative self-exclusion tools can be reached by every user but require them to invest personal funds. However, it’s not expensive to download the necessary app.
GamBan is only $3.49 per month. This sum allows users to activate the self-exclusion tool on all devices and limit access to gambling and betting platforms completely. Similar programs have pretty much the same pricing ranges, so such software is an affordable way to cope with the possible addiction.
To Sum Up
Gambling is evolving globally, and there’s no trend for the industry to lose its popularity. Therefore, more and more users engage in online casinos. On one hand, it’s a significant benefit for African governments, as they receive additional revenue through gambling taxes. On the other hand, the growing demand for this entertainment increases addiction levels. The latter negatively impacts the overall society’s well-being, so the issue must be addressed.
Self-exclusion programs are among the working tools allowing to cope with this problem which have already shown high efficiency. Therefore, the implementation of GamStop, GamBan, and other options will positively influence players’ behaviours. Promoting a responsible gambling approach is essential in African countries – those involved in the industry must be aware of all possible consequences. In such an instance, gambling harms and risks will be minimized, and players will receive nothing but pleasant emotions when spending time on their favourite gaming platforms.
