The Gamstop system is an online self-exclusion program in the United Kingdom that allows individuals to voluntarily restrict their access to online gambling sites for a period of time. It was introduced in 2018 by the UK Gambling Commission as part of their efforts to promote responsible gambling and prevent problem gambling. However, there are still some licenses that do not fall under the Gamstop system, allowing players to bypass the self-exclusion scheme. Malta casinos not on Gamstop are among these options.
What are these licenses and how do they operate?
In this article, we will explore the licenses that do not have a Gamstop system and discuss how they work.
Curacao eGaming License
The Curacao eGaming License is one of the most popular offshore licenses for online casinos. It is issued by the Government of Curacao and allows operators to legally offer online gambling services to players around the world. This license does not fall under the Gamstop system as it is not regulated by any European authority.
Under this license, operators are required to comply with certain regulations such as fair gaming practices and responsible gambling measures. However, they are not obligated to participate in the Gamstop scheme, which means players who have self-excluded themselves from UK sites can still access these casinos.
List of regulations under Curacao eGaming License:
- Fair gaming practices
- Data protection policies
- Anti-money laundering measures
- Responsible gambling guidelines
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) License
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is one of the most respected gambling regulatory bodies in the world. It regulates both land-based and online casinos, ensuring they operate in a fair and responsible manner. However, unlike the UK Gambling Commission, the MGA does not have a mandatory self-exclusion scheme like Gamstop.
Operators under this license are required to adhere to strict regulations and undergo regular audits to ensure compliance. This includes promoting responsible gambling measures such as self-exclusion options, but it is not mandatory for them to participate in Gamstop.
List of regulations under MGA License:
- Fair gaming practices
- Data protection policies
- Anti-money laundering measures
- Responsible gambling guidelines
Non-UK based Online Casinos
There are also numerous online casinos that are not licensed by any European authority, making them exempt from the Gamstop system. These sites may be based in other countries such as Costa Rica or Panama and do not fall under the jurisdiction of UK laws and regulations.
Players who have self-excluded themselves from UK sites can still access these offshore casinos through VPNs or by simply registering with a different name and address. This makes it difficult for authorities to track individuals who have self-excluded themselves from gambling sites.
List of common non-UK based online casino licenses:
- Curaçao eGaming License
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission License (Canada)
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority License (Gibraltar)
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission (Alderney)
Risks of Playing on Non-Gamstop Licensed Casinos
While these licenses may offer players access to a wider variety of online casinos, there are also risks associated with playing on sites that do not have the Gamstop system in place.
Firstly, players who have self-excluded themselves from gambling sites may be tempted to sign up and play at these offshore casinos, potentially worsening their gambling addiction. Additionally, these non-Gamstop licensed sites may not have the same level of player protection as those regulated by European authorities.
Hence, it is important for players to be cautious when playing on non-Gamstop licensed casinos and practice responsible gambling habits.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Gamstop system has been effective in helping individuals control their gambling habits, there are still licenses that do not fall under this self-exclusion scheme. It is crucial for players to be aware of the risks associated with playing on these sites and to always gamble responsibly.
