If you’re a fan of online games in the UK, as many of us are, then you may have seen a lot of recent press about Gamstop casinos in the UK. Today we take a closer look at what they are, what it means for you, and whether or not it’s the right choice for your playing needs.
What is Gamstop and Why Should I Know About It?
Gamstop is a program introduced by the Gambling Commission in the UK to help those who can’t help themselves when it comes to overindulgence at online casinos. It’s a purely voluntary program, so you won’t be pressured to use it if it’s not a tool you need- plenty of non Gamstop casinos in UK are still running.
However, for those who need a helping hand, they can self-register with the initiative and choose a period from 6 months to 5 years. While this is in effect, you can’t play at registered institutions, to help avoid temptation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gamstop
Obviously, this can be a great tool for those developing problematic habits to use to assist them in resisting temptation. It will help you cut back or quit until you can get a better sense of yourself and how to play for fun, not obsession.
It’s not without issues, however. Some people sign on without really understanding the T&Cs involved. You also can’t exit the scheme once you’re happy, you have to wait out the chosen period. When it’s sold as a voluntary program, that’s more than a little problematic. Plus, not all casinos will lift the limits on what you play, even when your program has expired- if you can play there at all anymore.
Should I Worry About Gamstop?
It goes without saying that if you need the provisions of the Gamstop program, it can be pretty useful. Just let the chosen time run down, and work on addressing the habits you need to fix. However, if you’ve found yourself stuck in limbo unable to get them to lift the program after you need it, at least there are other options you can turn to.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should spend your hard-earned cash without thought! You don’t want to end up playing with a dodgy casino that will disappear with your money! You still want to pay care and attention to where you choose to play and spend your cash.
This makes review sites invaluable if you’re looking for non Gamstop casinos. Make sure they mention that they receive their payout, and are reputable as well as safe to use. Likewise, give their customer service a spin. We always hope we don’t need to approach customer service, but the last thing you want to find out is that they’re awful and don’t respond as you’re trying to get your payment processed. Not all online sites will pay out to the UK because of the Gamstop program, so you might want to square that with them first. Establishing that they will be a critical first step.
It’s also smart to choose a casino using a wide range of recognized payment methods. Visa, Mastercard, and reputable online solutions like Paypal are widely used and recognized. While Bitcoin and similar currencies are also typically on offer, using a service with other payment methods ensures you have a range of options to do so safely and above board.
If you’d rather play with non Gamstop casinos, it’s your choice. A little bit of research first, and you’ll know you can play confidently and safely.
