An investigation by the Kent Messenger recently revealed the extent to which self-exclusion is failing individuals with gambling problems.

All gambling companies must legally be part of the self-exclusion scheme and are required to make reasonable steps to prevent those who have self-excluded from gambling. However, bookmakers in Kent have been shown to serve customers who have joined the self-exclusion scheme.

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Labour and Co-operative Group and Councillor for Chatham Central said, ‘I pay tribute to KentOnline for this important piece of investigative journalism highlighting the flaws in the current system.

‘Self-exclusion is one of the key ways that problem gamblers can self-regulate and prevent further damage to themselves and those around them, but the system is not working.

‘The scheme relies on staff’s ability to recognise problem gamblers from a photograph and it’s clear that many who have signed up have fallen through the cracks.

‘The tragic deaths of young men with gambling problems we’ve seen around Kent recently shows just how important it is to get this scheme right.

‘If bookmakers are unwilling to make self-exclusion work, I’m concerned that problem gamblers will stop signing themselves up for the scheme.

‘Bookmakers can show that they are serious about tackling problem gambling by training and supporting staff to enforce self-exclusion.’

National Gambling Helpline: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/

Gambling Commission on self-exclusion: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/for-the-public/Safer-gambling/Self-exclusion.aspx

KentOnline investigation exposes flaws in gambling exclusion scheme at William Hill, Coral, Betfred and Paddy Power: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/banned-gambler-places-bets-at-15-bookies-206048/