GamStop self-exclusion is designed to allow UK punters to take a break from gambling whenever they want to. It is a voluntary scheme for the players but a mandatory license requirement for gambling operators licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Once players are registered on GamStop, they’ll be effectively blocked from all UKGC casinos and sportsbooks for the entire duration of their self-exclusion term. However, some may want to reverse the self-exclusion or continue playing despite being registered on GamStop.
GamStop Overview
GamStop is one of the gambling blockers introduced by the UK Gambling Commission. It allows players to take a minimum of six months away from gambling websites and products UKGC licensed operators offer. Unfortunately, it does not work with regulators outside the UK. UKGC rules are the strictest worldwide and are designed to protect players from Great Britain.
This makes UK casinos quite appealing to players. However, several other reputable gambling agencies govern different jurisdictions. GamStop only works in the UK, so blocked players won’t have access to UKGC sites. All UK gambling operators are obliged to participate in GamStop by collecting player information during account registration and login. The information is then synchronized with the GamStop database to block players who have voluntarily self-excluded from UK gambling sites. The minimum self-exclusion term is six months, and players can also choose a year or five years. Once on GamStop, players will not access UK casinos until the self-exclusion term expires.
Is There A Way To Cancel GamStop?
If you are looking for a way to cancel your GamStop registration, the truth is there’s none. Once you submit your application, you only have 24 hours before being blocked from all online casinos, sportsbooks, bingo and poker sites, slot sites, and mobile casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. As such, you should withdraw all funds from your UK casino accounts before signing up on GamStop.
After your registration goes active, you won’t have a way to access your accounts until the self-exclusion term expires. It is almost impossible to register by mistake since you have to enter accurate information and select the self-exclusion period. However, if you end up on GamStop and wish to cancel, you can contact customer support within 24 hours of registration, but there are no cancellation guarantees. Your only options are to wait for the exclusion term to expire or explore non-GamStop gambling sites.
Can GamStop Players Play After Self-Exclusion?
Yes. GamStop players will regain access to their accounts with UK casinos once the self-exclusion term expires, which can be anything between six months and five years. However, you can’t play on sites licensed by the UKGC while still active on GamStop. Fortunately, the scheme is only mandatory for UK operators. Moreover, no regulation prohibits UK players from exploring games provided by offshore websites. There are some British online casinos without GamStop, all of which are licensed outside the UK and based in Curacao. These sites provide the same games and lucrative bonuses, so you can continue betting on your favorite options.
However, offshore websites aren’t designed with the UK player in mind, so they might lack popular UK banking methods and games. Nonetheless, you’ll encounter many reputable and reliable independent casinos with several convenient payment options and all your favorite titles. Most non-GamStop casinos are licensed in Curacao, but you can find websites licensed in Sweden, Denmark, Australia, USA, Canada, India, Macau, Gibraltar, Malta, etc. Just make sure you stick to trustworthy casino brands. Below are some crucial aspects of reviewing before joining non-UKGC gambling websites.
- Licensing – Make sure the casino has a valid gambling license from credible agencies and commissions like Malts, Curacao, Alderney, Gibraltar, etc.
- Fair Play – Stick to casinos with games independently tested for fair results by reputable auditors like eCOGRA, DLI, and iTech Labs.
- Security – Choose websites with the latest SSL certificates, 24/7 malware scans, strict anti-sharing privacy policies, and a clean track record with no breach history.
- Impressive Games – If you prefer betting on a particular game, ensure the casino has the option before signing up.
- Convenient Payments – Offshore casinos may not accept UK banks and other options like PayPal and Pay by Phone. You can review the cashier section to choose sites with convenient payment methods.
Various aspects encapsulate gambling online, including customer support, bonuses/promotions, VIP schemes, etc. Players should focus on finding websites that suit their gambling style and needs. If offshore websites don’t settle well with you, two more options for playing casino games are available. You can explore land-based casinos in the UK unless you are registered on SENSE (Self Enrolment National Self Exclusion), the GamStop equivalent of offline UK gambling, or play games on social casinos that don’t feature real money payouts.
Conclusion
It’s not possible to cancel GamStop once you are registered, so you’ll have to wait out the self-exclusion term to regain access to accounts held with UK casinos. It uses different technologies to share your data with registered operators. However, you can continue playing real money games online through offshore and independent casinos.
UK punters can play wherever they want. What’s more, GamStop doesn’t restrict registered players from land-based casinos and gambling halls. Just make sure you review each offer to find the best operators depending on your gambling preferences and needs.
