Last Updated on May 7, 2023
While the UKGC’s Gamstop scheme is certainly an invaluable weapon in the fight against problem gambling, there’s no denying the limitations it imposes can prove to be a little too restrictive for some.
If you’re one of the many players who’s activated self-exclusion as a knee-jerk reaction to a bad session or a significant loss, you may find regaining access to your favourite online casino is a difficult process.
Unfortunately, reactivating your account isn’t as simple as sending a self exclusion removal request, with players normally committed to sitting out the period of their self-imposed restriction. Thankfully, however, there are several workarounds that could help you continue playing sooner rather than later.
Pros And Cons Of Getting Around The Gamstop Scheme
- Players can continue playing without sending a self exclusion removal request.
- Gambling can be an entertaining and enjoyable experience when done responsibly.
- While not guaranteed, it’s certainly possible to win money while gambling online.
- Players with gambling problems may not be able to manage their losses without restriction.
- Not being able to control your gambling behaviour can create negative mental health issues.
The Best Options For How To Get Around Gamstop:
- Create an account with gambling sites not on Gamstop
- Join a site that doesn’t require account verification on sign-up
- Use a VPN to access sites outside of the UKGC’s Gamstop network
- Create a shared account by registering in another person’s name
- Find offline gambling venues where you can play unrestricted
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Benefits And Drawbacks Of Getting Around Gamstop
Before we delve into the finer points of the list of above, it’s important to first consider the pros and cons of getting around Gamstop. While jumping straight back into action at an online casino may seem appealing, players should consider whether they’re genuinely ready for the risks such an action entails.
On the one hand, learning how to get around self exclusion can help players continue gambling online quickly and efficiently. The benefits of this are obviously the enjoyment and relaxation that playing at an online casino can bring, as well as the potential boost to earnings that a winning session provides.
On the other, players who bypass the Gamstop scheme before they’re ready to continue playing may be putting themselves at risk. If they genuinely do have a gambling problem, being able to access sites without restriction could see them incur further losses and have a negative impact on mental health.
Creating An Account With Gambling Sites Not On Gamstop
When looking at how to get around self exclusion, perhaps the easiest method is to register an account with an operator that is not part of the Gamstop scheme. As readers of this site will know, there are plenty of reputable online casinos not on Gamstop – and many of them are open to UK-based players.
Typically, these sites are located off-shore and hold licences from trusted bodies such as the MGA or Curacao eGaming. As such, they’re not restricted by the UKGC’s Gamstop scheme and are not included on the list of blocked operators when you self-exclude. Before choosing a non-Gamstop site to sign-up with, however, be sure to read our extensive review section and pick the one that’s right for you.
Joining A Gambling Site That Doesn’t Require Verification
Similarly, there are many UK sites not on Gamban that are able to accept self-excluded players due to the fact that they don’t require verification. As it’s the players personal information than prevents them from gambling rather than the site itself being “blacklisted” by Gamstop, by not requesting verification details, these operators are able to accept players even if they’re on the self-exclusion list.
More often than not, gambling sites that don’t require verification tend to favour cryptocurrency payments. This is because transactions made using Bitcoin, Litecoin or Ether are made anonymously and don’t require users to share financial details – and no financial details mean no verification checks.
Use A VPN To Access Sites That Operate Outside of Gamstop
As a rule imposed by the UKGC, the Gamstop self-exclusion list only affects players based in the UK. By using a VPN service, players already on this list can effectively mask their IP address to make it look like they’re based in another country, enabling them to easily bypass most of a site’s Gamstop filters.
Using a VPN can allow players to get around Gamstop in two main ways. Firstly, they can return to their normal UKGC-licensed casino as if they were accessing it from a country where Gamstop doesn’t apply. Secondly, they can use a VPN to access sites that aren’t available to UK players, giving them a far wider range of options when it comes to finding a casino where the self-exclusion list isn’t enforced.
Players adopting this method should, however, be aware of two main drawbacks. Firstly, when registering for an account while using a VPN, they may still need to enter a valid address from the country they’ve selected. Secondly, they should be aware of any restrictions in terms of accepted deposit/withdrawal methods in the country they’ve chosen to ensure they have access to their funds.
If you don’t wish to play at any of the UK sites not on Gamstop, it may be possible for you to play at a UKGC-licensed site by using a shared account. To do this, you will need to register for an online casino using the details of a close friend or partner, so you should always get their consent before signing up.
Create A Shared Account By Registering In Another Person’s Name
By using this method, you should be able to access any site that you’ve previously self-excluded from as the account information provided will not raise any red flags with Gamstop. This will in turn allow you to play at the site unrestricted, providing your account buddy is willing to let you use their details.
Again, there is a caveat when adopting this method. As many UKGC-licensed sites require identity verification, you probably won’t be able to combine a partner’s personal information with a payment method that’s not in their name. You will therefore either have to use an anonymous payment method or the partner’s actual card, which naturally can be dangerous if you do have a real gambling problem.
Play At Offline Gambling Venues Where You’re Not Restricted
Of course, with COVID-19 restrictions easing off across the UK and Europe, one of the simplest ways you can get around Gamstop is visiting an offline gambling venue where these restrictions don’t apply.
Not only can gambling in a bricks and mortar casino be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s also a social activity that enables you to meet and engage with other players. It also has the added bonus that as chips often have to be purchased before you can sit and play at a table, you can’t simply “top up” your physical balance using a debit card and have that extra few minutes to think things through.
Like gambling sites not on Gamstop, offline gambling venues won’t enforce any self-exclusion rules and will allow you to play unimpeded so long as you’re not displaying any signs of compulsive gambling. If you are concerned about your betting behaviour while playing at an offline casino, however, the best thing you can do is inform a member of staff so they can take appropriate action.
Conclusions On How To Get Around Self Exclusion
While sending a self exclusion removal request won’t help you shorten the length of your ban at UKGC-licensed casinos, there are still a number of methods you can employ to get around this restriction.
Before you do, however, you should think long and hard about your reason for self-excluding in the first place. If it was a decision made in the heat of the moment that you no longer wish to be locked into, go ahead and try one of the techniques listed above. If it was a reasoned choice made to protect your financial health, mental health or both, you may be better seeing out your self-exclusion period.
How To Get Around Gamstop FAQs
Unfortunately, no. Once activated, you will be blocked from all Gamstop sites for the duration of your self-exclusion period and the decision can’t be reversed to help prevent problem gambling issues.
A VPN effectively masks your IP address to make it look like you’re accessing a site from another country. There are many VPN tools available online, and a lot of them can be downloaded for free.
Technically, no – account sharing is one of the many things KYC verification was designed to stop. For that reason, if you use this method you’re better of doing so at a site that doesn’t require KYC.
Yes. Many sites that aren’t restricted by Gamstop still operate under license from Malta or Curacao. They’re therefore subjected to scrutiny just like a UKGC site would be and are fair and safe to play at.
Gabe Harper has been working in the online casino business for a bit over a decade. He has worked on the backend of more established casinos, and has also watched scams come and go. While mostly an avid table game and poker player, Gabe is also known for his tips and bets whenever the Premier League rolls around.
