Does GamStop Actually Work or Is it a Failure?

In April of 2018, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) introduced what they felt was a revolutionary program. The program was designed to serve as a resource for UK online gamblers who find themselves facing the potential of gambling addiction. They named the program GamStop.

About GamStop

The GamStop Self-exclusion program revolves around a database of online gamblers who voluntarily register for the program. The program is directly available through any licensed UK online gambling website where management has subscribed to the GamStop scheme.

The UKGC now mandates Online gambling operator membership to the GamStop scheme. If a licensed operator fails or chooses not to subscribe to the program, they risk losing their operator license and or being assessed a large fine. For what it’s woth, enforcement is difficult because there are so many online unlicensed gambling sites operating in the UK. In fact, there are online casinos not using GamStop services that are actually licensed. In all fairness, it’s difficult tp monitor the online activities of so many online gambling providers.

As for UK online gamblers, they can usually get access to this program from a link that is available on GamStop member websites. If they so choose, they can go directly to the GamStop website for registration. The registration process is free, and it only takes a few minutes to complete. Here is a list of the information gamblers are required provide at registration:

• Full name
• Home address
• Email address (all that are applicable)
• Home phone
• Cell phone

Once this information enters the GamStop database, it will be used to flag GamStop gamblers who try to access a member UK online gambling website. Gamblers like this program because it allows them to decide how long they want to be blocked from their online gambling activities. The three choices are 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years.

Does GamStop Actually Work or Is it a Failure?

On the surface, GamStop seems to be working very well. With that said, there doesn’t seem to be any data about how well it is working. What’s true is the population of UK online gamblers is growing at unprecedented rates, which has certainly resulted in more instances of gambling addiction. However, there is very little evidence if any that the percentage of problem online gamblers is on the rise.

Absent meaningful data, it’s fair to say the program has been a success if just one life was saved because a problem gambler had access to GamStop. It’s even fair to say the program has been very successful for UK problem gamblers who are willing to abide by the terms of their voluntarily self-exclusion until the very end. Sure, the program works, but it has significant limitations.

Ways Around GamStop

If resolving problem gambling issues is the barometer that GamStop is to be judged by, then maybe the GamStop scheme is failing. Why?

The reality is GamStop only prevents registered gamblers from using licensed UK gambling sites that have subscribed to the program. Even with the UKGC’s mandate, there are still lots of licensed gambling sites operating for the benefit of UK online gamblers. After adding in the available unlicensed operators still providing online gambling services in the UK, GamStop has not proven to be a deterrent for any GamStop gambler who is truly motivated to start gambling again before their self-exclusion expires.

That’s not all. Really motivated GamStop gamblers don’t have to look too hard for other options. Let’s take a look at some of the ways GamStop gamblers can beat the program until their gambling handcuffs are removed:

• Use gambling sites that don’t really focus on account verification procedures
• Register with crypto casinos that offer a lot of anonymity
• Resolve themselves to live gambling in brick-and-mortar casino and sportsbook
• Partner with another party to open a gambling account under the identity
• Move their online gambling activities to offshore gambling sites

Of these options, offshore gambling holds a lot of promise for UK gamblers. These was a time when the UK ruled Europe’s online gambling universe. Today, there are lots of quality online operators that are licensed and regulated in other jurisdictions. Even better, many of these offshore operators are very welcoming of UK gamblers. After all, UK gamblers have a reputation for having money and a willingness to wager.

The only two caveats a UK gambler faces when they go offshore are they might need to use a VPN to access some websites, and funding offshore accounts can be difficult. Why? It turns out that the UK government is not too fond of UK residents using credit/debit cards and wire transfers to fund offshore gambling accounts.