Facial recognition now addressing and supporting self-exclusion in Gambling

In 2018, a study by NHS Digital concluded that there were 280,000 people experiencing problematic gambling, in England alone. A 2020 YouGov poll suggested that number is closer to 1.4 million.

Gambling addiction occurs when someone cannot control their impulse to gamble, even when doing so compromises their finances, their family or their wellbeing. Disordered gambling can be treated, and this treatment plan can include setting boundaries and controls around access – which is particularly relevant to online gambling, and online providers offer support using digital tools.

But what about those people that attend a high street shop, or a real world casino? The Gambling Commission has created a self-exclusion support system - with which all such premises must comply. This means that customers can exclude themselves from gambling at real world shops and casinos. The concept is sound - but the implementation can be problematic. The current system relies on names and pictures, with staff members expected to remember, recognise and react sensitively to self-excluded individuals.

But with human interaction comes error. A busy shop, a new employee, a shift change - no cohesive or feasible method of sharing self-exclusions across borders and areas - all provide fail points for a system that, in principle, should be hugely supportive.

tFRC believes it has the solution, with a national ‘safety net’ of it’s own - ready to collaborate with gambling establishments nationwide to support people who self-exclude.

Using our technology, an individual could self-exclude from any of the networked premises - with our Facial Recognition system identifying, at point of access, those who have asked for support, and automatically alerting staff who may then respond sensitively and appropriately. Whether the self-excluded person attended a local shop, or travelled elsewhere in the country, the system would offer national protection.

Problematic gambling may be an individual pursuit, but it is rarely of individual impact. Partners, children, parents, extended family members and friends may suddenly, and devastatingly, find their own lives in financial crisis. Based on the most recent YouGov figures, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to estimate the shockwaves of disordered gambling to affect up to 10 percent of the UK population, with most of this group entirely unaware until crisis hits.

tFRC is discussing this positive and creative solution with high street chains and national organisations - helping to provide support and signposting at the point of acute need, helping companies and organisations to fulfil their obligations, and supporting staff to engage the joy of games and sports with customers, without anxiously scrutinising crowds.

We believe that this is a timely concept, and we’re working with high street chains and organisations to offer national logistics and a seamless, integrated solution.