Latin America is an important target region for many gambling operators globally – residents of the region have shown increased interest in this entertainment during the last few years. Therefore, the number of online casinos and sportsbooks has significantly evolved. Higher accessibility of these risky activities has benefited countries’ residents, who have a broader choice and multiple opportunities. At the same time, the popularity of online gambling imposes particular risks, which should be managed. Addiction is among the primary challenges that governments, operators, and players must address.
The responsible gambling trend reached Latin America, and everyone engaged in the industry should comply with the central policies. Self-exclusion programs are among the working tools to fight the disorder, and their popularity is growing worldwide. While players are not usually inspired by the possibility of being banned from gaming and betting sites, it’s still an efficient tool, so let’s explore the main aspects.
What is GamStop?
This self-exclusion program is the most widespread globally and covers all the websites under the UKGC licensing. The UK boasts strict gambling legislation, controlling all the industry aspects and aiming to provide a transparent and regulated environment for operators and risk seekers. GamStop allows compulsive players to be restricted from online casinos and sportsbooks and use the self-exclusion term for engagement in support groups and appropriate therapies. The ban for six months, one year, or five years (depending on the user’s choice) cannot be suspended or cancelled, which is among the main reasons for the program’s efficiency.
While UK gamblers can take advantage of GamStop on every licensed and regulated platform within the country, foreign players still face limitations. Therefore, risk hunters from Latin America still have multiple ways to avoid self-exclusion. It’s enough to find a platform licensed by regulators other than the UK Gambling Commission that offers games not on GamStop like on NonGamStopBets and join them. In this case, players are unable to use GamStop and won’t be engaged in this program.
The Need for Self-Exclusion Alternatives to GamStop
While GamStop doesn’t cover all the casino and bookies platforms globally, the issue of gambling addiction is alarming. The LatAm iGaming market is rapidly developing, bringing numerous challenges to operators and regulatory authorities. For instance, the addiction rate in Chile has grown from 2.2% in 2018 to 8.3% in 2022, and other countries in the region show similar statistics. Therefore, increasing user awareness of possible harms and negative consequences is mandatory to avoid a possible crisis, including educating them about non GamStop betting options for those UK punters who are seeking responsible alternatives. By promoting responsible gambling practices and offering sports betting options not with GamStop, operators can help mitigate the risks associated with excessive gambling and safeguard the well-being of players in the Latin American region.
The absence of GamStop regulations impacts market development, so there’s a high need for implementing similar programs to secure LatAm gamblers. The good news is that numerous similar software programs are available globally, and compulsive players can voluntarily join them to avoid worsened conditions.
International Self-Exclusion Programs
The good news is that GamStop is not the only tool for modern gamblers. While this software only covers UK-based gaming and betting platforms, overseas players can use numerous alternatives. The most common options include GamBan, BetBlocker, and NetNanny. All these programs work pretty similarly, restricting players from potentially harmful platforms and providing access to timely treatment and support. Users can be banned for a chosen period, during which they cannot join casinos. GamStop’s experience and participants’ reports highlight the efficiency of this tool in coping with compulsive gaming and its consequences.
The self-exclusion tools are accessible to everyone, and joining any of them won’t take much time. Users should only enter the chosen website and add personal details and self-exclusion terms. The ban begins when the administration confirms the player’s identity, which usually takes up to 24 hours.
Latin American-Specific Solutions
Gambling disorders are prevalent among LatAm users, and the high accessibility of gambling platforms is among the main reasons for this problem. The risky activity is allowed in the region’s countries, but still lacks regulation from responsible authorities. Therefore, Latin America doesn’t have any local self-exclusion programs. However, the rapid industry development raised the need to implement appropriate regulatory bodies. Every country has gambling-controlling authorities, guiding players in the world of casinos and sportsbooks and increasing awareness of possible harms.
Latin American players suffering from compulsive behaviours can take advantage of international self-exclusion programs, limiting access to thousands of betting and gaming websites. Users can join them with a few clicks and enjoy gambling-free lives and timely support and treatment, which is especially relevant for those suffering from the disorder.
Gambling Addiction Support
Gambling disorders are prevalent among casino players; this issue should be discussed to increase customer awareness and cope with the problem on the entire continent and beyond. Therefore, operators must inform their players of all the industry’s harms and risks. At the same time, regulatory bodies control the casino’s compliance with responsible gambling principles and guarantee a suitable environment for every player.
Every country in Latin America where gaming is not restricted has appropriate authorities controlling the industry. For example, Mexican players can contact the New Mexico Gaming Control Board to get timely support and treatment in case of compulsive behaviours. At the same time, gamblers from Chile can reach the Ministry of Health of Chile to get appropriate help. Of course, residents of LatAm countries can also take advantage of international helplines like Gambling Therapy, which are available for everyone requiring support.
Final Verdict
The development of iGaming sector globally, including Latin America, seems beneficial for both players and operators. Users can enjoy higher accessibility to this exciting entertainment, while casinos target more customers to boost their profits. At the same time, such rapid growth raises multiple challenges, and compulsive behaviours are the primary case.
All industry players, including responsible authorities, non-profit support organizations, and gambling operators, must unite and implement common solutions to cope with the problem. Self-exclusion is a tool that has already shown its efficiency. Latin American risk seekers can engage in multiple programs like GamBan and BetBlocker, and fight gambling addiction with different entertainment facilities.