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When you want to indulge in online gambling, you have to choose the site you register and play at. The gambling sites’ options are never-ending, with review sites making your life easier as they bring the good, the bad, and the ugly to the table.
Players have a choice of playing at Gamstop registered gambling sites; alternatively, they head over and play at non-Gamstop sites. Both have advantages and disadvantages, especially if you want a free and nonrestrictive gambling experience. Either way, don’t forget to check what gambling sites accept credit cards UK. Let’s have a look at why Non-Gamstop sites are very popular with punters and which one is best for your gambling entertainment.
What is a Gamstop-powered gambling site?
If the gambling site you are visiting holds a UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission), it will probably have Gamstop. This means that the company governing the site would have paid a donation so that Gamstop is available to any of the site’s players that seek the free service. In a Gamstop-operated site, punters will be able to benefit from a solid array of benefits that include
Gambling Self Exclusion – Players can self-exclude themselves from all UK Gamstop-powered gambling sites. Self-exclusion could range from 6 months up to 5 years. Lifting the exclusion is quite a long process as you would need to call the Gamstop customer support team and cancel your subscription over the phone.
Further Help if needed – The Gamstop site also offers additional information to combat problematic gambling with support available for family, emotional, and even debt support.
What is a Non-Gamstop Powered gambling site?
Gambling sites that Gamstop does not power do not hold a UKGC gambling license and most of the time, are located outside the United Kingdom. Here are some advantages/disadvantages of playing at gambling sites that do not offer a Gamstop service:
No UKGC license – Gambling sites that do not hold a UKGC license might not follow stringent rules and regulations. Since the UKGC imposes that all licensed sites promote Gamstop, non-UKGC sites are not obliged to do so. Hence, most of the time, visiting a Non-Gamstop site offers gambling with no restrictions.
No Help for gambling addictions – Sites that are not powered by Gamstop have no obligation to post Gamstop links on their site. This means that gamblers that seek additional help will not find it at Non-Gamstop gambling sites.
Gambling with no restrictions and limits – Gambling sites that are not licensed by a UKGC license do not have that many restrictions like RG (Responsible Gambling). Whilst many might find this as a plus, the reality is a gambling site that does not adhere to RG, might fuel gambling addictions. Player accounts are not monitored rigorously at non-Gamstop sites; hense, this could lead to gambling addictions and problematic gambling.
Bet Sizes – UKGC-licensed gambling sites uphold RG policies at all times. This means that a good number of restrictions would be in place to help you gamble and play with ease. When visiting and playing at a non-Gamstop site, restrictions would not be so prominent; hence no restrictions apply on bonuses, bet size, and also the amount you deposit and play. Whilst many gamblers enjoy this gambling freedom, others could see this as alarm bells leading to problematic gambling.
Bigger Bonuses – We all love freebies, and Non-Gamstop gambling sites always promise to offer big and chunky bonuses. The UKGC restricts and caps many gambling sites from offering big bonuses. On the other hand, Non-Gamstop sites promise and deliver bigger bonus offers. They use such schemes to draw gamblers in and invite them into the deposit, wager in and gamble some more. Such shadowing of RG practices will eventually lead to gambling addictions.
Why are Non-Gamstop sites popular with gamblers?
If you are driving a car, it would be advisable to have a spare tyre in case one of your current tyres needs replacing. This is why cars always leave the showroom with a spare type. Gambling is practically the same. You need that layer of help should you feel the need to seek it. Unfortunately, that help will not be available when you visit a Non-Gamtop site, and just like not having that extra type, it will leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Gamblers might be attracted to Non-Gamstop sites as they offer bigger bonuses, no restrictions, the freedom to play with no bet limits and no repercussions if gambling addictions arise. These are a few reasons why non Gamstop sites are so popular with the gambling community.
Will you choose a Gamstop site or a non-Gamstop operated one?
When it comes to where you gamble and play, it is entirely your choice, however, rest assured that playing at a Gamstop site, both yourself and your bankroll are protected at all times. Here is why we feel that, in the long run, it would be much more beneficial to play at Gamstop sites:
Breaking the addictive cycle – When playing at a Gamstop site, self-exclusion is always available for you to avail yourself of. This means you have the tools to stop any addictions before they even start. Also, UKGC gambling sites have an obligation to highlight and address.
Reputable companies believe in Gamstop – A company that is reputable and also places the punter at the center of everything will have Gamstop. UK-based sites know very well that the UKGC and the government have teamed up to combat addictions. Be part of that change and revolution.
Blocks all UK gambling sites – Whilst gambling can be fun, the addictive side of it is not. If you go ahead and register for free for Gamstop, you are taking the first step towards restricting yourself from problematic gambling. Gamstop works in a way that restricts you from accessing UK-based gaming sites. However, for this scheme to work, you would need you also need to put in the work, and this means not accessing other sites to gable, including non-Uk Gambling sites.
Free of Charge Service – Whilst many addictions require help that you would need to pay for, Gamstop is free of charge. At any given time during your gaming playtime, you can avail yourself of the free service that will restrict you from accessing UK-based gambling sites. Your privacy is also adhered to at all times, with your identity protected, including from loved ones.