Starting Your GamStop Experience: Guide For Gamblers

GamStop is a self-exclusion program affiliated with the UKGC that aims to assist problematic gambling addicts to overcome their addiction to gambling. The UKGC has made it mandatory for all their licensed operators to be included as part of the GamStop network.

This organisation has been made available to millions of gamblers in the UK who run the risk of losing their assets because of reckless gambling behaviours. If you are one of these, reach out for the assistance provided by the organisation and seek other resources which they make available as well. Responsible gamblers are those who know when to stop.

Luckily, there are many responsible gamblers in the UK. Most of them play at casinos that are not on GamStop such as ones at CasinoGap when the self-exclusion is still on. These players don't gamble for the purpose of making money; they do it just for enjoyment. Other players should use GamStop or tools similar to it. If you wish to become a GamStop player, continue reading our guide.

What Happens After You Sign Up For a GamStop Account? 

Once a commitment has been made to self-exclude from gambling sites, there are one or two steps that would need consideration before signing up. The first and possibly important is realising that this is a step that is long-term and works best with other support structures GamStop can provide. Gamblers must commit to the end of the process, no matter how difficult it may seem.

On signing up with GamStop, you will be required to provide personal information like residential and email addresses, along with mobile phone information. This is not just for verification purposes, but this information is used for effective exclusion from UKGC-licensed gambling operators

According to the official GamStop site, an email will be sent to you after signing up has been confirmed. This is a resource pack containing practical tools and support that will be useful to know for the recovery process. Until GamStop ends, players are unable to cancel this self-exclusion.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Time on the Platform 

There are three self-exclusion options made available to clients upon signing up. There are 6-month, 1-year, and 5-year self-exclusion options. Once the selection has been made, the process comes into effect within a few hours of activation.

Recovery is often a slow and painful process for some. A commitment to recovery requires support - which are also benefits provided by GamStop. The support provided is practical, with family, debt, and emotional tools. Navigation on their site provides information resources towards a full and healthy gambling recovery.

There is practical advice offered on ways to stay aware of all things gambling. Clients are provided with secure apps they can download that block gambling advertising and excludes them from international gambling sites as well as local gambling operators. A simple unsubscribe from gambling sites or make arrangements with your bank to block gambling activities against your account.

While implementing the self-help tools, debt advice assistance is made available from groups who understand the need to recoup from gambling debt. Important to recovery is being able to rebuild relationships with family and friends which have been strained because of gambling behaviours. There are support groups that would provide specialised counselling for healthy emotional recovery.

How to Use the Tools Available on GamStop 

Navigating through the site, one can find valuable information. GamStop is probably famous for its self-exclusion option, yet there is much more the site has to offer. Information, advice, software for gamblers, and practical support are all available on the site while navigating.

Since GamStop is restricted to UKGC-licensed operators, they offer information on platforms like GamBan. This is a software tool that helps self-exclude gambling activities across all international gambling sites. Though this and similar software come at a subscription fee, they are helpful tools on the path to full exclusion and recovery.

They also offer software and information on ways to self-exclude from arcade and adult centres, bingo, and bookmaker gambling platforms. There is information on how those dedicated to recovery can request exclusion from these platforms. This may require you to contact each one of your gambling platforms, particularly if they are not licensed with the UKGC, to make self-exclusion arrangements.

When one opts for self-exclusion, the period selected will not be easily rescinded until the very last minute. Therefore it is important to only commit to the self-exclusion but also to the time frame requested.  Make use of all the resource information provided to take advantage of the full benefits.

Recommended Alternatives for People Who Cannot Join GamStop 

A licensed operator will have some type of gambler assistance program information on their website. Should this not be the case, it is more likely that a particular site is not licensed and will allow for reckless gambling at your expense.

The gambler will have to take the initiative and seek assistance. The gambler could start by contacting their gambling sites about their self-exclusion options. An online search would also provide information on organisations, like GamCare,  to reach out to for assistance. The search would also be able to provide information on software, like GamBan,  available to self-exclude oneself from international online gambling platforms.