Does anyone else have experience with this?
I've just been trying to exclude myself with companies I don't have accounts with but they reply as if I'm nuts (which I am!). It's actually really angering me, 'spread betting' is considered gambling under UK tax law, but isn't regulated by the gambling commission, instead it's the FCA. I find it entirely wrong that this is the case, why should they be allowed the tax break to entice new gamblers (as 84% of their clients lose money), yet not be held to the same regulation.
Its bothering me as I've read that there is this new law coming in re gambling exclusion and I'm assuming that they will not be required to follow this.
Hello Lizzy32,
You've mentioned how you'd like to self-exclude from online companies you don't have accounts with, and they've explained that they can't do this for you. It could be worthwhile to consider other ways to reduce your risk of spread-betting online. Some of our forum members have described recovery methods like limiting their access to money by allowing a partner or parent to hold their money, or inhibiting their spending by allowing a partner or parent to have oversight of their financial transactions. Another common 'Block' is to filter your internet access, putting parental controls on your home broadband and installing restrictions on your devices like your smartphone, as a way to reduce the risk of uncontrolled spending. Another often-used approach is to schedule your time with a balance of other activities, to reduce the time available for the problem behaviour.
It is good that you're using the forum to discuss your concerns. If you feel that you need more support, you might also like to consider using therapeutic services like 1-2-1 therapy sessions, as many of our forum members have found that seeing a therapist has helped them to better understand their problems and how to progress their recovery.
Take care,
Forum admin.
I understand your anger Lizzy32. the problem is that many see gambling as a choice which people can take or leave so when they encounter compulsive or ill people the industry isn't really set up to help them. Gamcare offers some basic strategies as Forum Admin has kindly shared but i'd keep looking for as muich different help and strategies as you can on top of those listed.
Good luck, Tri
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