The rise of online gambling has brought us many benefits in of entertainment. But, it introduced one major need, too – the need for responsible gambling tools. This is why regulators across the world have been requiring that online casinos provide detailed information on responsible gambling, as well as options that can help prevent problem gambling. One such tool is Gamstop, a self-exclusion program that protects players from gambling harm.
If you are considering using an online casino, you should know all about its responsible gambling tools and practices. In this post, we will tell you all about Gamstop, hos to check if a casino is part of it, and what to do if it is not.
What Is Gamstop?
Gamstop is a free, UK-based responsible gambling service. Simply put, it allows players to self-exclude from all gambling websites that use the same service. Gamstop was established in 2019 as part of the UK government’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling. Today, it is used by all UKGC-licensed casinos that operate within the United Kingdom, providing players with the option to block themselves from ed websites for a set period.
This period can range between six months and five years, depending on what the player chooses. When you sign up for Gamstop, the program will add your details to the national database, which is shared with all the casinos, sportsbooks, and other gambling companies in the United Kingdom.
Let’s say that you’ve added yourself to the Gamstop list. Once you are on it, all the operators will prevent you from accessing their sites and basically, from gambling.
The idea behind Gamstop is to help those struggling with addiction by offering a way to limit their exposure to gambling websites. Still, this only limits players from gambling on Gamstop sites – they still have access to sites that don’t use the program, unless those sites have a different exclusion program which they also use.
Exploring Non Gamstop Casino Options
Many players these days prefer not to play on sites that Gamstop. Why is this, you wonder? Well, players love to have more choices and, when you eliminate the restrictions that come with Gamstop, you can get more games, different bonuses, and simply different casinos to play at. Players are often drawn to the long list of casino games not on Gamstop, the fast verification processes, and the option to keep gambling even if they have already submitted their information to Gamstop.
This can be risky if one is struggling with problem gambling, but that’s not the only reason why players choose non-Gamstop casinos. These sites offer greater flexibility and diversity not only in of game variety, but also in of bonuses, g up, withdrawals – and much more.
What If the Casino is Not Part of GamStop
Let’s say that you found a casino that’s not part of Gamstop. This automatically means that the casino doesn’t have a license from the UK Gambling Commission. All casinos that are UKGC-licensed now use Gamstop – it is a rule.
Casinos that aren’t participating in Gamstop are located outside the UK since they are not legally allowed to offer services within the country. This doesn’t make them a bad choice, though – not at all. There are many regulatory bodies worldwide that have strict criteria for giving out licenses, so you can definitely find a safe non-Gamstop casino out there.
Gambling at non-Gamstop casinos can expose you to an environment with fewer safeguards against addiction, though this is not necessarily the case. If you are looking for such sites to continue gambling because you are in the Gamstop program, you might be dealing with gambling addiction. Be mindful of the potential risks, find a secure casino – and put responsible gambling first.
Responsible Gambling Reminder
Responsible gambling should always be your priority, regardless of where you gamble – or what you play. Whether you play at a physical casino using your cash, or you’ve decided to gamble online to use your credit card, responsible gambling should always be a priority. For many, turning to online gambling is the perfect way to avoid the commute to physical casinos, as well as reap the many bonuses and perks that come with it. But, while you should definitely enjoy the flexibility and easy access this offers, you need to make sure that you are gambling for fun – and responsibly.
If you find that you are somehow struggling with gambling, or if you feel like you are losing control over your spending, there are many resources you can use for help. organizations like the National Gambling Helpline, GamCare, and BeGambleAware, to mention a few, offer confidential help and advice.
Many casinos provide tools similar to Gamstop. They can provide you with options for limiting your deposits to prevent you from overspending. You can use self-exclusion, just like with Gamstop, and time-out periods to prevent you from gambling.
These features are all designed to help players manage their gambling habits. Gambling should remain an enjoyable activity. It’s a recreational thing, not something that you can use as a source of income.
So, if you feel like gambling is no longer fun or like you are developing a problem, the options for help are right there at your disposal. This is, of course, if you use a casino that has responsible gambling practices and resources, which is highly recommended.
