PokerStars is the most reputable online poker cardroom. Launched in 2001, this cardroom — also known as Poker Boom — was one of the main reasons why poker’s popularity suddenly skyrocketed during the 2000s.
It holds a licence from one of the strictest regulatory bodies, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. The UKGC requires that its licensees participate in Gamstop if they want to keep their permits. PokerStars is no exception to this rule, which is why it has to offer a self exclusion program to players struggling with gambling issues.
If you sign up with Gamstop, you’ll willingly restrict yourself from enjoying gambling activities on all UKGC-licensed websites, including PokerStars, over a certain period of time. Unfortunately, some players change their minds, only to find out that they can’t lift their self-imposed bans until a certain period has passed. When this happens, they have to seek out alternatives to PokerStars — non Gamstop casinos.
Read on if you want to find out more about the best non-Gamstop PokerStars substitutes, as well as the PokerStars self exclusion scheme.
Best PokerStars Alternatives Not on Gamstop
If you somehow managed to register on Gamstop by mistake, don’t worry — there are plenty of other options out there. You may not be able to play on PokerStars anymore, but you can check out the best alternatives featured on our list.
What Is the PokerStars Self Exclusion Program?
The PokerStars self exclusion program allows players to temporarily or permanently restrict themselves from playing in all real money online casinos licensed by the UKGC. This is a voluntary act, meaning that the player needs to initiate the self exclusion scheme by contacting PokerStars and then registering at Gamstop. After this, you can only play in non UK casinos, or casinos that accept British players.
Players can choose whether they want to refrain from gambling activities for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Once you’ve registered at Gamstop by providing your personal data, the self exclusion scheme will be activated after 24 hours, and you will be banned from all Gamstop websites. This option aims to help those players who are struggling with gambling addiction.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who didn’t register on Gamstop by mistake, you’re welcome to check out one of our many UK casino reviews, since you’re eligible for playing in any of them.
How to Remove PokerStars Self Exclusion
Not all players register for the self exclusion scheme because of gambling addiction — some do it out of whim or for other unknown reasons. In any case, many players experience a change of heart and want to know how to cancel Gamstop.
The answer comes much to their disappointment — you cannot cancel Gamstop, you can only wait for the self exclusion period to expire and contact Gamstop to resume your activity on the UKGC-licensed gambling sites.
While you’re here, make sure to check out our list of gambling sites featuring the best casino deposit bonus. Picking the casino with the best bonuses is fundamental for all players, as it opens up many exciting opportunities.
We’ve decided to finish this article by offering you another alternative. Namely, if you want to play games other than poker, you can also find a variety of slots not on Gamstop and much more.
Summary
Gambling addiction is a serious problem not to be dealt with half-heartedly. If you happen to struggle with it, we kindly advise you to stick to the self exclusion program without trying to evade it. However, if you’ve registered on Gamstop by mistake or for any other reason and you’re wondering how to get around Gamstop, you’re welcome to try your luck in any casino featured on our list.
