Guide to the Benefits of the MOSES Gambling Self-Exclusion Scheme

A Comprehensive Guide to the Benefits of the MOSES Gambling Self-Exclusion Scheme

Article ImageUnderstanding the challenge of managing gambling habits has led to the development of the MOSES Gambling Self-Exclusion Scheme, a crucial tool for those looking to take a significant step towards responsible gambling.

This innovative service offers a simple yet effective solution – the ability to self-exclude from multiple betting shops with just one phone call, making it a cornerstone for individuals seeking help on how to stop gambling online or offline.

Launched in 2016, MOSES has become a beacon of hope, offering a tailored approach to ban myself from gambling by identifying the specific betting shops I’m inclined to use, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of my commitment to self-control.

Our journey through this guide will delve into the essential aspects of MOSES, highlighting its key features and the seamless process of how to register for the MOSES program.

We’ll compare MOSES with other self-exclusion programs, including online platforms and how it stands out in assisting individuals with a self-exclusion removal request should they decide to return to gambling responsibly.

Furthermore, we’ll explore the benefits of joining MOSES, underscoring its role alongside services like the National Gambling Helpline in providing a comprehensive support system for individuals dedicated to overcoming their gambling challenges.

Understanding the MOSES Self-Exclusion Program

Embarking on a journey towards responsible gambling, the MOSES (Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion) service offers a beacon of hope for individuals like myself, determined to find a sustainable solution to manage gambling habits. This program, grounded in simplicity and effectiveness, allows users to self-exclude from multiple betting shops across Great Britain with just one phone call. Here’s a closer look at how the MOSES Self-Exclusion Program unfolds:

Initial Steps and Registration:

• Contact: Reach out to the MOSES helpline at 0800 2942060, a dedicated line for those seeking to self-exclude.
  Personalization: The service tailors the self-exclusion to the individual’s specific needs, focusing on the betting shops they frequent.
• Duration: Users can choose a self-exclusion period ranging from 6 months to 5 years, ensuring flexibility to suit various recovery phases.
• Verification: MOSES ensures the individual’s photo and address are verified, safeguarding against any potential lapses in the self-exclusion process.

During Self-Exclusion:

Renewal and Addition: After a year, there’s an option to renew the self-exclusion or add more premises as needed, demonstrating the program’s adaptability to evolving recovery needs.
Cooling-Off Period: Expressing a wish to return to gambling triggers a 24-hour cooling-off period, a thoughtful design to encourage reflection and prevent impulsive decisions.

Support and Assistance: Beyond the self-exclusion, MOSES offers additional support options, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of gambling recovery.

Unique Features:

Exclusivity to Betting Shops: Specifically targeting land-based bookmakers, the MOSES scheme addresses the unique challenges associated with physical gambling venues.

Comprehensive Approach: As part of the broader effort by the National Gambling Helpline, MOSES is integrated into a wider support system, aiming for a holistic recovery journey.

Regulatory Compliance: MOSES is a crucial component of the Gambling Commission’s requirements for non-remote operators, ensuring a standardized approach to safer gambling practices across the industry.

The MOSES Self-Exclusion Program stands out not only for its ease of access and customization but also for its commitment to providing a structured path towards responsible gambling. By enabling individuals to take control of their gambling habits in a supportive and flexible manner, MOSES plays a pivotal role in the landscape of gambling recovery in the UK.

How to Register for the MOSES Program

Registering for the MOSES (Multi Operator Self Exclusion Scheme) program is a straightforward process designed to support individuals in taking a significant step towards responsible gambling. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to get started:

Initiate the Process:

Make the Call: Dial 0800 294 2060 to reach the MOSES helpline. This is your first step towards self-exclusion.
Email for Information: Although you cannot register via email, sending a message to [email protected] can provide you with more details about the process.
Provide Necessary Information:

Identification: You’ll need to provide a copy of your photographic ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Photograph: A clear, recent photograph of your face is required. This can be sent by post or email, depending on what’s most convenient for you.

Complete the Registration:

Advisor Assistance: A trained advisor will guide you through creating a personal self-exclusion plan based on your usual gambling activities. This ensures your self-exclusion is tailored to your needs.
Confirmation: Once your photo and ID are verified, and your self-exclusion is set up, the MOSES team will circulate your information to the relevant bookmakers to ensure compliance.

Key Points to Remember:

Self-Exclusion Duration: The minimum period for self-exclusion is six months, during which you will not be able to access any participating betting shops.

Service is Free: There is no cost to enroll in the MOSES program, making it an accessible option for everyone.
Flexibility: You can also choose to self-exclude from other venues like online betting sites, casinos, and arcades, enhancing your control over gambling activities.

Efficiency: A significant majority of customers complete their registration in a single phone call, highlighting the program’s user-friendly approach.

