GamStop is the most popular self-exclusion scheme in the UK, designed to help players who want to take a break from online gambling. It is the online equivalent of SENSE (Self-Enrolment National Self-Exclusion), which is designed for those ready to self-exclude from land-based casinos. GamStop was introduced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and is designed for UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) punters.
All UKGC-licensed casino websites are obliged to participate in GamStop and once players are registered, they won't have access to their gambling accounts for the entire term of the self-exclusion scheme. Here's a brief overview of the companies and organizations behind the program.
What is GamStop?
GamStop allows players to register and self-exclude from all gambling websites licensed in the UK. However, this doesn't stop them from playing games offered by offshore casinos licensed outside the UK. Gambling being a popular hobby, there are many regulators, including Curacao, Malta, Alderney, the US and Canada. However, joining offshore casinos has various drawbacks. It is vital to review each offer carefully before signing up. GamStop involves self-exclusion from UK casino sites for at least six months. However, players can choose to self-exclude for a year or five years.
Is GamStop Independent?
The UK Gambling Commission introduced GamStop. All casinos licensed in the UK must participate in the program to continue providing chance games for UK players. The UKCG is the agency mandated to oversee gambling activity in the UK and tasked with licensing operators in the region.
However, as aforesaid, several other regulators govern gambling activity in other countries. Since no UKGC law prohibits players from joining offshore sites, you can still explore games offered by various casinos not on GamStop based in the UK and outside the United Kingdom. Players can also enjoy games in land-based casinos unless they are registered for the SENSE program, which bars access to offline gambling halls.
How GamStop Works
GamStop is a voluntary program, so players choose to join at will. During registration, players must provide details about their current and previous addresses, postal codes, email addresses and mobile phones. UKGC sites are also expected to establish a robust KYC (know your customer) process with ID verification for all members signing up for a new gambling account.
Once players are registered on GamStop, they won't be able to play on casino sites licensed by the UKGC. All player casino accounts will be suspended for the self-exclusion term, after which you can continue playing, or register once more to stay away from UK online casinos. Here's how GamStop works:
Casino Participation
All UKGC licensed casinos are obliged to participate in GamStop self-exclusion to retain their gambling license. This includes all online casinos and mobile sites that offer real money games and sports bets. Casinos must also collect player information to help in identifying those registered for the scheme.
Player Registration
Players sign up for GamStop voluntarily, specifying the period within which they want to avoid UK online casinos. GamStop allows players to choose between six months, a year or five years. Registration is done through GamStop official website, which contains instructions on what information is required.
Player Blocking
Once you register on GamStop, UKGC casinos will block you from playing real money games. The restriction automatically goes into effect 24 hours after registration. All registered players cannot get off GamStop before the specified self-exclusion term elapses.
Players who register on GamStop by mistake can still find online casinos not part of the scheme. These are mostly non-UK casino sites and international brands that welcome players from across the world. If you want to block access to all online casinos in the UK and abroad, there are various GamStop alternatives, such as Gamblock, Gamban, Gamcare, Net Nanny and Betfilters. Most offers are apps that players install on their phones, tablets and PCs to prevent access to gambling websites, adverts and materials.
Conclusion
GamStop isn't an independent organization. The scheme was designed by the UKGC to help punters looking to exercise self-restraint from online casinos. As such, it only applies to casinos licensed in the UK.
Operators and players outside the UK don't have to abide by GamStop or UKGC restrictions. Instead, they use self-exclusion schemes and requirements in their jurisdictions. On the other hand, Gamblock, Betfilter and other GamStop alternatives mentioned above block access to all gambling material, both in the UK and offshore.