How Self Exclusion is Supporting Gamblers Across the UK – including the 55% of people who gamble in Wales
The Gambling Commission reports that 55% of people in Wales gamble regularly – however not all of these are problem gamblers, in fact many people gamble for fun and don’t have an addiction.
However, for gamblers who feel they are spending more than they would like, Gamstop is a national British online gambling blocking scheme available by request. Once requested, the scheme excludes the player from accessing all online casino sites of which the gamer is a member. Playgrounds voluntarily register for Gamstop.
Things to be aware of when using Gamstop
Not all sites are signed up to Gamstop
The initiative is supported by the UK, however not all global online casinos are in the Gamstop system. There are a number of existing gambling sites not on gamstop – old and new online sites licensed from Curacao, Cyprus or Malta may not join Gamstop, and the British Gaming Commission has no legal authority to force them to do so.
A gamer can discover gamestop-free sites including:
1. Casino.
2. Bookmaker.
3. Lottery.
4. Bingo.
5. Poker.
Despite the blockage, players can still place bets and spin the reels, make sports bets, play the lottery and bingo, and make poker bets on sites which are not signed up to Gamstop.
Is it possible to bypass the Gamstop
If a player wants to stop his gambling activity, they will block themselves on all casino sites using a Gamstop. Once this is done, they will not be able to register with other UK online clubs. If a player wishes to resume, they will find it difficult, even if a gamer has limited his activities for six months. Once registered, it will not be easy to recover access to play in British casinos.
To bypass the Gamstop, players would need to select a casino that is not in the registry, as it is impossible to try to bypass the system to place bets.
Where and how to choose a non-gamstop casino; advantages of sites
When choosing a casino that is not registered in the Gamstop, players should consider the following criteria:
- the reputation of the club;
- free spins;
- bonus program;
- withdrawal time;
- availability of a license to carry out legal activities;
- number of developers;
- maximum percentage of bonuses.
The main advantage of non-gamstop casinos is the ability to gamble without restrictions: make a deposit, withdraw funds, spin the reels of slot machines, make bets, etc.
Non-gamstop providers
When choosing casinos that are not included in the gamestop register, it is important to give preference to online sites with licensed software. Such slot machines are produced by world leaders in the field of product development for the gambling industry. Among the providers are noted:
- Microgaming.
- NetEnt.
- Play N’GO.
- Red Tiger.
- Rival Gaming.
The slot machines of these developers have high payouts, so it is profitable for the player to launch them.
Non-gamstop casino license types
It is never advised to play at a site without a licence, however the UK is not the only licensing authority worldwide. Despite the absence of a gamestop in the register, some playgrounds have international regulatory licenses:
- Curacao eGaming;
- Malta Gaming Authority;
- Cyprus Gambling Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a gamstop?
This is the online blocking of gambling sites in the UK.
2. How does gamstop work?
The player locks himself into the system, blocking access to all casinos where he has ever registered for a certain period.
3. How to bypass the gamstop?
You can register at online casinos that are not included in the gamstop register.
4. What gambling sites are not included in the gamstop?
Online casinos, bookmakers, bingo, poker and lotteries.
5. Is it safe to play non-gamstop casinos?
Yes, if they are licensed by the gaming commissions of Malta, Curacao or Cyprus and provide licensed software from the developers Microgaming, NetEnt, Play N’GO and others. Those who have registered for gamstop should seriously think before seeking alternatives.
6. Is it legal for Brits to play non-gamstop casinos?
Yes, since joining a gamstop is voluntary and not punishable by law.