Problem gambling gets defined as a continuous urge to engage in betting activities despite a desire to stop and an awareness of the negative consequences that this pastime may generate. Per a 2018 NHS report, Britain is home to 280,000 people that have this affliction. However, a 2024 YouGov survey claims that this number may be as high as 1.4 million. This staggering estimate caused Britain’s gaming regulator, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), to tighten up gameplay and regulatory measures to curb the rise of gambling addiction rates in the country.
In its 2020/2024 Annual Report & Accounts, the UKGC outlines that Britain’s GGY noticed a slight drop of 0.6% and that its number of gambling consumers fell by 2.6 million. Yet, its new ones increased by 1.3 million, underlining the potential for new restrictive measures in the future. This approach and the current UK gambling climate have caused many British players to seek out non GamStop casinos or gambling sites operating from foreign countries that feature more liberating gameplay. What follows is an explanation regarding how the UKGC regulates Britain’s interactive gaming market and betting sites not on GamStop.
Table of Contents
What Is the UKGC & Its Role in Online Regulation
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The UKGC got birthed in 2007, replacing the Gaming Control Board for Great Britain. Its inception got defined in the Gambling Act of 2005 by Tony Blair’s government. It is a non-departmental body that oversees all betting activity in the country. Except for sports spread wagering, which the Financial Conduct Authority monitors. The Commission gets sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and from 2013, it also regulates the National Lottery.
Every online UK gambler understands that this body offers superior player protection compare to international regulators such as eGaming Curacao or the Malta Gaming Authority. Nevertheless, everyone is aware that this protection comes at the price of less player freedom when enjoying games of chance over the internet. Gameplay limitations are why GamStop casinos are dropping in popularity. Still, many players choose to put up with them, as the UKGC’s watchful eye makes them feel super safe.
What Is GamStop & How Does It Work?
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GamStop is a nationwide self-exclusion scheme. Self-exclusion is a term that refers to policies enforced to address problem gambling. Those that know that they suffer from this problem choose to enact them voluntarily. By doing some, they implement a self-imposed ban that restricts them from engaging in this activity for a specific period. In short, GamStop is a database that all UKGC-regulated sites share. Once a player activates this option at one platform, others in this network cannot allow that player to join their site. Since March 2024, GamStop participation is mandatory for all UK online casinos and sportsbooks.
The UKGC sees this scheme as an essential tool in the war against compulsive betting. Other UKGC measures that seek to combat this problem are spin timers and low max wager limits.
Slots and non GamStop bingo sites do not feature any of these. Still, while that may seem enticing, they should only get used by players who can control their urges, as failing to do so can have massive emotional and financial repercussions.
Other Resources That Help With Problem Gambling
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If a person discovers that they are looking for top non GamStop casinos even though they have activated a GamStop self-exclusion ban, it is time to take other actions. These include contacting banks and asking them to block all gambling-related transactions, as well as installing anti-betting software. Gamban is the software protection tool for those that think that they may succumb to the temptation of continuing on their wagering ways. It is an app that forbids access to interactive gaming sites and does not allow the installation of dedicated betting software.
Quality organizations that offer support via counseling, online, in-person, and through phone are GamCare and BeGambleAware. These are super prominent in Britain, and they offer individual and group live chat support while also featuring message boards where site staff lurks 24/7.
GamStop Casinos vs. Foreign Platforms
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According to non-gamstop-casinos.com, a non GamStop casino is a gambling site whose operator has a base of operations in a foreign country. Usually, that is a smaller territory that looks to get tax revenues from legalizing internet betting. In Europe, Malta is one such haven. Regardless of their location, many international regulators have been active in this industry longer than the UKGC, and they incorporate many of the same security practices as it. Nevertheless, it is a fact that they are not as strict in enforcing many of their mandated regulation for player protection when disputes arise between a user and a platform.
The appeal of these sites lies in that they offer niche payment methods, perk-rich loyalty programs, and slots not on GamStop casinos only. The UKGC has product regulation that sways many developers from going through the necessary procedure of getting their products approved by this organization. Thus, they do not bother with the UK market at all. Again, while non GamStop casinos have their benefits, and even though they feature site-specific self-exclusion, they should only get used by those that can control their impulses.
To Wrap Up
Yes, UKGC measures take some of the fun out of online gambling, particularly when it comes to reel-spinning games. However, everyone has to recognize this organization’s good intentions and remain positive in its intervention concerning the rise of problem gambling in Britain. Everyone that considers getting into this pastime should do so responsibly, by not overstepping their means, only spending what they can afford to lose, nothing more. If someone feels that they are no longer in control regarding how often they are betting over the internet, they should instantly reach out to GamCare or BeGambleAware, and look into self-exclusion. Taking a proactive approach in dealing with a compulsion towards wagering is essential to getting on the road to recovery.