By following these steps, individuals can embark on a journey toward responsible gambling with the support and resources provided by the MOSES program.

Key Features of the MOSES Program

Exploring the MOSES program further, we find a suite of features designed to empower individuals seeking to manage their gambling activities more effectively. These features are tailored to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly approach to self-exclusion, addressing the unique needs and habits of each participant. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:

Comprehensive Coverage Across Sectors:

MOSES enables self-exclusion from a wide range of gambling sectors, including land-based arcades, betting shops, bingo halls, and casinos. This broad coverage ensures that individuals can limit their exposure across multiple gambling environments with a single request.

Single Request Convenience: The program’s design allows customers to exclude themselves from multiple operators within the specified sectors through a single request, simplifying the process and making it less daunting for users to initiate their self-exclusion journey.

Customization and Flexibility:

Digital Mapping Tool: A standout feature of MOSES is its use of a digital mapping tool that customizes the self-exclusion zone based on specified locations. This ensures that the self-exclusion is relevant and effective for the individual’s specific circumstances.

Adaptability Over Time: The program offers the flexibility to add premises to an existing self-exclusion or adjust the terms once the fixed period has been observed. This adaptability is crucial for catering to the evolving needs of individuals as they progress through their journey towards responsible gambling.

Fixed Term and Cooling-Off Period: The self-exclusion lasts for a fixed term of 12 months, after which individuals wishing to return to gambling must observe a 24-hour cooling-off period. This built-in reflection period is designed to support mindful decision-making and prevent impulsive return to gambling activities.

Privacy and Support:

Confidentiality: By joining MOSES, individuals agree to share their contact information and photo with participating bookmakers. This ensures that the self-exclusion is effectively communicated while also maintaining privacy and confidentiality.

Helpline and Additional Resources: The MOSES service includes the option to transfer calls to the National Gambling Helpline, providing an immediate resource for additional support. This feature underscores the program’s commitment to offering a holistic support system for individuals, encouraging them to seek help if gambling negatively impacts their lives or those around them.

The MOSES program’s thoughtful integration of comprehensive coverage, customization, and support features demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with gambling. By offering a pathway that is both accessible and flexible, MOSES stands out as a valuable tool in the pursuit of responsible gambling and recovery.

Benefits of Joining the MOSES Program

Joining the MOSES program brings a multitude of benefits for individuals grappling with their gambling habits. Here, we break down these advantages in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the positive impact of the MOSES scheme on controlling and reducing gambling activities:

Control and Reduction in Gambling:

Overall Control: MOSES helps participants significantly control the amount they gamble by providing a structured framework to self-exclude from multiple betting shops.

Targeted Assistance: Specifically designed for gamblers recognizing a problem with their habits, MOSES offers a proactive step towards recovery.

Effectiveness: A substantial 83% of customers surveyed found MOSES effective in reducing or completely stopping their gambling activities.

Accessibility and Financial Advantages:

Wider Reach: Unlike Gamstop, which is limited to online platforms, MOSES extends its reach to physical betting shops, offering a comprehensive solution.

Cost-Free: The program is free of charge, ensuring no financial barriers to access.
Renewable Exclusion: With a minimum exclusion period of 12 months that can be annually renewed, participants have the flexibility to extend their commitment to recovery.

Supportive Measures and Positive Outcomes:

Structured Pathway: For those nearing the end of their self-exclusion term, MOSES offers guidance on extending the exclusion or responsibly resuming gambling activities.

Personal Responsibility: The scheme emphasizes the individual’s responsibility to avoid betting shops, with 86% of customers acknowledging this aspect.

Barriers and Support: Customers appreciate the barriers MOSES establishes, preventing gambling, and value the additional support provided, including the option to discuss concerns with trusted individuals and practical measures to avoid gambling venues.

Through these points, it’s clear that MOSES not only serves as a critical tool for individuals seeking to manage their gambling habits but also fosters a supportive environment conducive to recovery. The program’s comprehensive approach, coupled with its emphasis on personal responsibility and the availability of additional support, makes it an effective option for many seeking to reduce or stop their gambling activities.

MOSES vs. Online Self-Exclusion Programs

When comparing MOSES with online self-exclusion programs such as GAMSTOP, it’s essential to understand the unique features and reach of each program to make an informed decision about which might best suit your needs. Let’s break down the key differences and similarities:

Reach and Accessibility

MOSES:

Offers a comprehensive approach to self-exclusion, covering a wide array of gambling sectors including land-based arcades, betting shops, bingo halls, and casinos.
Focuses on physical venues, allowing users to self-exclude from multiple locations with a single request.

