Gambling Addiction Among Ugandan Players: Can Self-Exclusion Help?

Uganda is one of the “fresh” places with a massively growing gaming market. And even though it comes with some regulations regarding gaming and betting, they are still not entirely developed and in some aspects are also weak. That’s the very reason why there is an urgent necessity for alternative gambling balancing tools and measures. One such program that is widely utilised in the UK and beyond is GamStop. Plus, there are also many sites with no GamStop casino games with alternative self-exclusion solutions that can reduce the harm coming from excessive gaming.

While the UK’s approach may seem overly strict, it has proven effective. Uganda could look to this example to gain better control over the industry and prioritise the well-being of its citizens. But is GamStop really effective? What perks and downsides does it have, and can it be effective for Ugandan Players? We will discuss all these questions below.

The Overall Situation in Uganda Gambling Market: Statistics

If we take a look at recent reports, we can see that over 71% of Ugandan residents have taken part in betting or gaming activities at least once. This makes the field a growing trend in the country. And even though the industry generated more than a trillion Ugandan shillings profit in 2023, its massive growth also pulls forward numerous challenges and issues. The biggest one is the fact that almost 17.7% of players have gaming-related issues. Plus, this number is expected to grow even more if the Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board Uganda doesn’t take action to address these concerns.

How GamStop Helps to Fight Compulsive Gaming

Problem gambling primarily affects a person’s finances, often causing them to lose even their smallest savings. Worse yet, many people who lose control over their gambling start borrowing money, leading to deep debt. This financial strain can quickly evolve into a mental health issue, resulting in depression, stress, anger, and even suicidal thoughts.

To prevent this from happening, there is a range of self-exclusion tech solutions. Here are the key ways this responsible gaming program supports users.

Self-Exclusion

When users choose self-exclusion, they block access to gaming products and give themselves time to heal. The greatest part is that GamStop cannot be paused or cancelled, which means individuals must complete their chosen exclusion period before returning to gambling. They can extend this period if needed to develop healthier habits.

Offering Mental Health Support

In addition to self-exclusion, GamStop connects players with confidential mental health support. It offers links to helpful resources like the National Problem Gambling Clinic, GamCare, Gambling Therapy, Anonymind, Peer Aid, and Gamblers Anonymous, ensuring timely professional assistance when needed.

Free of Charge

Another great benefit is that GamStop is completely free. Since many problem gamblers already face financial struggles, having access to a free program that helps them recover without additional costs is a huge advantage.

Personalised Support

GamStop also features a Spotlight section that provides personalised support based on your situation, with options for men, women, and sports fans.

Is GamStop Really Effective for Ugandan Players

The United Kingdom has strong gambling legislation and was the first country to introduce a nationwide self-exclusion program. GamStop is connected to all sportsbooks registered in the UK, which enables operators to identify problem gamblers and restrict their access for a set period. Users can choose how long to be excluded and can extend the ban if needed.

The program has been successful, with over 80% of participants noticing improvements. However, it has its flaws, as many players turn to betting sites outside the UK that aren’t covered by GamStop. So, those looking to gamble should consider using alternative blockers. These tools can help them keep their gambling habits in check and limit access to potentially harmful sites.

Final Notes

For gambling enthusiasts who want to better manage their gaming habits and finances, GamStop can be incredibly effective. It helps many individuals stop their addiction before it worsens. By registering with GamStop, you can prevent or address serious issues such as gambling debt, mental health struggles, family conflicts, and even life-threatening situations like suicide attempts. But, since GamStop is unavailable in Uganda, players should use GamStop alternatives available in the country.

Naturally, most betting enthusiasts don’t embrace the thought of being restricted from their favourite gaming sites. Some users gamble responsibly and stop playing once they’ve lost their entire bankroll. However, many continue to deposit money, hoping for a big win with their next bet.

Currently, about 17.7% of Ugandans are at risk of gambling-related issues, which is quite high compared to countries with stronger regulations. For example, the rate of gambling disorders in the UK is only 0.5%, and their nationwide self-exclusion program has already shown positive results. Ugandan bettors should take note of this example and consider using gambling blockers at the first signs of trouble to prevent serious mental health issues and a difficult recovery process.