GamStop is a self-exclusion scheme that all gaming platforms operating under the UKGC license are obligated to work with. But what is GamStop exactly? The GamStop self exclusion scheme helps players prevent harmful gambling habits from forming and mitigates their adverse effects.
It is quite a complex and thorough program, so there is no simple answer to the question what does GamStop do. To help you better understand the protection measures in place, we developed our own GamStop review that analyses and defines all the key features, including pros and cons. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is GamStop For?
There are quite a lot of tools and purposes that GamStop in UK covers as it is designed to ensure that players have a dependable and stable support system. With a set of end goals, GamStop aims to help players create a healthy relationship with gambling and take back control. Here is how GamStop is helping players change their gambling habits.
Protecting Gambling Addicts on Recovery
The primary goal of the GamStop scheme is to aid gambling addicts on their path to recovery. Though everyone is different and requires a different approach, this program ensures that players don’t give in to their temptations and place a bet. The GamStop program makes online casinos and sports sites unavailable to registered players, making it easier for former players to resist.
Preventing Binge Gambling Relapses
Binge gambling occurs when you place a lot of wagers during a short period with no concern for your budget or the effects of gambling. That is exactly what exclusion with GamStop helps prevent. Not only does this program stop you from accessing any gaming platforms, but it also provides additional resources that can help you avoid a relapse.
Enforcing Responsible Gambling Practices
The GamStop self-exclusion tool is just one method of responsible gambling practices that you can apply. In collaboration with other player-protection schemes, this program provides you with additional tools and knowledge to use responsible gambling practices. These practices include but aren’t limited to budget limitation, transactional blocking, account ban and deactivation, and more.
Bringing More Control Over Gambling Habits
Establishing control over gambling habits is one of the main purposes of GamStop for UK players. Thanks to the self-exclusion tool, you can easily distance yourself from betting sites, giving you enough time to establish control. The easiest way to break a habit is to stop doing it for an extended period, which is exactly what GamStop offers.
Overviewing GamStop Self Exclusion: Pros vs. Cons
If you still find yourself wondering what is GamStop scheme comprised of, we are here to guide you through it. GamStop, like all other self-exclusion programs, contains both positive and negative features, which our team of experts took a deeper look into. Dive into our pros and cons reviews and decide whether this scheme is right for you.
Advantages That Every GamStop Review Highlights
There are quite a lot of benefits that GamStop provides to UK players, which is why it is so popular. Here are the four key aspects to what makes GamStop useful.
Using GamStop Is Free of Charge
You can register with the GamStop scheme and start benefiting from its tools today, completely free of charge. This program was designed to be helpful and player-accessible, so it doesn’t cost anything to register with it. All you have to do is head to the website, sign in, register under your real name, and let the program do the rest.
GamStop Is a Sign of a Licensed UK Casino
All online casinos that operate under UKGC licences are a part of the GamStop program. These gaming platforms are more secure and reliable and provide you with a direct link to this self-exclusion program from their sites. So, if you feel like you are losing control of your gambling, you can just click on the link and register with GamStop immediately.
There Is No Way to Cancel GamStop
When you register for GamStop, you can choose between 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. It will not be possible to cancel GamStop during this time, as that defeats its purpose. The scheme does offer a kill switch that requires you to call the GamStop call centre by phone and wait another 24 hours for it to deactivate.
Customer Support Is Always Available
GamStop have a rather detailed FAQ section, and it also offers 4 different communication channels for users. You can send in a question via form or email at any time of day or can contact the customer support chat 7 days a week from 10 am to 8 pm.
Arguments Against GamStop Exclusion
As useful as the GamStop program is to British players, there are certain drawbacks that you need to be aware of. We took a closer look into exactly what does GamStop do wrong, so keep reading to find out.
Accidental Self-Blocking Is Irreversible
If you happen to self-block via GamStop, even by accident, that block becomes irreversible, and you have to wait out the given period to pass. While there are certain ways around this ban, it is quite a complicated process, and it can make your gaming experience less than pleasant.
There Are Many Ways to Bypass GamStop
Though GamStop has a major influence on the iGaming industry and overall authority, there are still plenty of ways to get around GamStop, if you so choose. You can use other people’s contact information or you can even create accounts on gaming sites that aren’t licensed by the UKGC, effectively bypassing GamStop.
Other Self-Exclusion Tools May Work Better
As prominent as GamStop is, it is often not the best choice. There are quite a few self-exclusion tools for gambling in the UK, many of which have better-developed methods that are more effective. So, while GamStop isn’t a bad option, there are other choices you should consider if you want to stop gambling.
GamStop Works Online Only
This self-exclusion program only has effect online, meaning you will have plenty of options to place wagers at offline, retail establishments with physical locations. Regardless of whether you prefer casinos or sports betting shops, GamStop self-exclusion does not apply to brick-and-mortar locations, so you can just walk in and start wagering.
GamStop Alternatives Popular in UK
The UK has several different player-protection schemes and programs that offer similar tools to GamStop. In our in-depth review of GamStop, we found a few alternatives and they are as listed below.
Steps to Start GamStop Exclusion
Read the Terms of GamStop Exclusion
Go to the GamStop Registration Page
Provide the Requested Personal Details
Check Your Email Inbox for Confirmation
What Is GamStop: Common Q&A
Is GamStop available worldwide?
No, it is not. GamStop is a local United Kingdom program that has direct ties to the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. As such, it is available only for British players and on gaming platforms which are licensed by the UKGC.
Is GamStop usable only for online casinos?
Yes, it is. GamStop is a self-exclusion tool that exists to help online casino customers gain control or completely put an end to their wagering habits. It also provides access to a lot of tools and resources for supporting recovering online gambling addicts. This program is not applicable to retail wagering locations.
Can I still play at online casinos if I am on GamStop?
That depends on your gaming requirements. If you prefer to play only at UKGC-licensed casinos, then you cannot do it when registered on GamStop. Alternatively, if you don’t mind playing at non GamStop casinos and non GamStop betting sites, you can place bets even when registered on GamStop.
Do all gaming companies participate in GamStop program?
It depends on the companies’ origins. Companies based in the UK are obligated to register with the GamStop scheme. That being said, there are quite a few foreign GamStop not participating companies as they do not adhere to the same rules.
Is GamStop free of charge?
Absolutely! GamStop is a free self-exclusion program available to all British bettors. All of the tools, resources, and any other kind of support are completely free of charge. To register for it, you simply need to provide the required personal information without making any payments.
What happens when GamStop ends?
Once the time period that you registered on GamStop for runs out, you can play at UK-licensed gaming sites once again. The period you choose depends entirely on you, and the options provided to you are 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years.
