For UK bettors, learning how to bypass Gamstop can be challenging. While the scheme encourages responsible gambling, it limits punters’ options, dampening the betting experience. However, with the proper knowledge, you can avoid the restrictions that Gamstop imposes and fully enjoy your sessions at online bookmakers and casinos.
In this text, we’ll walk you through the basics of Gamstop so you have a complete idea of what it entails and why UKGC-licenced platforms are part of it. We’ll then provide helpful tips to help you avoid limitations and make the most of your bets. Let’s dive in!
What are the Basics of Gamstop?
Gamstop is a self-exclusion scheme that the United Kingdom Gambling Commission introduced to the betting sector to help problem gamblers. Though launched in 2018, the regulator published a press release that mandated online operators to join the Gamstop scheme in 2020. Hence, every bookmaker and online casino licenced by the authority participates in the programme.
Suppose a bettor registered on a UK site realises he needs help controlling his betting habits. In that case, he can sign up for the exclusion scheme by contacting the operator and submitting a few necessary details. You get to choose your exclusion period, which is a minimum of 6 months and can go up to 5 years.
During the specified time frame, you can’t log into your account or sign up on any other gambling site that the UKGC regulates. In other words, even if you get adequate assistance and learn to manage your habits, you can’t return to gambling on UK sites until the agreed time elapses.
This is where independent operators come in. These bookmakers and online casinos have become viable alternatives for punters looking to bypass the self-exclusion scheme. Since the Commission does not regulate them, they must not abide by its stringent rules. So, they accept bettors, even those who registered for Gamstop.
What Do Independent Sites Offer?
These platforms are where you learn everything about entertainment. In terms of sports betting, they cover a broader selection of sports, ranging from popular ones like horse racing and cricket to lesser-known options like alpine skiing and chess. Their markets are also more comprehensive. You can place more complex and riskier wagers with higher potential payouts.
For casino gaming, the options on most sites are almost endless. These operators have thousands of options to entertain players. Whether you love slots or fancy other types of games like bingo and keno, you’re sure to find titles that will impress you. Besides a wide game catalogue and multiple betting options, independent sites offer better promotions, support more innovative payment methods, and conduct faster verification processes.
Here are the 7 Tips to Have in Mind
Bypassing gamstop by gambling on independent sites is easy; find an online betting platform not licenced in the UK and register. However, picking the right casino or bookmaker is crucial. Remember that these operators don’t work under the Gambling Commission, so there’s a higher possibility of falling victim to fraudsters. To avoid this, use these seven tips:
The internet is filled with bookies and online casinos promising to offer you an unmatchable experience. With the number of platforms to pick from, it can be overwhelming to settle on an option. The best way to do so is by reading comprehensive evaluations on trustworthy sites.
These write-ups detail everything about the betting site, from its bonuses to terms and conditions. Also, visit the site in question, read its terms and conditions, and ensure no hidden clauses exist.
Deposits and withdrawals are two crucial activities on gambling sites, making it essential to learn what payment methods the operator supports. Do you prefer card payments? Be sure that the platform allows transactions via Visa and Mastercard.
If cryptocurrencies suit you best, pick an online bookie or casino supporting your preferred coin. Using platforms that adhere to the 10 best practices is also advisable to ensure secure payment processing. With this, you can be confident that your financial details are
Settle for operators with offerings that suit your preferences. For instance, if you prefer betting on races, search for bookmakers with comprehensive coverage and competitive lines for these events. Likewise, if you enjoy live dealer games, pick an online casino with a vast selection.
Also, check out what features are available. Does it have live streaming? Are there provably fair games? Basically, choose a trustworthy platform where you can have a pleasurable experience.
Another important factor to look for is the security features. Most reliable sites use the Secure Socket Layer to safeguard user information. They conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any potential security weaknesses.
These operators update their systems promptly to ensure vulnerabilities are mitigated, and the site’s security remains robust. Some platforms also support two-factor authentication, adding an extra safety layer.
When discussing everything about finance, you must consider fees. So, besides ensuring that the bookmaker or casino supports your preferred payment method, check if fees are attached to transactions.
If the operator charges you for deposits and withdrawals, learn the percentage, as this will help you determine if that platform is worthwhile. We highly recommend betting sites that charge very little or no payment fees.
Many punters visit the bonus page to learn if welcome deals are available. In most cases, you settle for a gambling platform with a massive welcome bonus, which could be match-up offers, bonus spins, or free bets.
However, you must read and understand the offer’s terms and conditions before registering on the site. This is a red flag if the bonus is too good to be true or has unrealistic terms and conditions.
Besides the welcome bonuses, check out the operator’s other promotions for existing customers. Reload deals like matched deposit offers, odds boosters, and even cashback should exist.
It’s also more exciting if the site has a loyalty programme that rewards you for your time and achievem