Responsible gambling is a priority, and one of the tools introduced to promote this is Gamban. With the application, players can prevent themselves from betting on bookmakers for a certain period. This ensures they can avoid compulsive gambling and keep their habits in check. Unfortunately, sites that employ this scheme are also under the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, a regulatory authority known for its stringent regulations.
Punters choose gambling sites not on Gamban, to avoid the authority’s restrictions. One can also take measures to get around the self-exclusion scheme and fully enjoy the gambling experience. This text explores the safety application, its limitations, and how to avoid them. We’ve also detailed the best bookmakers not part of the programme but offering the best services.
What is Gamban?
Gamban is a prominent name in the realm of responsible gambling, offering a valuable solution to those struggling with compulsive betting behaviours. As a self-exclusion and restrictive tool, it empowers problem gamblers by providing a mechanism to block their access to online gambling platforms. Individuals who implement it take proactive steps to limit their exposure to potential triggers, fostering a healthier relationship with their gambling habits.
However, while the service is beneficial for curbing excessive gambling, it comes with certain limitations that hinder players from fully experiencing the thrill of betting. The very essence of its purpose—restriction—might inadvertently restrain recreational players from engaging with bookmakers. That’s because the blanket approach that the tool employs doesn’t differentiate between those who wish to exclude themselves entirely and those who desire controlled and balanced play.
Basically, you can register for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 5 years. If, during this exclusion period, you’re more in control and choose to return to online gambling at UKGC bookies, you won’t be able to do so until the period you picked elapses. Not to mention that the Commission has several rules preventing operators from offering specific packages to UK bettors.
How to Get Around Gamban Self-Exclusion
Thankfully, there are ways to get past the Gamban self-exclusion scheme, and we’ve detailed them in the following sections.
Use VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) masks one’s online identity and location, allowing access to restricted websites like those blocked by responsible gambling services. Several of these networks exist, but not all are reliable. As such, when choosing a VPN, ensure it’s a strong one that’s difficult to detect. Keep in mind that using these tools might be against a bookmaker’s policy, and if the operator’s systems pick it up, you’ll be banned from accessing the website.
Sign Up with Others Details
Some punters create new accounts with another person’s details. This also means verifying the account with the said individual’s information, which entails submitting documents that prove their identity and address. If the person is already a registered gambler, you can access sites they bet on using their login credentials. If you use this approach, ensure to seek permission from the account owner, as doing this without the person’s consent is often considered identity theft.
Use Non Gamban Betting Sites
One of the best ways to bypass the self-exclusion tool and avoid restrictions is to use non-Gamban betting sites. These platforms are viable alternatives because they offer services similar to and sometimes better than their UK counterparts. This means you can place different types of bets on various sports. They also have massive promotions, ranging from matched deposit bonuses to free bets.
Best Bookies to Bypass Gamban
You’ll find several operators outside the UK to place stakes with to avoid the UKGC’s restrictions. However, these sites aren’t equal, with some offering better than others. To that effect, we’ve picked and briefly reviewed the top five below:
MyStake
A bright and user-friendly interface is the first thing about MyStake that draws a punter’s attention. Further investigation into the platform reveals thousands of betting markets across over 30 sports. It has great odds and an impressive match-up deal capped at €500 for new customers.
Goldenbet
With more than 30 sports to bet on, Goldenbet caters to different types of sports enthusiasts. It’s well-known for its comprehensive live betting section with great lines and a live streaming service. 100% up to €500 is available for newbies; existing users can claim free bets, cashback deals, and other promotions.
Freshbet
Freshbet caters to fiat and crypto bettors with payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Litecoin, and Skrill. This means you can bet without considering everything about credit scores. Curacao regulates the website and uses the best security features to protect users. Its sports betting section features markets for popular and niche sports, including electronic and virtual games.
Magic Win
With over 1,000 football markets and hundreds of options for basketball, horse racing, and other sports, there’s always something exciting to wager on at the bookmaker. There’s also a five-part welcome package for new users. Licensed by Curacao, Magic Win is a safe and trustworthy platform, so you can enjoy its offerings without worrying about your safety.
Winstler Casino
The matched deposit bonus of up to €9,500 is one of Winstler’s most attractive features. While it’s mostly an online casino, it includes a sports betting section with extensive coverage for various sports. Its odds are also decent, especially for popular events.
Is it Safe to Opt for Non Gamban Gambling Sites?
Opting for independent sites is safe, provided you pick reliable platforms. While these operators don’t run with a licence from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, they might be regulated in other well-known jurisdictions like Curacao, Malta, and Gibraltar. Even completely independent people abide by specific rules that ensure their services are on par with industry standards.
You should remember that not all non-Gamban sites are trustworthy, making it essential to evaluate a bookmaker before registering and funding your account thoroughly. Read comprehensive and detailed reviews to get an idea of its offerings. Also, check reviews from other punters, giving you insight into how it treats its customers.
It’s also essential to practice responsible gambling. These platforms might not be part of Gamban, but they have other tools that you can use to control your betting habits. Learn to set limits and only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