GAMSTOP:

Targets online gambling platforms, blocking access to websites and apps run by operators licensed in Great Britain.
Suitable for UK and NI residents, providing a digital barrier to online gambling activities.
Enrollment and Customization

SENSE and BISES:

SENSE facilitates self-exclusion from all land-based UK casinos, requiring either in-person registration at a casino or submission of an application via email.
BISES enables self-exclusion from land-based, licensed bingo premises across the UK, with the option to register in-person at a local bingo club.

BACTA:

Supports self-exclusion from arcades and gaming centers, offering assistance both in-person and via telephone.
Support and Additional Features

TalkBanStop:

A collaborative effort that combines practical tools and support, laying out a three-step process for individuals seeking to stop gambling: Talk, Ban, and Stop.

Gambling Blocking Software:

Provides an additional layer of protection by preventing devices from accessing gambling websites, complementing both MOSES and GAMSTOP initiatives.

By understanding the distinct aspects of MOSES compared to online self-exclusion programs and other related schemes, individuals can tailor their approach to managing gambling habits more effectively. Whether opting for MOSES to address physical venue gambling or leveraging online tools like GAMSTOP and blocking software for digital gambling activities, the key is finding a solution that resonates with personal circumstances and recovery goals.

Customizing Your Self-Exclusion Plan with MOSES

Customizing my self-exclusion plan with MOSES was a process that felt both empowering and reassuring. The program’s use of a digital mapping tool allowed me to specify the locations I wanted to avoid, tailoring my self-exclusion zone to my daily routines and potential triggers. This level of customization was crucial for me, as it ensured that the places I frequented or might have been tempted to visit were covered under my self-exclusion agreement.

Digital Mapping Tool Customization:

Step 1: Identify Locations – Pinpointing the betting shops I frequented or could potentially visit.
Step 2: Create Exclusion Zone – Using the digital mapping tool to set up a personalized perimeter that includes these identified locations.

Step 3: Review and Adjust – Having the option to revisit and adjust this zone as my circumstances or habits changed.
The MOSES program also provided the flexibility to add or renew premises in my self-exclusion plan. This adaptability was beneficial in two significant ways

Adding Premises: If I discovered a betting shop that wasn’t initially included in my self-exclusion but posed a risk, I could easily add it to my plan by contacting the MOSES team.

Renewing Self-Exclusion: Once my initial self-exclusion period neared its end, I had the option to renew it, reinforcing my commitment to stay away from gambling venues.

Lastly, the MOSES program acknowledged the complex journey of overcoming gambling by incorporating measures to capture a service user’s wish to return to gambling, subject to a 24-hour cooling-off period. This thoughtful feature allowed me to make a considered decision about my gambling habits, emphasizing the program’s focus on fostering responsible gambling behaviors.

Return to Gambling with Caution:

Initial Decision: Expressing the wish to return to gambling after the fixed term.
Cooling-Off Period: A mandatory 24-hour reflection period to ensure my decision was well-considered.
Support Options: Offering to transfer my call to the National Gambling Helpline for further guidance or support.
Through these mechanisms, MOSES not only helped me manage my gambling habits but also provided a structured yet flexible framework tailored to my recovery journey.

Support and Resources Available Through MOSES

Navigating the journey to overcome gambling habits, the MOSES program is complemented by a wealth of support and resources aimed at providing a holistic approach to recovery. Among these, GamCare stands out as a beacon of assistance, offering a suite of services tailored to individuals grappling with gambling-related challenges. Here’s a brief overview of the support mechanisms in place:

GamCare Services:
Helpline and Chatrooms: Available 24/7, offering immediate support.
Forum: A community space for shared experiences and advice.
Self-exclusion Programs and Advice: Guidance on how to effectively utilize self-exclusion tools.
Treatment Services: Access to professional help and counseling.
For those exploring self-exclusion as a method to curb gambling, it’s crucial to be aware of the variety of programs available, each catering to different facets of gambling:

Self-Exclusion Options:

GAMSTOP: For online gambling platforms.
SENSE: Targeting all licensed land-based casinos in Great Britain.
The Bingo Association: For self-exclusion from licensed land-based bingo premises.
BACTA: Covers Adult gaming centers, High street arcades, and more.
SmartEXCLUSION: A tool for self-exclusion from High street bingo and Adult gaming centers.
The MOSES service itself goes beyond merely facilitating self-exclusion; it offers additional support that can be tailored to the individual’s journey towards responsible gambling:

MOSES Additional Support:

Adding Premises: Ability to include more locations to your self-exclusion plan.
Renewing Self-Exclusion: Option to renew the self-exclusion once the initial period concludes.
Capturing Return to Gambling Wishes: Implementing a 24-hour cooling-off period for those considering returning to gambling, ensuring decisions are made thoughtfully.

