UK elite athletes body teams up with Gamstop

The PPF said it would look to raise awareness of the solution among its members and the wider public through the new partnership, sharing information about Gamstop across the PPF website and social channels.

The federation, which includes the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and similar bodies in cricket, darts, racing and rugby among its members, said the partnership builds on its existing responsible gambling initiatives.

Currently it looks to educate players about the potential risks associated with gambling, with Gamstop to be integrated into its current range of educational assets.

“Professional athletes are at a higher risk of developing gambling problems than their peers outside of sport,” PPF chief executive Simon Taylor said. “We are therefore pleased to help promote Gamstop to make it easier for players that decide they want to self-exclude.”

Since March 2020, all British online operators must be integrated with Gamstop as a condition of their Gambling Commission licence.

Consumers who register with Gamstop can choose to exclude themselves from every 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.

Fiona Palmer, chief executive of Gamstop, said she was “extremely excited” to work closely with the PPF and its members.

“We welcome PPF’s commitment to protecting and educating those closest to sport who might be affected by problems with their gambling,” Palmer said. “This partnership will help ensure that all members have the practical tools and support around them to be protected and educated.”

More than 150,000 people have already registered with Gamstop since its launch.