Gambling has a long and storied history in Great Britain, with horse racing being the favored betting option for Brits since the sixteen century, despite facing opposition from social reformers and evangelical Protestants. After the Second World War, bingo halls grew in popularity in the UK. They quickly became the predominant wagering option, with the Gambling Act of 2005 paving the way for casino-style resorts and internet betting in the new millennia. Now, online slots and sportsbooks dominate this landscape, with 47% of the British population gambling at least once per month.

Due to the rise of his pastime’s popularity, concerns have arisen regarding more and more Brits falling prey to the temptation of quickly turning a dime with little effort. Per YouGov estimates, around 2.7% of adults in Great Britain have a compulsion toward this activity. That percentage has resulted in the UKGC taking a fiercer stance in the war against the proliferation of problem gamblers. Its chief weapon in this fight has been GamStop, a mandatory self-exclusion program aimed to help anyone facing this issue not continuously fall prey to its dangers. Below, an analysis follows concerning how the UKGC and other British entities are trying to keep online gambling primarily an entertainment-based activity, particularly with the allure of non GamStop casinos looming over players’ heads.

The UKGC Explained

The UKGC is Britain’s all-encompassing gambling regulator founded in 2007, whose birth got outlined in the 2005 Gambling Act as the body intended to replace the Gaming Board for Great Britain. Its job is to license and monitor all companies that offer gambling services on UK soil, both in the land-based and online sectors.

The UKGC has a reputation for being Europe’s most stern regulator, tightly looking after British players. International industry overseeing bodies like Curacao eGaming and the Malta Gaming Authority has been around longer than the UKGC and implement many of the same security measures but are not as diligent in scrutinizing their licensors. These and other regulators based in smaller countries like Panama and Curacao are the ones that license casinos not on GamStop, which offer their services to UK citizens. The main allure of a non GamStop casino is that it allows more player freedom because it does not implement the same gameplay restrictions that site approved by the UKGC must put into place.

How Does GamStop Operate

In short, GamStop is a nationwide database that all UKGC online casinos plug into to find out which players they can let bet on their sites and which they must reject. GamStop is a network that notes every player with an activated self-exclusion ban on a UKGC-licensed gambling platform. Once a person has done so, they cannot continue betting at any site whose operating entity is in Great Britain until their self-exclusion period elapses.

Participation in the GamStop program became obligatory for all UK gambling sites in March of 2020. Though, the implementation of this scheme had been in the pipe since mid-2017. Alas, it kept getting postponed until it finally got a release date set for 31st March, as part of the Commission’s initiative to reduce gambling harms. The UKGC followed up the introduction of GamStop with new anti-gambling measures in early-2021, which included the removal of auto-play functions and the introduction of lower max wager limits.

UK sites not on GamStop do not adhere to these restrictions, which is why many players find them attractive. That said, they only should get sought out by those that can control their impulses. Naturally, that also includes individuals that do not have an active self-exclusion ban.

More Resources That Aid with Problem Gambling

UK residents do not solely rely on the UKGC to help them cope with their current or developing gambling addiction. Multiple non-for-profits organizations do their part in aiding all those that are brave enough to ask for their assistance.

GamCare is likely the most famous charity of this kind, established in 1997, providing support across England, Wales, and Scotland. It offers a 24/7 hotline, a live chat, and a message board where concerned parties can get help from professionals and others in the same situation as them. GamCare also supplies information regarding money management, self-exclusion, and blocking software. Regarding the latter,  GamBan is an established app that works with GamCare, and it acts as a safeguard, restricting access to gambling sites to those who have chosen to stop betting but may lack the willpower to resist their urges.

BeGambleAware is an organization similar to GamCare, providing many of the same help options. It is notable in that it is proactive in funding research concerning problem gambling. BeGambleAware works with the NHS to produce public health campaigns on a national scale. Nevertheless, it also offers practical local solutions. The Charity Commission regulates its activity in England and Wales.

Players also always have the option of contacting their bank and asking them to place a hold on all gambling-related transfers. That is a more traditional anti-gambling measure that is very effective.

UK Casinos vs. Gambling Platforms Not on GamStop

As discussed, non GamStop casinos get favored by those that wish to have more options on their quest for riches via online betting. Nonetheless, this variety comes at the price of less player protection. Though UK laws say that only companies based in Great Britain can offer gambling services to the country’s residents, there is no history of authorities prosecuting those that choose to play at offshore sites. There are zero indications that this will happen anytime soon. Thus, Brits have enjoyed non GamStop casinos for over a decade without fear of facing prosecution. Again, in no way should anyone see these platforms as a way to bypass an activated self-exclusion. Only those that can keep a clear head when wagering should use them.

Final Thought

There is no doubt that 2020 was not a good year for the gambling industry. UK’s gross gambling yield fell from £14.1 billion in 2019 to only £5.9 billion in 2020. Nonetheless, the online sphere not only persevered but thrived. So much so that stats now show that 63% of UK gamblers prefer betting over the internet. Regardless of the method used, parties interested in testing their luck on games of chance or sporting events should remember to engage in this activity responsibly, only wagering what they can afford to lose. If they feel that they can no longer control themselves and remain within the limits of their gambling budget, seeking professional help should be compulsory. It is in everyone’s best interest.