Gamstop is the self-exclusion tool for problem gamblers in the UK. It is a free service that allows gamblers to exclude themselves from online gambling websites.
Players can use Gamstop on online casinos that have the UK Gambling Commission license. When they self-exclude, they have been blocked all online casino websites in the UK.
It is designed to help people who cannot control their gambling impulses. It is not a cure for gambling addiction, but it can help problem gamblers stay away from online casino websites.
If you think you have a gambling problem, we recommend that you seek help from a gambling addiction treatment centre. Gamstop can be a helpful tool for gamblers who are trying to overcome their addiction, but it is not a substitute for professional help.
How does Gamstop Work?
Players can sign up for Gamstop on the Gamstop website. They will need to provide their personal information, including their name, address, date of birth, and email address. They will also need to create a username and password.
Once they have registered, they will need to choose how long they want to be excluded from online gambling sites. They can choose to be excluded for a minimum of six months, and a maximum of five years.
Once they have self-excluded, they will be immediately blocked from all UK online gambling websites. If they try to access a gambling website, they will be redirected to the Gamstop website.
What happens after I created my account?
After you have created your account, you will be sent an email confirming your registration. The email will contain information about further practical tools and support designed to help you stay away from online gambling websites.
It can take up to 24 hours for your self-exclusion to become effective. You will be excluded from gambling with all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain for a period of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years (depending on the option you chose).
The Pros and Cons of Gamstop
There are both pros and cons to using Gamstop. Below, we have listed some of the key advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- It is free to use
- It is a simple and easy way to exclude yourself from online gambling websites
- It is a quick and effective way to block yourself from all UK online gambling sites
- It can help gamblers who are trying to overcome their addiction
Cons:
- -It is not a cure for gambling addiction
- -It does not block you from gambling websites outside the UK
- -It does not block you from gambling with non-UK licensed gambling companies
- -It does not stop you from visiting land-based casinos
How to Avoid Gamstop?
If you have been forced into signing up to Gamstop, and you really want to avoid it, there are a few ways you can get around the self-exclusion scheme.
One way is to gamble with online gambling websites that are not registered with Gamstop. There are many online gambling companies that are not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and, therefore, are not required to be part of Gamstop.
These gambling websites are not subject to UK law, so they can offer their services to UK gamblers. However, we do not recommend using these websites as they are not regulated and could be unsafe.
Another way to avoid Gamstop is to gamble with land-based casinos. Gamstop only applies to online gambling websites, so you can still visit land-based casinos in the UK.
However, we would not recommend this as a long-term solution as it is important to gamblers who are trying to overcome their addiction to stay away from all forms of gambling.
If you are trying to avoid Gamstop, we recommend that you seek professional help to overcome your gambling addiction. There are many organisations that can help you, such as Gamblers Anonymous and the National Gambling Helpline.
These organisations can provide you with support and advice on how to overcome your gambling addiction and stay away from gambling for good.
The legal aspects of Casinos not on Gamstop
The Gambling Act of 2005 regulates gambling in the country and covers a wide range of gambling activities, including sports betting, bingo, casino games, and poker. There are a number of restrictions in place, such as a ban on advertising gambling products to children, and self exclusion with Gamstop. But overall the UK has a fairly liberal approach to gambling.
Players can legally gamble at online casinos that are not on Gamstop. This is because the Gamstop programme is a self-exclusion scheme which only applies to UK licenced gambling operators. So, if an operator is based overseas, then it will not be subject to UK gambling laws and will not be required to sign up to Gamstop.
This means that players can still access hundreds of casino sites that are not on Gamstop. However, it is important to note that these sites may not offer the same level of protection as UK licenced operators. So, it is important to do your research before signing up to any gambling site.
How To Get Yourself Out of Gamstop
There are a few ways that you can get yourself out of Gamstop. The first way is to contact the casino that you are registered with and ask them to remove your name from their list. This may not be possible with all casinos, but it is worth a try.
The second way is to try and find a casino that is not on Gamstop. This may be difficult, but there are some out there. You can search for them online or ask around at gambling forums.
The third way is to contact Gamstop and ask them to remove your name from their database. This may take some time, but it is the only surefire way to get yourself off Gamstop.
If you are having trouble with gambling, then Gamstop may be the best option for you. It is a voluntary service that will help to keep you from gambling online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gamstop
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What gaming organizations does GAMSTOP service?
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Will I continue to receive advertising from gambling sites?
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Is it possible to terminate my ban early?