Gamstop started in 2016 by the National Online Self Exclusion Scheme Limited (NOSES), has become a valuable tool in promoting responsible gambling. The self-exclusion service is free and is available in all UKGC-licensed online casinos and betting sites.
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The UKGC requires all its online licensees to adopt Gamstop. So, does Gamstop work, how effective is it, and what are the limitations of the self-exclusion scheme?
Gamstop Self-Exclusion Scheme
Gamstop is a free self-exclusion service available to UK players in all online casinos
not on Gamstop and betting sites with a UK license. UK players looking to take a break can voluntarily sign up for Gamstop and self-exclude for six months, one year, or five years.
This tool helps restrict the online gambling activities of registered punters. If you register for Gamstop, you cannot access any online gambling platform with a UKGC license.
After the minimum self-exclusion ends, a player can opt to roll over the self-exclusion or deactivate the self-exclusion. You have to contact Gamstop customer support by phone to deactivate Gamstop. If you don’t call, Gamstop will extend your self-exclusion for an additional seven years.
Does Gamstop Work?
Yes. Gamstop self-exclusion service has been a great success in the UK, a country known for its love for gambling. Since its inception in 2016, over 250,000 people have signed up for the service. Individuals can use this service anytime, and it does not require any payment or membership fee.
Gamstop will prevent you from accessing UK online gaming platforms during self-exclusion. This benefits problem gamblers looking to manage and control their online gambling activities.
Gambling addiction is a serious socioeconomic issue in the UK. The free exclusion service helps promote responsible gambling while offering support to players seeking a break from online gambling.
Players are free to choose their periods of self-exclusion. You can self-exclude for six months, one year, or five years. Punters must be self-aware of their ability to control their gambling activities when choosing a period and removing Gamstop.
Limitations of Gamstop
While Gamstop is effective, it has limitations.
Only Available on UK Sites
Gamstop is only available on UKGC-licensed online gambling sites. For Gamstop to be effective, gamblers must control their gambling habits and not try to bypass Gamstop.
Deactivation is not Automatic
After the minimum self-exclusion period ends, the deactivation of Gamstop is not automatic. You must contact Gamstop by phone or through your online account and request for deactivation. When players don't request deactivation, their self-exclusion is extended for seven years indefinitely. This is a huge controversy in the UK as the policy is deemed too punitive.
Players Can’t Unblock Themselves
While signing up is optional, if you choose a self-exclusion period that is too long, you can only unblock yourself once the minimum exclusion period lapses. The lack of flexibility can ward off punters who may want to join the service.
This is inconvenient for players who can now control their gambling activities but can't unblock themselves. The players, thus, opt for non-Gamstop casinos and betting sites.
Not Holistic
Gamstop focuses on the consequences of gambling while ignoring the cause of gambling addiction. Furthermore, the service doesn't address the pathological craving for gambling in punters who may be tempted back into gambling through advertisements.
The service doesn't offer a holistic approach to helping addiction since the support services are limited. Also, players can easily bypass Gamstop by playing on offshore casinos and betting sites without Gamstop.
No Support for Withheld Funds
Gamstop has also been accused of not helping punters who sign up for the service to get their winnings before exclusion. Some sites might also withhold players' funds, and Gamstop doesn't help.
Non-UKGC Casinos and Gamstop
Gamstop doesn’t apply to online sites not registered in the UK. British players looking to get back into the action can continue playing their favourite casino games and bet on sports in non-Gamstop casinos and betting sites. Non-UKGC casinos do not have Gamstop, and UK players can play here even when on Gamstop.
The good news is that some casinos without Gamstop have self-exclusion programs where punters can self-exclude for a period of their choosing. You can find top non-Gamstop casinos offering an immersive gambling experience. You will also get the features and benefits of any UK site on sites without Gamstop.
Non-UKGC casinos have a free hand on whether to adopt Gamstop since Gamstop is voluntary for these sites. Non-UK online betting firms don’t have to adopt Gamstop to get a gaming license.
Sites not on Gamstop offer generous bonuses, sleek interfaces, bonus features, and many betting options. You will find many
online slots not on gamstop from major gaming softwares like NetEnt and Playtech and sports betting on popular sports like football, horse racing, and basketball. You will also get live casino games, e-sports, and live betting on non-Gamstop sites.
Many top non-Gasmtop betting sites on top review sites offer the best in online gambling, including casino games and sports betting.
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Conclusion
Gamstop is a free self-exclusion service in UKGC online gambling platforms. During the self-exclusion period, punters cannot access sites with a UKGC license. Despite its successes, Gamstop has a few limitations, including only being available to UK sites, non-automatic deactivation, no support for withheld funds, and the inability to unblock oneself.
Non-UK sites are becoming a popular alternative to UK players looking to bypass Gamstop. Online casinos and betting sites not on Gamstop accept UK players and allow them to bet on sports and play their favourite casino games without Gamstop restrictions.
