In the digital age, online gambling has surged, leading to a significant rise in related issues. The UK’s response, Gamstop, represents a pivotal stride towards responsible gambling. However, there are still some online casinos outside of its purview.
That’s why in this article, you will find out what a non Gamstop casino UK is and an evaluation of its effectiveness. Read it for a clearer understanding of the reasons why, in some situations, Gamstop is not as effective as its developers had planned. You will also find some pros and cons of this system to see if it is a good solution for you.
Understanding GamStop’s Mechanism
The first thing to know about Gamstop is that it stands as a testament to the commitment to minimise the negative effects of casinos and combat problem gambling. This self-exclusion service makes it possible for users to restrict themselves from accessing casinos and sportsbooks licensed in the UK.
Since 2020, all casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission must not accept players who are currently self-excluded. So now, gamblers can use it as one of the solutions for recovering from gambling addiction. They can also choose a self-exclusion period by using the settings on the official Gamstop website.
It has become much easier for users to manage issues with problem gambling and avoid bigger problems. The most important thing is that access to all casinos with a UKGC license will be restricted, so there is no chance for gamblers to place a bet during the self-exclusion period. Here are some additional advantages of Gamstop:
- Voluntary Registration: Only gamblers can decide on the registration at Gamstop, which is more effective than restrictions.
- Choice of Ban Period: The exclusion period ranges from 6 months to 5 years, and it can be chosen right after registration. Select the preferred period during which you will be prevented from using gambling platforms.
- Guaranteeing No Access to any UKGC Gambling Platform: Once the settings are chosen, they can’t be changed, and access to any casino under the UKGC license and regulation is prohibited.
- Comprehensive Exclusion (in the UK): The gambler will lose access to all the gambling platforms licensed in the UK at once and will not be able to engage in online betting or gambling activities on these websites.
- Reintegration Post-Exclusion: After the player’s self-exclusion period is over, a player can access the gambling platforms again. However, exclusion will not be removed automatically, so they will need to contact support at the end of the self-exclusion period!
Gamstop can ensure a regulated environment where gambler safety and fairness are paramount. However, its effectiveness is limited to the UK’s jurisdiction, so there are some loopholes for non-Gamstop platforms. This means that even if players with gambling addiction use this tool, they can still find other platforms to play games during the self-exclusion period. Also, Gamston users are required to update their personal information on this platform regularly. It can be done in the personal account settings after a simple sign-in.
Navigating the Landscape of Non-GamStop Casinos
If you already have some experience in gambling, then you likely understand how non-GamStop casinos operate in this scenario. All such gambling platforms were licensed in other jurisdictions. That means if the casino has a Curaçao, Malta, or Gibraltar license, it can still operate and offer its clients easy access to gambling activities by bypassing the Gamstop restrictions.
For sure, the allure of such casinos lies in their less restrictive nature, also offering players more freedom in terms of bonuses and bets. However, there are some pros and cons you should know before signing up on one of these platforms. More details below.
Pros: Reasons to Play at Non-Gamstop Casinos
- Such gambling platforms still adhere to the regulatory standards of their respective licensing jurisdictions.
- Gamblers from the UK can still play at these casinos, with access to all their bonuses and games.
- These casinos offer a good selection of bonuses, games and payment options!
Cons: Disadvantages
- Standards they adhere to may differ from those enforced by the UK Gambling Commission.
- Exacerbating gambling addiction with offers such as money bonuses and Free Spins!
These casinos really have some great advantages, but there are still many cons, especially for vulnerable gamblers. Sure, there are lax restrictions and diverse offerings at non-Gamstop platforms, but there are also numerous risks that should not be underestimated. That’s why you need to think twice before signing up at such a casino. Choose only reliable platforms with valid licenses and problem gambling resources and tools.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous essential differences between Gamstop and non-Gamstop casinos, so it can be frustrating to choose the best option. But for sure, casinos with Curaçao, Malta, or Gibraltar licenses are not the best options for players who already have some problems with gambling addiction and are self-excluded from UKGC platforms.
In this case, it is a huge risk to make it even more intense and cause bigger financial problems. For them, Gamstop can be the best solution to get back to normal life and manage their habits, embodying the principles of responsible gambling online. However, it is not highly effective in the UK because of simple access to non-Gamstop gambling platforms.
