Online casinos GamStop: how do they benefit from being on it?
The free self-exclusion scheme by GamStop controls excessive gambling urges by banning users of online casinos on GamStop for some time. Developed by UKGC and NOSES, the scheme has a period of six months, one year, or five years of self-restriction and can be initiated as soon as all the information of the user has been provided successfully. Over the years, GamStop has provided support to the ones suffering the consequences of excessive gambling and given them relief from the financial burdens of unchecked gambling.
The service legitimises gambling operators and online casinos that work with its UKGC licensing and the mark of sites safe for gambling. Having GamStop service popularises the casinos since the legalisation makes the casinos more trustworthy. The operators would be better protected from scammers and money laundering with GamStop while being well-reputed and recommended by the Gambling Commission.
Effects of being on GamStop for online casinos
It has been made mandatory for online casinos to have GamStop to curb users from unchecked gambling and the casinos can only be called legal if they have the permit. However, it is extremely easy to find casino games not on GameStop – for example, like the one in this article by Rob Davies and Will Terry, in which they analyse online casinos operating without self-exclusion software. Most of such casinos are located outside the UK and do not need a GamStop permit and allow players to bet freely, resulting in more profit overall. At the same time, casinos registered with GamStop enjoy many benefits that make them preferable over offshore or non-GamStop casinos.
Protection from scammers
Money laundering has been on the rise in recent years with the rise of online gambling. In these cases, players and gambling operators risk being deceived. For gambling operators, there is a high chance of being scammed through impostor accounts. Due to the lack of verification of accounts and the deposits being made, the false accounts can easily log into the site and drain out the money being deposited. These accounts can even bet no money and still win huge amounts with fake profiles. GamStop does not let that happen. It asks for detailed information about the player and verifies the player’s identity by running through the details. It also makes sure that the money being deposited comes from a legitimate source and allows players to gamble only after the completion of the process. In this way, money laundering is successfully battled.
Reputational gains
Self-exclusion is highly recommended by the UKGC and in this regard, the influence of GamStop is difficult to underestimate. It is currently relied on the most out of all UK-based betting blockers. A non-GamStop casino would neither be UKGC licensed nor recommended by experts and casino reviewers despite the casino having attractive offers and better bonuses. A licensed casino with titles by famous providers of casino games would both be legal and reviewed and advocated by professional punters due to its better security against money laundering and protection of personal information. Better advertisement is created for GamStop casinos that make up for the accumulation of a lesser profit compared to non-licensed casinos. A superior reputation along with the GamStop logo at the upper corner of every GamStop casino accounts for the popularity of online casinos in the UK.
Compliance with UK legislation
In March 2020, the UKGC made it compulsory for all legalised online casinos to be a part of GamStop’s service and show full cooperation with the scheme. This act was passed to protect the interest of UK players and failing to conform to the rules, the casinos would be closed down with the sites being made inaccessible. The UK legislation may allow gambling but there are plenty of restrictions that surround the gambling scene in Britain. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission thus prefers to keep online gambling under control through rigorous laws. Although GamStop casinos are kept under great restrictions like the unavailability of certain e-games, they get better protection, more fame, and additional sponsorships and partnerships. The casinos also act as welfare systems to create a better gambling environment for players where they feel safe.
Online casinos and GamStop, in a nutshell
Players who choose to seek the path of betterment and battle gambling addiction but without losing the chance to gamble permanently should select GamStop casinos as their go-to option. This free scheme not only attracts positive attention from multiple organisations but also looks towards public well-being. This is a voluntary scheme that when chosen comes into effect instantaneously. In a way, GamStop helps to break the unhealthy cycle of continuous gambling without completely blocking the player’s interests.
Keep in mind that gambling should not be your only option when it comes to entertainment, so feel free to choose something that does not fall under the category of gambling. If, however, you feel like you have a hard time doing so, then online casinos on GamStop should not be the only solution to escape gambling and you might need to seek professional help if your habit gets out of hand. For operators, one should be careful not to surpass the laws set for the casino despite the fame and protection they get from GamStop, the license can be terminated as easily once the casinos allow free gambling, going against the UKGC.