The GamProtect scheme, launched in April 2023, is a significant initiative aimed at protecting the most vulnerable players in the UK gambling industry. This scheme has been developed to address the growing concerns over gambling-related harm, particularly among those who have shown demonstrable signs of vulnerability.
Criteria for vulnerability
According to the GamProtect scheme, a player is considered vulnerable and eligible for inclusion in the database if they meet specific criteria. These criteria include:
- Self-identifying as having a gambling problem or addiction;
- Seeking external support or treatment for gambling problems;
- Indicating that they may harm themselves or someone else due to their gambling;
- Having a medical condition that makes it unsafe for them to gamble;
- Expressing a desire to stop gambling forever due to problems associated with their gambling;
How GamProtect works
Here is a step-by-step overview of how the GamProtect scheme operates:
- Identification: Participating operators identify players who meet the vulnerability criteria and close their accounts across all services;
- Registration: The operator adds the player’s details (full name, surname, date of birth, post code, email address, telephone number, and unique customer ID) to the GamProtect database;
- Matching: Operators regularly check their customer databases against the GamProtect database to identify and exclude vulnerable players;
- Account Closure: If a player is identified as vulnerable, all their accounts with participating operators are closed, and they are excluded from gambling services for a specified period;
Data retention and privacy
The GamProtect scheme involves the collection and retention of personal data for an extended period. Here are the key points regarding data retention:
- Active Period: A player remains on GamProtect for an initial period of five years from the date they were first added. During this time, they are excluded from all participating operators’ services;
- Further Active Period: After the initial five years, the player can choose to remain on the list or remove themselves. If they do not remove themselves, they will remain excluded for an additional 35 years;
- Archive Period: Following the further active period, the player’s details are held for an archive period of seven years;
Justification and oversight
The decision to retain data for such an extended period was made after extensive discussions between data protection officers, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and KPMG. This approach is justified based on the public interest and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm.
Industry support and future directions
The GamProtect scheme has secured backing from major UK operators, including bet365, Entain, and Flutter. The scheme aligns with broader regulatory efforts to enhance player safety and reduce gambling harm. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like GamProtect are crucial for ensuring that vulnerable players are protected and that operators comply with stringent regulatory standards.
