GAMSTOP Is Now Live

[Nicola]

GAMSTOP, the national online self-exclusion scheme, is now live for registrations. There is also a free helpline open from 8AM to midnight for registration issues and extensions of existing exclusions: 0800 138 6518

You can exclude for a period of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. Whilst the majority of UK operators have joined the scheme, the remaining are in the process of participating and by the end of 2018 it will be compulsory under UKGC rules.

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

The national gambling helpline also provides free support until midnight daily for those needing confidential advice, information and emotional support: 0808 8020 133

 

[colinsunderland]

Poor show from the organisations that haven't signed up with it yet, one would assume that the only reason a casino wouldn't be participating in this yet would be that they are hoping to sweep up on problem gamblers who can't go anywhere else.
Obviously if there are other reasons then I'm sure they can let us know in this thread @LeoVegas Affiliates @Guts (and other gig companies) @DrVegas Phil @Coral Support @Vera&John @L&L-Jan to name but a few

 

[Guts]

Good day people!

Very glad you brought this up, and we are more than happy to answer.

We are already integrated towards GAMSTOP, this means that if you have Self-exclusion in place at GAMSTOP, you would already now get blocked once you try to open or log in to an existent account.

We are already doing the necessary tests to receive our self-certification. We have all the necessary information and components to perform this test and we are doing everything we can do have this done by the end of next week. This means as soon as the testing is done and we have admitted the results and the necessary forms, we will be listed on the GAMSTOP website. This is for the whole GiG group.

We also wish to emphasize that we under no circumstances wish to "sweep up problem gamblers", we have systems in place and our agents try their best to pick up on this issue as fast as possible.

We hope this gave a better understanding as to why we are not currently listed, but believe us, we are working as fast as we can to get our listing on the website!
Should you have any further questions on this matter, or would need further information, please do not hesitate to ask, we will do our best to answer!

In the meantime, we wish you a very nice day and soon a great weekend.

- Your Guts Casinomeister Team

 

[itsover2014]

I have a question, if you are excluded at a site, and then they introduce GAMSTOP - Will you stay excluded and then be excluded by everyone else too? Or will you have to sign up to gamstop to be excluded again? How will it work?

 

[interlog]

I have a question, if you are excluded at a site, and then they introduce GAMSTOP - Will you stay excluded and then be excluded by everyone else too? Or will you have to sign up to gamstop to be excluded again? How will it work?

I am guessing that as it is you having to add yourself to the global self exclusion database, a casino will not be able to do it on your behalf. Therefore, with logic, if you are self excluded now at casino A, you can continue to play at casino B (providing they are not under the same license of course).

Only after YOU have added yourself to Gamstop, you will not be able to play at the participating casinos for the selected period of time.

 

[Guts]

Hello there!

It is correct that you would have to register with GAMSTOP and then you would be self-excluded throughout the system. With that being said: If you are already self-excluded with us, you will stay excluded.

Hope this answers your questions!

Have a very nice weekend everyone!

- Your Guts Casinomaister Team

 

[RichyJ75]

Well, at 5.24pm last Thursday 26th April 2018 I completed the GamStop forms to take a 6 month 'vacation' from gambling as I have accounts scattered amongst many casinos and although I enjoy the slots and do find it fun, I found myself getting into some bad habits so as a matter of being sensible, opted for this potentially drastic action to ensure I don't have a problem long term.

So, is it what it should be? Pretty much does what it should do, but:

1. I have found 3 accounts not affected by signing up to GamStop. Very small deposit limits in place at each site, although I may consider doing manual SE on these to tie up with the GamStop one and knock it all on the head for 6 months.
2. If the GamStop only affects accounts at casinos under a UKGC licence, surely a problem gambler would only sign up to a RTG casino which isn't governed by the UKGC but still accepts UK players?
3. Most alarmingly, I was still receiving promotional e-mails from a site earlier this week which was a participant at GamStop, despite the exclusion being in place. I then log on to see whether the account was active, which it was. Tried a deposit and it was accepted even though it was almost a week after opting for the SE.

So, there are loopholes, not 100% casino membership yet and even though a casino has participated in the scheme it appears certain structures are not in place in order to activate the SE request. What happens in these circumstances? Should any withdrawal be honoured or would it be confiscated as the account should have been blocked under the self exclusion signed up for at GamStop a week previous? I have contacted customer services at the casino in question (Videoslots) who say they have now blocked my account and forwarded my e-mail somewhere.

Now for 6 months to break habits and routine! Thankfully I am able to leave it without regrets and no debts, but I shall return (in moderation!).

 

[colinsunderland]

Well, at 5.24pm last Thursday 26th April 2018 I completed the GamStop forms to take a 6 month 'vacation' from gambling as I have accounts scattered amongst many casinos and although I enjoy the slots and do find it fun, I found myself getting into some bad habits so as a matter of being sensible, opted for this potentially drastic action to ensure I don't have a problem long term.

So, is it what it should be? Pretty much does what it should do, but:

1. I have found 3 accounts not affected by signing up to GamStop. Very small deposit limits in place at each site, although I may consider doing manual SE on these to tie up with the GamStop one and knock it all on the head for 6 months.
2. If the GamStop only affects accounts at casinos under a UKGC licence, surely a problem gambler would only sign up to a RTG casino which isn't governed by the UKGC but still accepts UK players?
3. Most alarmingly, I was still receiving promotional e-mails from a site earlier this week which was a participant at GamStop, despite the exclusion being in place. I then log on to see whether the account was active, which it was. Tried a deposit and it was accepted even though it was almost a week after opting for the SE.

So, there are loopholes, not 100% casino membership yet and even though a casino has participated in the scheme it appears certain structures are not in place in order to activate the SE request. What happens in these circumstances? Should any withdrawal be honoured or would it be confiscated as the account should have been blocked under the self exclusion signed up for at GamStop a week previous? I have contacted customer services at the casino in question (Videoslots) who say they have now blocked my account and forwarded my e-mail somewhere.

Now for 6 months to break habits and routine! Thankfully I am able to leave it without regrets and no debts, but I shall return (in moderation!).

I guessed that was going to be videoslots before you even mentioned it. They are great in some ways, but customer service (with the exception of Dan) if poor at best. Every time theres a problem it supposedly down to miscommunication, but the fact is the staff weren't trained properly.

They should pay any deposits back after you self excluded, you shouldn't get any winnings, although I can think of a couple of strong arguments that would get them to pay you.

 

[interlog]

How do the mechanics of the global self exclusion work? Are systems linked or is it a question of Gamstop sending emails to the participating casinos requesting self exclusion of the account?

If the latter, I can foresee some requests going missing or being actioned slowly (not necessarily deliberately by the casino). What happens in that period of time in terms of refunds if gambling is still allowed?

 

[MaltesePlayer]

How do the mechanics of the global self exclusion work? Are systems linked or is it a question of Gamstop sending emails to the participating casinos requesting self exclusion of the account?

If the latter, I can foresee some requests going missing or being actioned slowly (not necessarily deliberately by the casino). What happens in that period of time in terms of refunds if gambling is still allowed?

This is from the technical guidelines that was sent to us on how it works. Might help a bit

 

[interlog]

This is from the technical guidelines that was sent to us on how it works. Might help a bit

Thanks for that.

Now what does that mean in plain and simple English?

 

[MaltesePlayer]

Thanks for that.

Now what does that mean in plain and simple English?

Essentially system takes data from registration, compares with what's on GamStops side over an encrypted (secure) connection of course, if there are at least 4/5 matches, then the account registration is blocked, otherwise account is allowed to open.

 

[RichyJ75]

Ok, I have just contacted GamStop and they say that all accounts should be blocked within 24 hours of registering with them. Not sure why after registering at 5.24pm on 26th April that I was then able to carry on depositing and playing at a participating site (I wasn't entirely sure if they were restricted at this point - was just checking that accounts had been blocked where I play) in the early hours of 3rd May. Probably a glitch in the system somewhere, but may prove costly to some people. Not sure who would be at fault here - GamStop or Videoslots processes, or what should happen when it goes wrong!

 

[RichyJ75]

This is seriously turning into a fiasco now!

A few minutes ago I received an e-mail from GamStop. Before they can complete my registration with them, they need me to fill out an application form and scan it back to them (I have already completed one online), send a picture of my ID and one of me holding it and also two different documents to validate my address. This is, for a better word, total bollocks as I have already completed the application form online over a week ago and went through security to confirm ID - they ask questions and cross reference them with your credit file it seems before accepting the application. Supposedly they need to push it through manually now, so assume their electronic systems are a bit crap!

It also raises the question that if my original application didn't work, why are so many of my casino accounts blocked because of it?

And this is supposed to encourage people to use them in order to quit gambling? By the end of this process I think I'll have a drinking problem and will have to have counselling on that!!

Now where's that brick wall I need to hit my head against ........

 

[slotter999]

This is seriously turning into a fiasco now!

A few minutes ago I received an e-mail from GamStop. Before they can complete my registration with them, they need me to fill out an application form and scan it back to them (I have already completed one online), send a picture of my ID and one of me holding it and also two different documents to validate my address. This is, for a better word, total bollocks as I have already completed the application form online over a week ago and went through security to confirm ID - they ask questions and cross reference them with your credit file it seems before accepting the application. Supposedly they need to push it through manually now, so assume their electronic systems are a bit crap!

It also raises the question that if my original application didn't work, why are so many of my casino accounts blocked because of it?

And this is supposed to encourage people to use them in order to quit gambling? By the end of this process I think I'll have a drinking problem and will have to have counselling on that!!

Now where's that brick wall I need to hit my head against ........

Oh dear. Doesn't sound very player friendly. What happens if you take the do nothing option - you enter some sort of self exclusion purgatory?

Been a while since you posted this so wonder if there has been any update?

 

[RichyJ75]

Oh dear. Doesn't sound very player friendly. What happens if you take the do nothing option - you enter some sort of self exclusion purgatory?

Been a while since you posted this so wonder if there has been any update?

Well, it all seems to be working, except with the Videoslots and GoWild situations where there were issues with them setting the exclusion in place as supposedly GamStop failed to flag my exclusion with them. Nevertheless, it all seems to be in place now! I was happy to liaise with various parties to deal with these issues, but thought the guinea pig stages would already have been tested!

Strange feeling really and although I know a couple of places not yet registered to GamStop so I can still play there, there is less of an inclination to. Don't get me wrong, I love playing slots and it has been very kind to me of late, but also a relief to be able to walk away while I am still happy and with no regrets.

Hopefully GamStop will make it more player friendly and the casinos iron out these teething issues as this is a great tool to use. Bit pissed off with GoWild and their attitude to me and giving me a 5 year exclusion when I only requested 6 months from GamStop to take a break while I was on a high, but, their loss when I do return.

 

[goatwack]

Well, it all seems to be working, except with the Videoslots and GoWild situations where there were issues with them setting the exclusion in place as supposedly GamStop failed to flag my exclusion with them. Nevertheless, it all seems to be in place now! I was happy to liaise with various parties to deal with these issues, but thought the guinea pig stages would already have been tested!

Strange feeling really and although I know a couple of places not yet registered to GamStop so I can still play there, there is less of an inclination to. Don't get me wrong, I love playing slots and it has been very kind to me of late, but also a relief to be able to walk away while I am still happy and with no regrets.

Hopefully GamStop will make it more player friendly and the casinos iron out these teething issues as this is a great tool to use. Bit pissed off with GoWild and their attitude to me and giving me a 5 year exclusion when I only requested 6 months from GamStop to take a break while I was on a high, but, their loss when I do return.

So all in all it works, barring a couple of casinos where it doesn't, not to mention those that will find 'difficulty' integrating it fully for months to come

But as they, it's a start

 

[pinnit2014]

Good luck Richy: more to life than staring at the laptop hoping and praying for that wildline!

And no regrets and happy aren’t normally associated with gambling

 

[ReggieMac]

Well, as I have finally gotten bored of online slots, and after a roller coaster ride over the last 12 months I am lucky enough to come out at the end of it a mere £1137.24 down overall. So to avoid all temptation going forward I am cutting my losses and have signed up to GamStop simply to remove any temptation to change my mind. I have enjoyed my highs, loathed my lows but mostly enjoyed myself. After signing up to GamStop I was quite impressed to receive emails from BetFair & Paddy Power within a few hours (even though I have not logged in to either of those sites for a few weeks) and all my other accounts were locked almost as quickly, certainly in under 24 hours. I can see this being a very useful tool going forward whether gambling is a problem or not for any individual.

 

[Nicola]

Great to see this working and providing relief to many.

Although GAMSTOP do not plan to release figures on the uptake, I'm hoping that the UKGC will include them in the annual report.

 

[interlog]

This is seriously turning into a fiasco now!

A few minutes ago I received an e-mail from GamStop. Before they can complete my registration with them, they need me to fill out an application form and scan it back to them (I have already completed one online), send a picture of my ID and one of me holding it and also two different documents to validate my address. This is, for a better word, total bollocks as I have already completed the application form online over a week ago and went through security to confirm ID - they ask questions and cross reference them with your credit file it seems before accepting the application. Supposedly they need to push it through manually now, so assume their electronic systems are a bit crap!

It also raises the question that if my original application didn't work, why are so many of my casino accounts blocked because of it?

And this is supposed to encourage people to use them in order to quit gambling? By the end of this process I think I'll have a drinking problem and will have to have counselling on that!!

Now where's that brick wall I need to hit my head against ........

I am guessing that additional verification is required in certain circumstances. I am aware of somebody who suddenly got self excluded from casinos. Wondering why and after having made enquiries, it transpired some sick person managed to get his details onto the Gamstop database!

 

[interlog]

To share my experience (which isn't that great to be honest).

I attempted to complete the online registration but it wouldn't have any of it. It couldn't find my details after doing their checks which is fair comment.

I therefore contacted live chat who asked me complete a form instead that was duly completed and returned. I then had to upload two pieces of documents that was duly done too.

All of that was last week.

Since then, I haven't heard anything at all and upon checking am still able to log in to casinos that are listed as being in the scheme.

I haven't decided to self exclude because of gambling problems but if I had, I would be bitterly disappointed with a service that is meant to help me stop gambling.

 

[RichyJ75]

I attempted to complete the online registration but it wouldn't have any of it. It couldn't find my details after doing their checks which is fair comment.
I therefore contacted live chat who asked me complete a form instead that was duly completed and returned. I then had to upload two pieces of documents that was duly done too.
All of that was last week.

Since then, I haven't heard anything at all and upon checking am still able to log in to casinos that are listed as being in the scheme.

I haven't decided to self exclude because of gambling problems but if I had, I would be bitterly disappointed with a service that is meant to help me stop gambling.

And here lies a serious problem, in my eyes. If you were to play at one of these casinos and hit a big win, would they mysteriously find the SE request at GamStop, confiscate your win and then proceed to SE you?

Sounds like you have encountered similar problems to me when I signed up. It certainly is having teething problems it would seem. I refused to send in further documents and forms when requested as my online registration appeared to go through as some casino sites blocked my access, so it did have some success. However, not all casino accounts were blocked as supposedly GamStop failed to return a reply to say I should be SE from them, thus allowing my account to remain open. Far too many glitches and like you say, all a bit disappointing.

 

[interlog]

Well after the initial hiccups and me contacting them, the self exclusion request was eventually processed and having checked the majority of my casino accounts, it appears to do what it says on the tin. I can't log into them anymore with pop up messages appearing advising me I have self excluded.

The process was slow and can be worked on it to make the user experience a little better.

 

[RichyJ75]

Strange instance at William Hill. I was able to log in yesterday, deposit and play without problems. Shouldn't be a problem as WillHill are not currently listed as a participating casino at GamStop and as my deposit limit is only a tenner a day and relatively low weekly/monthly limit, I am happy to play here as it keeps me restricted to just one casino.

