GamStop

I don't know the details of what's covered or not covered by gamstop. Use it as part of recovery, but don't rely on its own. Look at web filters like gamban, k9, etc. I think it's important that these tools are available, from my experience of gambling, even after self-excluding, if I wasn't actively working at recovery (12 steps GA) then I would eventually find new ways to gamble. If you are an alcoholic, you can't exclude yourself form all places that sell drink, you have to bring about a change of self with the help of others. The same applies for gambling, ever since I've commited to weekly GA meetings, and helping others, my resolve not to gamble has not required relying on whether or not a site is included in a service.

GamRecovery

Last Bet 15/03/2016

Yes, that’s true to a point. But I think you eventually work up to a stage whereby you rely less and less on tools that you’ve put in place. I’m 11 days into my recovery and whilst there are no urges as yet (due mainly to me keeping busy and trying to retrain the brain into focusing on healthier, more positive outlets), I was just surprised to read someone post of how people who have signed up for GamStop will just sign up with other online casinos that are not regulated (?) in the UK. To be fair, I remember the poster was quite negative about his posts and that he/she was trying to justify why GamStop may not work.

I apologise if I’m in some way breaking forum rules or if it looks like I’m inciting the idea of trying to bypass GamStop. It’s really not my intention AT ALL. I would love nothing more than for someone to tell me that I’m talking gobbidly gook Ha!

Gamstop covers UK registered sites - those regulated by the UK gambling commission. Those unlicensed, unregulated sites are generally dodgy and may not pay out if you win anyway.

I'd strongly suggest multiple levels of blocking, which is what I'm doing - Gamstop + a software blocker on all devices (K9/Gamban/Betfilter) + a bank account block (Monzo - the best one/Starling/Barclays). All of which blocks in different ways and helps cover potential holes in each other's methods.

Football/Sport in general has and always will be a big part of my life.

I don’t think I could seriously contemplate removing it. I love it too much. Yes, the gambling made it more interesting sometimes, but sports and comedies are all I really watch.

I would have to find a new group of friends to be involved with as they all love sport. Some of whom love gambling too but some who also don’t.

So to answer your question, it would definitely feature in my top 10 list of items if I were marooned on a desert island. Or rather, if I could take 3 luxuries onto the island, watching sport would be one of them.

I’m glad it’s working for you though ALN! Keep fighting!

Gamstop saved me tonight. So glad I signed up.

I’m happy to read that, Vin 🙂

Reading the Telegraph this morning, it says that as from May, people will have to go through “rigorous ID and age checks” to be able to bet online, in order to “close any loopholes” when trying to bypass the GamStop system.

I’ve read plenty of stories on here about people who’ve managed to bypass the system in some way, so hopefully this is adds an extra barrier to those who have problems with online gambling.

With the introduction of £2 FOBT’s in 2 weeks time, things are looking up for us compulsive gamblers.

They could still do a harder system for the bookies as well like a card only system

Christer1 wrote: They could still do a harder system for the bookies as well like a card only system

As I’ve said...this. Unless they do the problem moves back to the shops, online is getting harder as lng as you self exclude, I’ve done it for the max on everything I can think of, up to around 30 betting sites and apps approx and that works for me for now.the problem then is betting shops where I think they just don’t give a ship about problem gamblers.ultimately it’s down to us, we have to have the blocks in place and money away from us us to recover.

I totally agree, Christer. But I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon, unfortunately. It would hurt the bookies too much, financially, and they know it.

Gamstop covers UK only casinos/bookies and to be honest any person from the UK being allowed to/opening an account outside jurisdiction deserves all they get. If you try and open one on an MGA licence you are not allowed to regardless of Gamstop as the rule is only EU(actual EU) citizens can do so. Curacao licences are a joke and actually in the majority of cases these sites are scams.

My advice to anyone in the UK would be to use Gamstop although it is not a silver bullet and can be circumvented easily enough. Come the 7th of May it will actually do its job though. Casinos wont be allowed to accept deposits until verification can be carried out on a new player. There will be no way around it and you wont be able to gamble.

It's killing the voice inside that will be the real test, for us all.Ive found ways around online gambling in the past . This is all down to you wanting and having to quit,staying free is the hardest part in our journey.keep fighting

As EKJR says Gamstop is not a silver bullet and can be circumvented but it does provide a barrier that helps slow down your access to gambling and hopefully gives you a chance to reconsider your actions or possibly even sober up! I found a way around it when I had my relapse but have solved that hole in my defences and now can't actually see how I could gamble online unless I used some dodgy overseas site which probably would not even pay out if I won and I really would not be happy giving credit card or bank details to.

I never gambled in a casino or bookies when I had my problems but what would be fantastic if people had to register to a UK wide type license before they were able to gamble in a casino or bookies and then had to produce a electronic card before they were able to gamble. Then us problem gamblers could de-register ourself and then would be unable to gamble in any UK casino or bookies. I know there would always be ways around it but it would be another delay and barrier to allow us time to reconsider. Other plus point is gambling industry would absolutely hate the idea!