What Is GamProtect? Our Team’s Research
Updated on:
We have up-to-date info on the GamProtect project, including its main benefits, downsides, and the current list of accredited partners. In short, GamProtect is a mechanism for detecting and providing support to problem gamblers across multiple gambling platforms.
As things stand right now, GamProtect’s partners are some of the best online casinos with EU licences out there. We’re talking about some of the biggest iGaming brands like William Hill and Entain. But, more on them later on. For now, let’s focus on the basis of how the GamProtect scheme works!
Contents
How GamProtect Scheme Works
GamProtect is a relatively new scheme facilitated by the Betting and Gaming Council. It also bears the support of several noteworthy operators, the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission), and other government departments.
If you were wondering how the GamStop program works, it’s simple. In short, GamProtect is an early access mechanism for sharing information about problem gamblers and supporting them on their way to recovery.
GamProtect aims to do so in a cross-platform manner, with 18 different brands currently under its umbrella. It tackles problem gambling in a similar way to GamStop and GamBan, but with slightly altered mechanics.
Data GamProtect Needs to Protect You
The scheme is still in an early testing phase so players’ personal data doesn’t go to a wide number of locations. But, such a small selection of partner brands means it’s very easy to bypass its restrictions, defeating its whole purpose.
The amount of collected and shared data isn’t too big. It consists of the usual; name, postal code, DOB, and similar. Here’s a full list of data points shared through the Gamprotect scheme:
- Forename
- Surname
- Date of Birth
- Postal Code
- Phone Number
- Unique Customer ID set by Involved Operators
Pros & Cons for Gamblers to Use Sites with GamProtect
Benefits of GamProtect Scheme
In this section, we aim to talk you through the pros and cons of using sites with GamProtect. The most obvious benefits are straightforward and need no detailed explanation. In essence, GamProtect promotes responsible gambling and acts as a cross-platform safety mechanism for those in need. There are other benefits worth mentioning here. Some of them are as follows:
- Promotes Responsible Gambling
If you’re wondering how to participate in gambling responsibly and you have a history of problem gambling, registering at a GamProtect-accredited casino seems like a no-brainer. The scheme promotes responsible gambling and will intervene if you exceed a certain threshold. - Provides Support for Problem Gamblers
Problem gamblers need every bit of help they can get to get rid of their cravings. Naturally, GamProtect offers much-needed support by stepping in, protecting the player from additional losses, and sharing that info with other partnered platforms to do the same. - Reduces Financial Losses
Chasing losses is one of the worst things that can happen to a gambler. It rarely ends up good. Most of the time, chasing losses results in even greater financial losses. With a scheme like GamProtect, players will be restricted from further deposits which should greatly reduce their financial losses. - Limits Access to Gambling Opportunities
If you’d like to block any gambling website, assuming it’s on the list of accredited partners, GamProtect will allow you to do so quickly and effortlessly. By limiting your access to gambling opportunities, you’ll have an easier time fighting off cravings. - Encourages Positive Behavioural Change
Gambling addiction is just like every other addiction out there. In fact, in some cases, it’s even stronger and has longer addiction periods. Any form of self-exclusion is a step in the right direction and provides a healthy dose of positive behavioural change you need.
Some Drawbacks of GamProtect
Unfortunately, it’s no surprise to see GamProtect bearing a few notable flaws. It’s understandable, though, because the scheme is still in an early trial phase. We’d like to see them build on the number of partners they currently have, otherwise, their efforts will be in vain. Why? Because, at least right now, its effectiveness is quite limited. Allow us to elaborate.
- Limited Effectiveness
The GamProtect scheme is great for the collective monitoring of problem gamblers across a larger number of gambling platforms. However, it only works with 18 gambling sites, which is just a drop in the sea of UK-based casinos without GamStop framework support. - Potential Workarounds
The workarounds are quite simple. Even simpler than those for how to avoid self-exclusion from GamStop framework. All you have to do is visit a casino that’s not on the list of accredited GamProtect partners. If you get a message about restricted access due to your location, any half-decent VPN will do the trick.
Gambling Companies That Involved In GamProtect
In essence, GamProtect is still in a very early stage. The system still lacks a proper number of partner platforms that are willing to enter the restrictive system and adhere to the standard procedures.
However, casinos that are a part of the GamProtect pilot project are some of the best and most progressive and innovative iGaming brands in this part of the world. Names like William Hill, Bet365, Flutter, and Entain are some of the biggest in the industry.
| Gambling Company | Associated Brands | Data Security Officer Contact |
|---|---|---|
| William Hill | William Hill, Mr Green | [email protected] |
| Bet365 | Bet365 | [email protected] |
| Flutter | PaddyPower, Betfair | [email protected] |
| Entain | Ladbrokes, Coral, party Poker, Party Casino, Gala Bingo, Gala Casino, Gala Spins, Foxy Bingo, Foxy Games, Cheeky Bingo, Bwin, Gamebookers, Sportingbet | [email protected] |
How to Remove GamProtect
If you’re currently a part of the GamProtect program, you won’t be able to use some of the most popular UK gambling sites like William Hill, Ladbrokes, or Bet365. However, there’s an easy way to bypass the whole system. All you have to do is visit a gambling site that isn’t a part of the GamProtect test trial. It’s that simple.
We understand and respect the motivation and goal of GamProtect. However, in its current state, it’s not going to stop many problem gamblers from enjoying their vice. It’s similar to the ways how to get around GamBan, mind you. It’s nothing a VPN and a Curacao-licensed casino can’t fix.
Casinos That Are Not On GamProtect
And while GamProtect sounds great in theory, and works like a charm for some folks, it’s way too easy to bypass nowadays. It’s still in a sort of a trial supporting just a few big gambling companies like Entain, Flutter, Bet365, and William Hill.
Naturally, there are thousands of casinos outside of GamProtect’s scope, meaning you shouldn’t have trouble finding them. According to our tests, the best platforms outside of Gamprotect are as follows:
Is GamProtect Effective?
GamProtect is slightly different from the likes of GamStop and GamBan. In essence, it is an effective way of cross-platform monitoring and treatment of high-risk players who are on their way to developing problem gambling issues. But, as explained above, it’s not that difficult to bypass GamProtect since there are countless online casinos working outside of its scope.
However, if you’d like an alternative responsible gambling tool, check out our BetFilter reviews and guide. It provides beginners with much-needed knowledge about BetFilter and its key features. If Gamprotect isn’t adequate enough for you, you should give BetFilter a try.