Each of these resources plays a pivotal role in the recovery process, offering not just a way to avoid gambling but also support and guidance on managing one’s relationship with gambling. Whether through the immediate assistance of GamCare’s helpline, the community support found in forums and chatrooms, or the structured approach of self-exclusion programs, individuals are provided with a comprehensive toolkit to aid in their journey towards recovery.

The Impact of MOSES on Gambling Behavior

Evaluating the impact of MOSES and similar interventions on gambling behavior reveals significant insights into their effectiveness and areas for enhancement. Here are some of the key findings and how they relate to the broader context of gambling prevention and support:

Effectiveness of Interventions

Knowledge and Misconceptions: A notable improvement in correct knowledge about gambling and a reduction in misconceptions were observed following an integrative intervention aimed at preventing youth problem gambling. This suggests that educational components are crucial in shifting perceptions and understanding of gambling risks.
Reduction in Gambling Hours: There was a noticeable decrease in the total hours spent gambling per week among participants, indicating that interventions can effectively curb the amount of time dedicated to gambling activities.

At-risk and Problem Gamblers: The number of at-risk/problem gamblers decreased during the study period, with these findings remaining stable after a 6-week follow-up. This stability post-intervention underscores the potential for long-term impact on gambling behaviors.

School-Based Programs

“Don’t Gamble Away Our Future” (DGAOF) Program:
Increased Gambling Knowledge: Students who received the intervention twice showed increased gambling knowledge, highlighting the benefit of repeated exposure to educational content.

Decrease in Problem Gambling: The prevalence of problem gambling among students decreased, pointing to the program’s effectiveness in mitigating gambling-related issues.

Long-term Impact: The program had a positive long-term effect on increasing knowledge and reducing the prevalence of pathological gambling through direct training, although its influence through peer education among untrained students was limited.

Need for Additional Support

Limitations of Self-Exclusion: While self-exclusion, including schemes like MOSES, plays a significant role in preventing gambling, evidence suggests it may not be sufficient for individuals with a stronger addiction. These individuals often find alternative ways to gamble, highlighting a gap in the self-exclusion approach.

Recommendation for Comprehensive Support: For those likely to circumvent self-exclusion measures, there’s a clear need for additional support mechanisms. This could include more personalized interventions, ongoing counseling, and access to resources that address the root causes of gambling addiction.

In summary, while programs like MOSES and school-based interventions demonstrate positive effects on reducing gambling hours, improving knowledge, and decreasing the prevalence of problem gambling, there’s an essential need for comprehensive support for those with stronger addictions. These insights not only affirm the value of such interventions but also underscore the importance of a multi-faceted approach to effectively address gambling behavior across different populations.

Conclusion

The exploration of the MOSES Gambling Self-Exclusion Scheme reveals a multifaceted approach to managing gambling habits, presenting a path towards responsible behavior for those engulfed in the challenges of gambling.

By providing a comprehensive guide to its process, benefits, and comparison with other self-exclusion programs, this article has dissected the significance of MOSES in fostering self-awareness and control among individuals.

Its integration with additional support systems, and its emphasis on customization and accessibility, not only enhance the effectiveness of self-exclusion but also ensure a supportive journey towards recovery.

Ultimately, the importance of initiatives like MOSES cannot be overstated in the wider landscape of gambling management and recovery.

While acknowledging the scheme’s role in reducing gambling activities and offering a structured pathway towards self-regulation, it also brings to light the ongoing need for enhanced support and resources for those seeking to overcome gambling challenges. As we reflect on the insights provided, it becomes evident that the journey to responsible gambling is multifaceted, necessitating a broad-based approach that blends self-exclusion with comprehensive support to navigate the complex dynamics of gambling behavior effectively.

FAQs

How Does the MOSES Self-Exclusion Scheme Operate?

The MOSES self-exclusion scheme enables individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling for a set period of 12 months, which can be extended indefinitely through an annual renewal process via a simple phone call.

What Advantages Does Self-Excluding from Gambling Offer?

Self-exclusion helps individuals resist the urge to gamble by providing a structured break from gambling activities. It is most effective when used in conjunction with gambling counselling, which aids in understanding the underlying reasons for gambling and developing strategies to manage or stop gambling behavior.

Can You Explain the Purpose of a Gambling Self-Exclusion Scheme?

A gambling self-exclusion scheme is designed for individuals who recognize they are spending too much time or money on gambling and wish to take proactive steps to ban themselves from participating in both in-person and online gambling activities.

What is the Meaning of MOSES in the Context of Gambling?

MOSES stands for the Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme, which enables individuals to request exclusion from multiple betting shops of their choice. Furthermore, the scheme GAMSTOP provides a similar service for online platforms, allowing individuals to self-exclude from gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain.