Gambling can appear as both a boon and bane. This is so because on one hand a player experiences an adrenaline rush, monetary gain, and on the other, there is often a probability of losing millions if the stars aren’t on their side. But what seems even more baneful is problem gambling and gambling addiction, which has emerged as a nationwide concern. According to the 2021 statistics, around 0.5% of adults are prey to problem gambling, and over 13% of the adult population are negatively impacted by gambling.
To combat the growing issue, the UKGC(United Kingdom Gambling Commission) issued the self-exclusion tool, GamStop on all UKGC licensed casinos, games etc. Once the required person registers for a specific period of seclusion, GamStop prevents the user from accessing any gambling sites, apps, etc. These days the functionality of GamStop has spread its services to the sports industry. Meanwhile, players still have access to non GamStop online sportsbooks in the UK without mentioned restrictions, due to this it is extremely important to promote responsible gambling. The sports industry in the UK is a hub for betting, and sports like golf attract huge audiences. Hence, spreading awareness regarding gambling right from the golf courts is a very good idea. The Professional Players Federation(PPF) has been working its best to propel the message of self-exclusion programs and the harmful impacts of problem gambling.
The PPF is a body representing elite, reputed players all across the UK. It is also the national organization of the players in the UK, representing the interests of the players, including the Professional Football Association, Golf Association, rugby, cricket, horse racing, etc. This body representing the views of the players is of the opinion that the players wish to remain ardent supporters of responsible gambling.
Why is it important to support GamStop among Golf Players?
Several elite golf players have emerged as supporters of GamStop and also patterned themselves accordingly. The truth is not completely hidden that even players might be prey to problem gambling, and what could possibly be a kickstart to a new change than representing self and putting up an exemplary turn for the teammates.
The Professional Golf Association, represented in the PPF prioritises safe gambling practices among its members so that their objective reaches the greater section of people. Moreover, golf players are viewed as idols or role models to several youngsters and adults, who they wish to emulate and follow. Hence, when a popular role model and star propagates the need to join GamStop and a positive message, a great mass of followers are influenced.
Several golf stars have collaborated with GamStop, and are ardent patrons of it. Not only do the golf players preach the addictive and harmful aspects of gambling, but also they promote in golf news the use of self-exclusion software, and programs. To a great extent, they also try to reach out the message of how one can limit their time for gambling, and thereby lessen the consequences of problem gambling. Besides wearing jerseys, and representing themselves as supporters of GamStop and responsible gambling, these players also express their opinions on social media and at press conferences.
Potential GamStop Supporters
- Tyrrell Hatton– The fame of Tyrrell Hatton is not unknown to the English. He is undoubtedly one of the most popular golf players in the UK, competing in the PGA Tour, the European Championship, and the Challenge Tour. Born in Buckinghamshire on October 14, 1991, this famous golf player brought home the cup from the European Tour six times. He also won the Rolex series four times, and also earned ten professional wins. He has always been very vocal about the need for responsible gambling, and the urgency to use GamStop in case someone is turning out to be a problem gambler.
- Paul Casey– This professional golfer in the 2000s has earned his impressive best ‘ranking number’ of 3 in 2009. Born in Gloucestershire in 1977, he is known for his amazing stats, 15 winnings in the European Tour, 2 mega wins in the Asia Tour, 1 win in the PGA Tour of Australasia win. Worshipped as one of the best players of all time, Paul Casey himself used GamStop, and also promoted his support among his young fans.
- Rory Mcllroy– Being one of the ‘most successful’ golfers of all time, Rory Mccllory is recognized for his exceptional performance and 28 professional wins. He had also been ranked as the ‘number 1 player’ in the chart of the Official World Golf Ranking for 100 weeks in a row. Born in 1989, and hailing from Northern Ireland, this phenomenal player holds the record of winning the PGA 18 times, the PGA Tour of Australia for a time, the Asian Tour once, and the European Tour fourteen times. Mccllory had extended his support to GamStop during his active days and continues to do so till now.
Matthew Fitzpatrick– Born in 1994, this young English golfer took up the golfing industry by storm just at the age of 16 years. He has seven professional wins and earned his fame by winning the U.S Amateur in 2013. He displayed his extraordinary skills in the 2015 British Masters, where he earned his first professional win. His current stats displays his winnings 7 times on the European Tour, and a win on the Asian Tour. His highest ranking is 16. Being a young adult, this golf star has expressed his opinions with his fans on social media and influenced a large number of people to opt for responsible gambling.