What is GamStop in the UK?

As Europe’s gambling industry grows, cases of gambling addiction are also increasing on the continent. According to the Gambling Commission, 53% of people aged 16 and over in the region gambled last year. Of these, 430,000 people are addicted to gambling, and more than 1.85 million people are at risk of addiction.

However, people who use online gambling platforms know how addictive gambling can be. They do not mind setting up self-exclusion and stopping gambling.

Thus, GamStop has emerged as one of the best platforms with self-exclusion facilities in the UK.

What is GamStop?

GamStop is a free online service that allows players to take control of their gambling habits. Once users are registered with this platform, they will not be able to play at any online casino in the UK.

The platform allows users to enforce opt-outs for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. However, after the exclusion period ends, GamStop will not immediately return control to you. Deregistration is a time-consuming process, which can be both a good and a bad thing.

It is good for addicted gamblers as it prevents them from gambling. However, many players only suffer from mild addiction and choose to use GamStop only for short periods of time. A long and tedious deregistration process is not a good thing for them.

What are the perks of GamStop?

Some people reflexively go to online casinos frequently. These individuals often become addicted. For them, GamStop is a good application. Benefits of this free online service include:

This is a free online service.

Gambling is already a problem, especially when it comes to people’s finances. Therefore, it makes no sense for self-exclusion platforms to have fees. GamStop gives players access to free online services.

custom terminology

GamStop offers customizable self-exclusion terms. Players can decide how long they will be excluded from gambling sites. People who have a severe addiction and need to take a long-term break from gambling can choose the five-year plan. Slightly addicted players can choose to activate GamStop for six months.

TalkBanStop

GamStop has TalkBanStop, a partnership between GamCare, GamBan, and GAMSTOP. This gives users access to free tools that can help treat gambling addiction.

What are the downsides of GamStop?

Although GamStop offers free facilities, there are some restrictions that you should consider before signing up.

It’s not easy to cancel your subscription

When players sign up for GamStop, they receive various terms and conditions. One of them is to choose between an exclusion period ranging from 6 months to 5 years. If the player selects the option, GamStop will suspend access to the game.

Let’s say a person loses a lot of money and out of frustration decides to join GamStop. The individual cannot easily deregister. They have to go through a long unsubscription process that involves answering a lot of questions and going through several steps.

Alternatively, players can find a non-GamStop casino to play instead.

Limited to UK casino sites only

GamStop is only available on gambling sites operating in the UK. Users will still be able to interact with gambling platforms that are not located in the UK.

Conclusion – Is GamStop Worth It?

For those looking to curb their gambling addiction, GamStop is worth the effort. Its strictness prevents all players from interacting with gambling sites in the UK.

However, this may be considered too strict by many. Gambling is still entertainment. Responsible gambling practices still exist and players can choose for themselves.

Learn more