The Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS), a not-for-profit organisation providing a central, independent register of vulnerable people, has partnered with Gamban to recommend its software that blocks access to all online gambling sites and apps across all of a person’s devices.

This can be accessed free of charge in the UK through TalkBanStop .com

VSR’s mission is to help flag vulnerable individuals to companies to help keep them safe. People who register for the VRS can choose to simply make people aware of their circumstances, or they can opt to be declined financial or related services for a period of time – perhaps because they feel that they are not in the position to make a decision which is really in their best interests.

The collaboration with Gamban will encourage those who have registered to protect themselves from any temptation to gamble.

Helen Lord, CEO of VRS, said: “Those experiencing financial vulnerability have very often experienced gambling harm. That is why it is so important that services like the VRS and Gamban work together to ensure that people presenting to either of us are signposted to any additional support they need.”

In 2020, Gamban teamed up with the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP, and the leading treatment provider GamCare to form TalkBanStop, giving those experiencing harm from gambling access to their software for free.

The company also struck a partnership with Norway’s government-owned national lottery and gaming operator, Norsk Tipping, to provide its software to those who have self-excluded, as well as Finland’s monopoly operator Veikkaus. Gamban is also free through Ohio’s self-exclusion platform TimeOutOhio, and has recently commenced a similar pilot in the Netherlands.

Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, said: “In a world where the lure of immediate gratification through digital activity is increasingly tempting, we want to help people regain control and balance – and by using Gamban, they can do that.

“Layering up blocking software with self-exclusion ensures that devices are unable to access gambling sites and apps, whether regulated or unregulated. This approach to gambling harm reduction is now utilised across the world and we’re delighted to be partnering with VRS to raise awareness of the free tools and support available in the UK.”

Once the player downloads Gamban, it’s designed to be as difficult to remove as the various devices allow. Gamban aims to provide the right balance between player protection and intrusion.

Zarb-Cousin added: “We always recommend using other barriers in addition to gambling-blocking software, such as self-exclusion. The friction these offer give the individual a chance to think between urge and action. During this time, they can ride out their urge or think again before acting on temptation.”