Over the years online gambling has become more popular by offering players amazing welcome bonuses and loyalty rewards, and also by giving them a variety of games to play. The online gambling scene has undergone many changes and upgrades to keep players happy and promote safe and responsible gambling.
One of these changes is the introduction of GamStop, a free exclusion service for players from the UK who believe that they should take a break from both in-person and online betting. While some players find this programme helpful, other savvy bettors may want to bypass it and can still find a reputable casino without Gamstop once they’re back in control of their gambling habits. There are also plenty of crypto casinos that accept players from the UK – these don’t fall under traditional licencing requirements since cryptocurrencies aren’t legal tender in most parts of the world as yet.
Either way, there are options for everyone.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the new rules imposed by GamStop in the UK and what it means for bettors in the region.
Online Gambling in the UK
Online gambling has gained a lot of traction over the years and had a lot of battles to become legal. However, with the help of the UK Gambling Commission, online gambling sites can operate legally, as long as they are licensed by the commission. The commission does not only assist with licensing, but also with advice, regulation, and guiding both players and online gambling organisations.
What Does GamStop Mean For Players?
GamStop allows players to block their access to various websites for a specific period that ranges between six months and five years. This restriction allows players to minimise gambling risks and also take a break when needed. Once a player registers with Gamstop their details are shared with all online gambling operators licensed to provide gambling services in Great Britain. This prevents players from having access to their accounts for the duration of the self-exclusion period. Gamstop aims to promote healthy and responsible gambling behavior and allows players to properly manage all gambling activities.
GamStop’s New Rules in the UK
GamStop already has multiple rules in place for both the operator and players to follow. However, there are a few new rules that have recently been added, which will be in effect from the 1st of April 2024. All players and operators must familiarize themselves with the new rules to understand how they will impact gambling activities in the UK. Here’s a list of the new rules to be added:
- The inclusion of telephone and email operators: All gambling operators in the UK who allow and accept bets telephonically or via email will also be included in the GamStop self-exclusion scheme.
- Gambling tools: Operators who take part in the GamStop self-exclusion scheme must provide players with the needed tools to help them manage gambling behaviors, this can include reality checks and deposit limits.
- Mandatory participation: All regulated online and offline gambling operators in the UK must take part in the GamStop self-exclusion scheme and all GamStop registered players must automatically be excluded from all gambling activities.
- Exclusion periods: The minimum Gamstop exclusion period will be extended from six months to one year, this will allow players to abstain from all gambling activities for a longer period.
Registering for Self-Exclusion
To be able to use GamStop self-exclusion, players must register for the self-exclusion program. When registering for the self-exclusion scheme, you need to indicate the minimum period you wish to self-exclude (minimum exclusion period). The available options are six months, one year, or five years. To register, there is a registration process that needs to be followed by filling in an online form and providing the following information:
- Your full name and title
- Date of birth
- Any mobile numbers you use to register with gambling operators
- Primary email address, along with any alternative email addresses you use to register with gambling operators
- Your full home address and any alternative addresses used to register with any gambling operators
Before your registration is complete, you must review the information you provided before you enter the verification process, and then you will go through a verification process. GamStop uses two third-party verification service providers. Verification requires a pictured legal identification document.
Once you are registered you will automatically be excluded from all online gambling sites. However, self-exclusion might not be effective for all operators, hence it is your responsibility to ensure that you follow the self-exclusion rules and use self-restriction if that is your goal.
What happens after Gamstop
After your GamStop exclusion period ends, your self-exclusion will not automatically end, as it will still be in place for seven years unless the following steps are taken to remove it:
- You can sign into your GamStop account to see if the exclusion has expired
- If your self-exclusion has expired, you can contact GamStop. They will then verify your identity and start the removal process
Options Outside of Gamstop
Even though GamStop is helpful for both players and online casinos, there are quite a few online casinos that are not on GamStop. This is helpful for the large number of bettors who enjoy betting on Non-GamStop platforms as they often offer additional flexibility, and diversity in games and great bonuses and promotions for players. These platforms are still licensed and regulated, offering players a safe platform to bet on. As mentioned above, many of them also accept cryptocurrencies, giving players more payment options and the ability to enjoy the benefits of using crypto, like fast and cheap transactions and greater anonymity.
Conclusion: The Importance of Responsible Gambling
There are pros and cons to the new rules and regulations imposed by GamStop. While the programme has been developed to support a healthy balance for bettors, some players enjoy the diversity that Non-GamStop platforms offer. Players should do their own research before playing on any platform to ensure the best gaming experience.