GamProtect is a pilot project that aims to protect online gamblers from unaffordable losses by using their financial data. The project is supported by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent data regulator, and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the UK’s gambling regulator. Industry trade body UK Finance and several gambling operators, such as Bet365, Flutter, and William Hill also back the project.
The idea behind GamProtect is that gambling operators can access customers’ financial data, such as income, spending, and debt, to conduct financial risk checks and identify customers who are at risk of harm.
The operators can then intervene with customers spending more than they can afford and offer them support and advice. The operators can also share information about high-risk customers across multiple sites to prevent them from switching to other platforms.
The project is based on the principle of data protection by design and default, which means that the use of customers’ financial data must be done transparently and proportionately, and with customers’ consent. The project also follows the guidelines and safeguards developed by the ICO and the UKGC as part of the Gambling Act review, which aims to ensure that the legislation fits the digital age and reflects the changing needs and preferences of consumers and society.
GamProtect is currently in its testing phase. It involves a small number of customers who have volunteered to participate. The project will evaluate the effectiveness and impact of financial risk checks on reducing gambling harms and improving customer outcomes. It will also assess the technical and operational challenges and opportunities of using financial data for gambling regulation.
Trial is expected to run until March 2024, and the results will be published and shared with relevant stakeholders. The project hopes to contribute to the development of a safer and more responsible gambling industry in the UK.
What information would be shared through the GamProtect scheme?
This information would be shared only with your consent and only for the purpose of conducting financial risk checks and preventing gambling-related harms.
- Forename
- Surname
- Date of Birth
- Postcode
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Unique Customer ID set by Participating Operators
How GamProtect works?
GamProtect works in the following steps:
Step 1: You register with one of the participating operators, which are the gambling companies that have joined the GamProtect scheme. You can see the list of the participating operators on the GamProtect website.
Step 2: You provide your consent for the participating operator to share your personal data with GamProtect. This data includes your name, date of birth, postcode, email address, phone number, and a unique customer ID. This data is used to identify you and to conduct financial risk checks.
Step 3: GamProtect accesses your financial data from your bank or other financial service provider. This data includes your income, spending, and debt. This data is used to assess your affordability and to identify any signs of gambling-related harm.
Step 4: GamProtect analyses your financial data and assigns you a risk score based on your gambling behavior and financial situation. The risk score ranges from low to high and indicates how likely you are to experience gambling-related harm.
Step 5: GamProtect shares your risk score and some of your financial data with the participating operator. The participating operator uses this information to intervene with you if you are at risk of harm and to offer you support and advice. The participating operator may also share your risk score and some of your financial data with other participating operators to prevent you from switching to other platforms.
Step 6: You can access your GamProtect account on the GamProtect website and view your risk score and some of your financial data. You can also change your settings, update your consent, or delete your account at any time.
What companies are participating in GamProtect?
| Participant | Brands Associated | Date Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Flutter | PaddyPower, Betfair | 26th April 2023 |
| Entain | Ladbrokes, Coral, Party Poker, Party Casino, Gala Bingo, Gala Casino, Gala Spins, Foxy Bingo, Foxy Games, Cheeky Bingo, bwin, Gamebookers, Sportingbet | 26th April 2023 |
| Bet365 | Bet365 | 26th April 2023 |
| William Hill | William Hill, Mr Green | 26th April 2023 |
How to remove GamProtect?
To remove oneself from GamProtect, individuals can follow the redress process if they believe they’ve been added incorrectly during the initial active period of five years. Post this period, during the further active period, they can contact the Participating Operator that has blocked their access to gambling services at any time to request removal. If not removed, they remain on GamProtect for an additional 35 years.
Are there any casino operators not under GamProtect?
There is no definitive list of companies that are not under GamProtect, as the project is still in its testing phase and involves only a small number of voluntary participants. However, there are some companies that will definitely not participate in the GamProtect scheme.
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