Anyway, I was just able to log in and proceed to deposit screen, but it hung when processing my Paypal deposit. Tried refreshing, but was unable to log in as it was requesting age verification! So, I proceed to live chat and they confirm it is to do with GamStop. I asked if they have only just joined GamStop in the last 24 hours, but she was completely clueless as to what it was all about, just that it was a self exclusion applicable in the UK!

How can support staff be unaware of GamStop and what their company is doing about it?

Nevermind, not a problem. Quite enjoying the break from online slots, but during the last week (school holidays) we spent the week down at a caravan site and I ended up with £1,050 profit from playing their £500 jackpot machines. Hit them early in the morning after the previous night's drunken played games and they seem to want to pay out! My family are quite pleased with this as the money was paid in against next year's site fees. Plus my kids got a bit more pocket money. Bonus!

 

[AnnaTS]

I have officially just signed up to Gamstop this morning, I don't really have a gambling problem, I can stop but because i want to save 10k in 2 years, I just wanted to sign up in case i ever get the temptation when i am bored at home because that's usually when i play slots when i am bored, I just wish they did a 2 year exclusion because they only do 6 months, 1 year and 5 years and i think 5 years is too much for me, Would have been nice if you could sign up and choose your own length of time or at least had an option in between the 1 year and 5 year option, So i ended up signing up for a year and then i will have to sign up for another year when that runs out.

 

[TheSam469]

I have officially just signed up to Gamstop this morning, I don't really have a gambling problem, I can stop but because i want to save 10k in 2 years, I just wanted to sign up in case i ever get the temptation when i am bored at home because that's usually when i play slots when i am bored, I just wish they did a 2 year exclusion because they only do 6 months, 1 year and 5 years and i think 5 years is too much for me, Would have been nice if you could sign up and choose your own length of time or at least had an option in between the 1 year and 5 year option, So i ended up signing up for a year and then i will have to sign up for another year when that runs out.

Gamstop is based on current UKGC rules regarding exclusion. Thus, that's the amount of time you can choose.

 

[Mr Wild]

And here lies a serious problem, in my eyes. If you were to play at one of these casinos and hit a big win, would they mysteriously find the SE request at GamStop, confiscate your win and then proceed to SE you?

Sounds like you have encountered similar problems to me when I signed up. It certainly is having teething problems it would seem. I refused to send in further documents and forms when requested as my online registration appeared to go through as some casino sites blocked my access, so it did have some success. However, not all casino accounts were blocked as supposedly GamStop failed to return a reply to say I should be SE from them, thus allowing my account to remain open. Far too many glitches and like you say, all a bit disappointing.

I believe you would keep your winnings.

Gamstop is not a free service for the operators. They need to pay between £2,500 - £350,000 yearly for their services depending size of business. So they clearly have the financials to deliver a good service, which they dont and they put all liablities on the player that self-exclude. When you self-exclude you agree not to try to sign in or register with any casinos, if you do try, then you breach their terms and conditions.

 

[Nicola]

I have officially just signed up to Gamstop this morning, I don't really have a gambling problem, I can stop but because i want to save 10k in 2 years, I just wanted to sign up in case i ever get the temptation when i am bored at home because that's usually when i play slots when i am bored, I just wish they did a 2 year exclusion because they only do 6 months, 1 year and 5 years and i think 5 years is too much for me, Would have been nice if you could sign up and choose your own length of time or at least had an option in between the 1 year and 5 year option, So i ended up signing up for a year and then i will have to sign up for another year when that runs out.

Glad to hear, wise decision IMO

Heard a lot of stories recently from new babies on the way to moving house for the reason for using GAMSTOP. The option of stopping the temptation in a simple process is life-changing.

 

[slotter999]

I believe you would keep your winnings.

Gamstop is not a free service for the operators. They need to pay between £2,500 - £350,000 yearly for their services depending size of business. So they clearly have the financials to deliver a good service, which they dont and they put all liablities on the player that self-exclude. When you self-exclude you agree not to try to sign in or register with any casinos, if you do try, then you breach their terms and conditions.

