Voluntary exclusion facilities don´t come cheaply

With a set-up cost of GBP 3 million and annual running costs of a further GBP 1 million, it is clear that a voluntary self-exclusion system for Brit problem gamblers does not come cheaply.

The numbers were revealed Monday by the UK Gambling Commission exec in charge of the project, Alistair Quigley, in a presentation to members of the Remote Gaming Association.

The objective of setting up a database that includes self-exclusions by internet punters requires the development of a system through which troubled punters can disqualify themselves from all gambling activity, either through a UK licensed online casino site or directly with a preferably non-gambling central venue.

Such a system is a requirement of the major changes the British government has imposed on the industry recently (see previous reports).

That sort of interface integration on a large scale will entail the involvement of both operators and software providers, and a working group is already in place that includes the Remote Gaming Association and major members like Paddy Power, Betfair, William Hill, bet365 and Skybet.

There are also privacy and legal considerations that have to be taken into account, as well as security precautions against fraud or other questionable activity, and measures to ensure that marketers do not target individuals who have self-excluded.

Apparently the plan is to solicit tenders from third party software providers for the complicated and widespread technical work required.