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A Guide to Responsible Gambling with GamStop
Nothing compares to the rush of roulette, the sensation of spinning slots, or the tension as you wait to see whether your acca is going to come in. Gambling is a fun, popular pastime for so many people across the world, and for good reason. But for some, what starts out as fun can sometimes turn into a bit of a problem. That’s where GamStop comes in, offering a helping hand for anyone who needs it. Join the kings of the casino as we explain what GamStop is, how it works, and other important aspects of responsible gambling in the UK.
What is Gamstop?
GamStop is a free national online self-exclusion scheme. It enables people across the UK to exclude themselves from all participating online casinos in one go. This means that once you register with GamStop and activate your self-exclusion, you won’t be able to access gambling websites and apps that are integrated with the service. Think of it as a bit of a circuit breaker, giving you some time and space to regain control.
How Does Gamstop Work?
GamStop works by matching the details you provide during registration (name, address, date of birth, email addresses, etc.) with the information held by online gambling operators. When you try to access a participating gambling site, GamStop checks if your details are registered. If they are, you’ll be prevented from accessing the site. It’s the same reason our registration process might seem a little vigorous at times – we just want to keep you safe!
The process is overall quite simple:
Register: You sign up on the GamStop website (gamstop.co.uk) and provide your personal details.
Choose your exclusion period: You can select a self-exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. This is a serious, important decision, so take your time to consider what's right for you.
Activate: Once you've registered, there's a 24 hour cooling-off period before your self-exclusion becomes active. This allows for reflection.
Support: GamStop provides links and information to responsible gambling charities and support organisations.
GamStop Self-Exclusion: Taking a Break
Self-exclusion is a powerful tool for anyone who feels their gambling is becoming a problem. It means exactly what you think it does – excluding yourself from playing. It’s like putting yourself on a time out. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. It means you can take a break from gambling, giving you time to reassess your relationship with it.
UK Gambling Regulations and Responsible Gambling
Just like us, the UK Gambling Commission takes responsible gambling very seriously. They have strict regulations in place to protect players, including requirements for operators to integrate with self-exclusion tools like GamStop. This commitment to player safety is something we at Casino Kings strongly believe in. We are proud to be a GamStop-integrated casino, demonstrating our dedication to responsible gambling.
Stop Gambling: Seeking Help
If you’re worried about your gambling, or if you think you might have a problem, please don’t hesitate to seek help. There are many organisations that can offer support and advice. Here are some helpful resources:
GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
BeGambleAware: www.begambleaware.org
Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Can You Cancel GamStop?
No, you cannot cancel your GamStop self-exclusion before the chosen period has ended. This is a crucial part of the process, designed to protect individuals from impulsive decisions. Once your exclusion period has finished, you’ll need to contact GamStop to reactivate your gambling accounts.
Non-Gamstop Casinos
You might have come across the term “non-GamStop casinos.” These are often casinos that are not licensed in the UK and therefore not subject to UK regulations. Playing at casinos that don’t carry a UK license, if you’re based in the UK, carries significant risks. We strongly advise against using non-GamStop casinos.
Non-GamStop casinos are likely to have more security risks, and less customer support. If you run into an issue, the UKGC can’t intervene to help you because these casinos do not operate under UKGC licenses. It’s a lot to consider, and when there are so many safer options out there, it’s worth really thinking about if playing at a non-GamStop casino is worth it.
Responsible Gambling at Casino Kings
At Casino Kings, we’re committed to providing a safe and responsible gambling environment. We believe that gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to solve problems. We encourage all our players to gamble responsibly and to use tools like GamStop if they feel they need them.
Remember: When the fun stops, stop. Gambling should always be about enjoyment. If you’re concerned about your gambling or someone you know, please seek help. We are here to support you.