In 2024, the British Gambling Commission (UKGC) published a serious report on gambling addiction indicating that 0.5% of the total British population are addicted to gambling while 3.8% are at risk. There are also 7% negatively affected by a loved one's gambling addiction. In the age we live in it has become extremely easy to access gambling sites with the touch of a button on smartphones and tablets as well so responsible gambling has become more important than ever. This is where GamStop comes in, which is a pivotal tool in the pursuit of safe and responsible online gambling. GamStop covers all licensed gambling sites within the UK and is completely safe and free for all British players. However, the service doesn’t cover the offshore gambling sites which is also known as “non GamStop casinos”.

What Is GamStop?

GamStop is a self-exclusion service that has become a cornerstone of responsible gambling in the UK. This service provides users with a free and straightforward way to restrict the use of gambling sites. Therefore, whether you are a casual gamer or someone suffering from a gambling addiction, GamStop can be an essential part of your responsible gaming strategy.

As we have previously indicated, GamStop's scope of control is limited to UK licensed online gambling sites such as sports betting, casino games, online bingo and lottery ticket sales. By registering with Gamstop, users can choose to be excluded from all of these platforms for a period of their choosing ranging from six months to five years.

Once a user has made the decision to self-exclude via GamStop, they will be effectively banned from using their existing gambling accounts and prohibited from creating new accounts with any online gambling operators licensed under the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

However, Gamstop does not cover all gambling sites as traditional gambling shops as well as casinos do not fall under its jurisdiction. Furthermore, websites operating outside the UK or not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission will not be affected by the user's registration with GamStop.

What Are the Risks of Gambling?

Anyone who takes a gamble every now and then can have a lot of fun doing so. But there are also dangers. Before you know it you can become addicted. It is good to ask yourself the following questions regularly. If, in all honesty, you have to answer 'yes' to one of them, it's time to take action and gamble less often. Do you receive comments from those around you that you gamble a lot? Do you want to stop gambling, but will you go again? Does gambling cause debt? Is it all about gambling?

Recognizing Thoughts

You are the first to notice when gambling is about to go in the wrong direction. You can recognize this if you regularly have one or more of the following thoughts. This time it will be different and I will win. One day I will be lucky. As soon as I have made a big profit I stop. Gambling is all I have left in life, I won't let it be taken away from me. I know the slot machine down to the smallest detail. If these thoughts sound familiar to you, there is a good chance that you are developing an addiction.

Financially

Financially, the signals are often clearest that something is wrong. For example, if there is a large difference between income and expenditure. Or if someone sometimes has a lot of money and then ends up broke again. Secrecy about handling money and the disappearance of money or assets are other common signs of trouble. You can be sure that things are not going well if you receive many reminders, if family or acquaintances are asked for money and if theft is reported.