PCA PRESS RELEASE
Online self-exclusion tool supplements PCA’s gambling addiction awareness work.
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The Professional Cricketers’ Association endorses GAMSTOP, a free, independent service that allows users to exclude themselves from gambling websites.
GAMSTOP provides a secure solution for those who want to take a break from gambling. Since 31 March 2020, all British online operators have been registered with GAMSTOP as a condition of their Gambling Commission license, meaning the entire British market is covered by the service.
PCA members who choose to register with GAMSTOP can choose to exclude themselves from any gambling site for a minimum period of six months, one year or five years.
They cannot then remove themselves from the scheme until their self-exclusion period has expired, and if they do not contact GAMSTOP, their registration is automatically rolled over for up to seven years.
In addition, anyone who contacts the service, either through the website or by calling the helpline, is referred to specialist advisors if they need additional help and support with their gambling issues.
By endorsing GAMSTOP, the PCA is aiming to raise awareness of the anti-gambling addiction tool among its members through practical workshops and through sharing information about GAMSTOP to ensure members know how to access the tool should they need it.
It adds to the PCA’s body of anti-gambling addiction work for current and former professional cricketers, which includes the partnership with EPIC Risk Management which has seen ex-Northants man Patrick Foster travel to clubs and academies across the country to deliver practical workshops.
PCA Lead Personal Development Manager Charlie Mulraine said: “The threat of gambling addiction amongst sports people is very real, so we’re pleased to be able to refer our members to the GAMSTOP tool should they need support with related issues.
“Alongside our partnership with EPIC Risk Management, we hope that our endorsement of GAMSTOP will raise awareness of the serious issue of gambling addiction, and that PCA members will feel able to reach out for support should they need to.”
Fiona Palmer, Chief Executive of GAMSTOP, said:
“This endorsement from the PCA will be a huge benefit in helping us to reach the consumers who most need to be aware of the GAMSTOP self-exclusion tool.
“We have been working very hard for the last two years to ensure that GAMSTOP becomes a trusted, secure and independent service that helps anyone who has an issue with their gambling to exclude themselves from online sites.”
To begin the process of self-excluding from online gambling sites in the UK, visit GAMSTOP’s website.
