The gambling industry in Europe is on the rise, but cases of gambling addiction are also increasing on the continent. The Gambling Commission reported that 53% of people aged 16 and over were involved in gambling in the region last year. Of these, 430,000 were considered gambling addicts and more than 1.85 million were at risk of developing a gambling addiction.
However, people who use online gambling platforms know how addictive gambling can be and they don’t mind activating the self-exclusion feature and taking a break from gambling for a while.
As a result, GamStop has become one of the leading platforms in the UK with a self-exclusion feature.
What is GamStop?
GamStop is a free online service that allows players to take control of their gambling habits. Once a user registers with the platform, they will not be able to play at any online casino in the UK.
The platform allows users to enforce exclusion periods of six months, one year, or five years. However, GamStop does not immediately hand control back to users once the exclusion period ends. Deregistration is a lengthy process, which has both advantages and disadvantages.
This is a good thing for those who are very addicted gamblers, as they will be dissuaded from gambling. However, many players are only mildly addicted and only choose to use GamStop for a short period of time. For them, having a lengthy and complicated deregistration process is not a good thing.
What are the benefits of GamStop?
There is a group of people who often go to online casinos unconsciously. These people tend to be addicted. For them, GamStop is a good app. Here are the benefits of this free online service:
Free Online Services
Gambling itself is already a problem, especially for people’s financial situation. Therefore, it is reasonable that the self-exclusion platform should not charge any fees. With GamStop, players can use a free online service.
Customizable exclusions
GamStop offers customizable self-exclusion conditions. Players can decide how long they want to exclude themselves from gambling sites. Those who are very addicted and need to stay away from gambling for a long time can choose a five-year plan. And those who are mildly addicted can choose GamStop for six months.
TalkBanStop
GamStop also offers the TalkBanStop feature, a collaborative effort between GamCare, GamBan and GAMSTOP. These features provide users with free tools to address their gambling addiction.
What are the disadvantages of GamStop?
Although GamStop offers a free service, there are some limitations that must be considered before signing up.
Cancellation is not easy
Players are faced with a number of terms and conditions when they subscribe to GamStop. One of these is to choose an exclusion period of between six months and five years. Once a player chooses an option, GamStop will stop their gaming access.
Let’s say a person has lost a lot of money and chooses to register on GamStop out of frustration. This person cannot easily deregister. They have to go through a lengthy deregistration process that requires answering a lot of questions and jumping through multiple hoops.
Alternatively, players may consider choosing a non-GamStop casino or non-GamStop betting site to play at.
Limited to UK casino sites
GamStop only works with gambling sites based in the UK. Users can still interact with gambling platforms that are not based in the UK.
Conclusion – Is GamStop Worth It?
For those looking to get their gambling addiction under control, GamStop is totally worth it. Its strictness prevents any player from interacting with any gambling site in the UK.
However, it may be too restrictive for many people. Gambling is still a pastime. There are still responsible gambling practices and players can choose those.
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