Blimey... that's a lot of money for the service. I had intended to take a look at the company accounts once it's been up and running for a while to try and determine how much they were turning over. Am I correct in thinking the company behind it effectively have a monopoly on a national self exclusion service in the UK or am I mistaken? Nice business if you can get it I suppose.

 

[RichyJ75]

Blimey... that's a lot of money for the service. I had intended to take a look at the company accounts once it's been up and running for a while to try and determine how much they were turning over. Am I correct in thinking the company behind it effectively have a monopoly on a national self exclusion service in the UK or am I mistaken? Nice business if you can get it I suppose.

There are no accounts registered yet and next set of accounts are due by 31/08/18

Currently 4 directors all registered at 31 Southampton Row in London, which coincidentally is a Regus rented office space building, so more of a 'virtual office'.

It certainly appears like a monopoly for this service, so based on that I wonder if the directors have interests or persuasive powers elsewhere? These directors are:

Melanie Blake
Clive Hawkswood
Christopher Hobbs
Roger Parkes

 

[brianmon]

There are no accounts registered yet and next set of accounts are due by 31/08/18

Currently 4 directors all registered at 31 Southampton Row in London, which coincidentally is a Regus rented office space building, so more of a 'virtual office'.

It certainly appears like a monopoly for this service, so based on that I wonder if the directors have interests or persuasive powers elsewhere? These directors are:

Melanie Blake
Clive Hawkswood
Christopher Hobbs
Roger Parkes

Not a lot showing at Companies House
beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/10504973/officers

 

[deaconk78]

just signed up as i constantly gamble what i can not afford to lose - exclude from one casino and i just find another . Time to stop and follow my own advice .

 

[RichyJ75]

Well, at 5.24pm last Thursday 26th April 2018 I completed the GamStop forms to take a 6 month 'vacation' from gambling as I have accounts scattered amongst many casinos and although I enjoy the slots and do find it fun, I found myself getting into some bad habits so as a matter of being sensible, opted for this potentially drastic action to ensure I don't have a problem long term.

So, is it what it should be? Pretty much does what it should do, but:

1. I have found 3 accounts not affected by signing up to GamStop. Very small deposit limits in place at each site, although I may consider doing manual SE on these to tie up with the GamStop one and knock it all on the head for 6 months.
2. If the GamStop only affects accounts at casinos under a UKGC licence, surely a problem gambler would only sign up to a RTG casino which isn't governed by the UKGC but still accepts UK players?
3. Most alarmingly, I was still receiving promotional e-mails from a site earlier this week which was a participant at GamStop, despite the exclusion being in place. I then log on to see whether the account was active, which it was. Tried a deposit and it was accepted even though it was almost a week after opting for the SE.

So, there are loopholes, not 100% casino membership yet and even though a casino has participated in the scheme it appears certain structures are not in place in order to activate the SE request. What happens in these circumstances? Should any withdrawal be honoured or would it be confiscated as the account should have been blocked under the self exclusion signed up for at GamStop a week previous? I have contacted customer services at the casino in question (Videoslots) who say they have now blocked my account and forwarded my e-mail somewhere.

Now for 6 months to break habits and routine! Thankfully I am able to leave it without regrets and no debts, but I shall return (in moderation!).

Well, as at 5.24pm 26th October my 6 month self exclusion at Gamstop expired. I have just contacted GamStop to ask them to cease excluding me from casinos as the exclusion continues even though the exclusion period has expired.

It seems it isn't easy to cease the exclusion as they need to refer it to Head Office and I will get an e-mail to complete and return some time in the next 24 hours! We will wait and see.

 

[RichyJ75]

It seems I need to send them a picture of me holding my photographic evidence (driving licence). Seriously? Do I need to smile, strike a pose or blow a kiss as well? The photo on my licence was when I used to commute by motorbike so clippered off my hair down to a number 1 or 2 grade (to eliminate helmet perm) whereas I now have hair and designer (also known as 'lazy man') stubble, so look nothing like the pic. Oh well, what fun. I am sure they only request this to take the piss out of people posing with their ID!