Responsible Gaming in CS:GO Betting: Leveraging GamStop for Harm Prevention

The Popularity of CS:GO Betting

Since the discipline is common among many punters, more and more online bookies add it to the list of betting options. Juicy odds and lucrative bonuses sportsbooks offer are a great addition to exciting match-watching. Many users prefer placing a bet on their favourite team and increasing their adrenaline level during international or local CS:GO competitions. For some, it’s a way to earn money, but most still use betting to increase the rate of excitement. 

Responsible Gambling Practices

In line with betting popularity, gambling addiction rates also increase. Therefore, operators are often required to implement appropriate mechanisms to prevent this disorder or provide timely treatment. Responsible gambling principles imply controlling the time and money spent on a betting or casino website, but not all users are able to set appropriate limits and stick to them. Self-exclusion programs are considered the most accessible and efficient measure of coping with gambling addiction, and GamStop is the most widespread tool. 

What Is GamStop?

This free self-exclusion program is software operating under the UKGC licence. All casinos in the UK must implement this tool in their activities. GamStop allows restricted access to all gambling and betting websites for a particular period. Problem players can pick the self-exclusion term (from 6 months to 5 years) and spend this time for further addiction treatment. Besides, the program provides details about appropriate therapies and offers support lines for affected individuals. GamStop has already shown efficiency, as over 80% of participants reported improved conditions. 

Besides these numbers, a significant number of punters in the UK continue to engage with sites not covered by Gamstop's self-exclusion scheme. Gambling experts Jack Reeve and Bradley Oliva ensure that bookies without GamStop are safe if using internal tools for self-exclusion. However, some players are bad at self-control, so this is better for them to use GamStop or schemes similar to that.

Why Do CS:GO Bettors Need GamStop?

Betting, as well as gambling, can be addictive. Not all users can stop in time – many cannot resist the temptation to deposit a bit more, hoping for a huge win. Uncontrolled investments in sportsbooks can lead to negative consequences, including punter anxiety, depression, loss of interest in life, and trouble with socialisation. Therefore, compulsive betting on CS:GO requires strict control, which can be done by timely implementation of self-exclusion programs and informing users of all the possible outcomes. Responsible gambling is essential, so everyone should stick to its main principles. 

Alternatives to GamStop

This program is not the only self-exclusion tool for bettors. GamStop only covers websites operating under the UKGC licensing, but what should other sportsbook members do? Don’t worry, as multiple alternative self-exclusion programs are now valid for thousands of gambling and betting platforms. Let’s see the top options for CS:GO punters. 

GamBan

This blocking software tool allows to prevent access to gambling sites and apps – every addict can rely on this program when trying to overcome the disease. GamBan is available for all devices, using a multi-leveled approach to protecting users from the harmful impacts of gaming platforms. It covers 60,000 sites: install it with a few clicks if you experience the first signs of gambling addiction. The self-exclusion program offers a 7-day free period for punters to test all its features. 

GamBlock 

Restricting online gambling and betting is easy with GamBlock, as this tool covers thousands of websites, protecting the affected users from their impact. Besides limiting access to sportsbooks and casinos, the program provides problem users with all the necessary resources for coping with addiction. The self-exclusion program can be installed on numerous devices so that the person cannot suspend the ban and start placing bets again.

BetBlocker

This program is no less popular than GamStop: it covers over 85,000 websites, including online casinos and sportsbooks. BetBlocker is free for users and requires no registration. Users should only install the software on their devices and launch it. The tool works in the background without attracting attention but blocks all potentially harmful platforms. It’s worth noting that this program is also used for parental control, so it will be helpful not only to problem punters. 

Final Insight

Using self-exclusion tools for video games is really important, especially if you like betting on esports. Placing bets on CS:GO is fun and beneficial, so many esports fans take advantage of this method of making match-watching more exciting. However, not all can control themselves and stop in time. Additional measures for limiting access to gambling and betting websites are vital in such an instance. GamStop is a widespread tool used by punters worldwide. However, those placing bets on platforms outside the UK should consider other options like GamBlock or BetBlocker. All the programs are certified and provide appropriate assistance for addicted users, so selecting websites covered by self-exclusion software is better.