20 Free Spins No Deposit Big Bass Bonanza: UK Operator Accountability Guide 2026

A 20 free spins no deposit Big Bass Bonanza offer looks like a small gift. Twenty spins on a Pragmatic Play slot with a 96.71% RTP and a 5,000x max win cap. The real story sits behind the bonus: which UK-licensed operator is handing it out, what its Gambling Commission licence actually obliges it to do, and why that paperwork matters more than the spins themselves.

That is the angle this page takes. Not a breathless list of codes, but a working breakdown of how UK casino operators earn and keep their licences, how anti-money laundering rules shape every bonus you claim, and which of the big names still stand behind a no-deposit slot offer in 2026. Big Bass Bonanza appears across dozens of UK sites. The differences between those sites are legal, not cosmetic.

Expect concrete numbers: wagering multiples, withdrawal caps, spin values, licence conditions, audit cycles. Expect named operators, named regulators, named game studios. And expect a straight answer on whether a 20-spin no-deposit deal is worth your time in the current UK climate. Sometimes it is. Sometimes the terms eat the value before you see a penny.

What Is the 20 Free Spins No Deposit Big Bass Bonanza Offer?

Twenty free spins, no deposit required, loaded onto Big Bass Bonanza. You register, verify, and the spins appear. No card details, no minimum payment. That is the headline, and it has been a staple of UK acquisition marketing for years because Big Bass Bonanza is one of Pragmatic Play's most recognisable titles, with a fishing theme, a 10-payline setup and a free spins round that retriggers with multiplier wilds.

The no-deposit element is what separates these offers from standard welcome packages. A typical UK welcome bonus might match your first deposit at 100% up to £50 plus 50 spins. A no-deposit deal skips the payment entirely. The trade-off is size: 20 spins at £0.10 each equals £2 of nominal stake, and any winnings are usually capped and locked behind wagering.

How much are 20 no-deposit spins actually worth?

At the standard £0.10 spin value, 20 spins represent £2 in total stakes. If Big Bass Bonanza returns its advertised 96.71% RTP over that sample, expected return is roughly £1.93, so the theoretical house edge on the free round is about 7p. In practice, variance dominates a 20-spin sample. You might hit the free spins feature and walk away with £40. You might hit nothing.

The nominal value is not the point. The point is that a no-deposit offer gives you a risk-free look at a licensed operator's cashier, verification flow and game lobby before you commit a single pound. Treat it as a test drive with a small cash prize attached, not as a route to meaningful winnings.

Why Big Bass Bonanza specifically?

Pragmatic Play released the original Big Bass Bonanza in 2020, and it became a fixture in UK lobbies fast. The maths helps: 96.71% RTP, medium-high volatility, 10 fixed paylines, a 5,000x max win. The free spins round with the fisherman collect mechanic and multiplier wilds up to 10x keeps retention high. Operators know this, which is why the title anchors so many acquisition campaigns.

Sequels followed: Big Bass Bonanza Megaways, Big Bass Splash, Big Bass Hold & Spinner, Bigger Bass Bonanza. Each carries its own RTP, usually between 96.00% and 96.71% at default settings. If a no-deposit offer names the original, check whether spins are locked to that exact version. Some operators allow any Big Bass title; many do not.

Are no-deposit spins still legal for UK players?

Yes, with conditions. The Gambling Commission permits no-deposit bonuses for licensed operators, but the rules tightened after the 2020 credit card ban and the 2021 bonus reforms. Welcome offers must be clearly signposted, terms cannot be buried, and operators must run affordability and verification checks before releasing winnings. A no-deposit offer that pays out without a KYC check would breach licence conditions.

Since 2023, the Commission has also required operators to carry out financial risk assessments on customers showing markers of harm. Even a free bonus can trigger a check if your account activity looks unusual. That is not an obstacle to claiming; it is the licence doing its job.

Which UK Operators Offer 20 Free Spins No Deposit on Big Bass Bonanza?

The no-deposit slot offer has thinned out since 2022. UKGC pressure on bonus terms, combined with the 2024 statutory levy and the ongoing stake limit debate, pushed several operators to drop free-spin acquisition entirely. What remains is a smaller, more regulated field. Below are the names worth knowing, all holding a UK Gambling Commission licence unless stated otherwise.

OperatorTypical No-Deposit OfferSpin ValueWageringMax CashoutLicence
MrQ20 spins on selected slots£0.1030x winnings£20UKGC
PlayOJO20 spins, no wagering£0.100xNo capUKGC
Casumo20 spins on sign-up£0.1030x£20UKGC
Mr Vegas20 spins, Big Bass titles£0.1035x£30UKGC
Betfred20 spins on Big Bass Bonanza£0.1040x£20UKGC
Gala Bingo20 spins, bingo-slot bundle£0.1030x£25UKGC
Foxy Bingo20 spins, no deposit£0.1030x£20UKGC
Pub Casino20 spins, Big Bass Bonanza£0.1035x£25UKGC
Mr.Play20 spins, selected titles£0.1035x£20UKGC
Kwiff20 spins, Big Bass Bonanza£0.1040x£20UKGC

Terms move constantly. Spin values can shift to £0.05, wagering can jump to 50x, and cashout caps of £20 to £50 are common. Always read the offer page on the day you sign up. Anything you read here is a snapshot of the market as it stood in early 2026.

Which operators run the tightest no-deposit terms?

PlayOJO is the outlier. Its 20-spin no-deposit offer carries no wagering requirement at all, meaning whatever you win from the spins is yours to withdraw once you pass identity verification. That is unusual in the UK market and reflects the operator's broader "no wagering" positioning. The trade-off: the spin value is fixed at £0.10 and the selection of eligible slots is narrower.

MrQ sits close behind with 30x wagering on winnings only, not on the bonus amount. That distinction matters. Wagering on winnings alone means if you win £10 from the 20 spins, you need to stake £300 before withdrawal. Wagering on bonus plus winnings would double the effective requirement.

Where do the bigger brands fit in?

Bet365 casino, William Hill casino, Sky Bet casino, Ladbrokes casino and Paddy Power casino all run slot promotions, but most have moved away from no-deposit spins toward deposit-matched packages. Bet365's typical welcome is a deposit bonus plus spins; William Hill and Ladbrokes lean on their retail integration; Sky Bet and Paddy Power bundle casino offers with sports free bets. None of them currently advertise a 20-spin no-deposit Big Bass Bonanza deal as standard.

Coral casino, Betfred casino and Gala Casino sit in the middle. Betfred occasionally runs no-deposit spin drops around major sporting events. Coral's offers tend to be deposit-linked. Gala Casino, part of the Entain group alongside Ladbrokes and Coral, has run 20-spin no-deposit promotions in the past but terms vary by campaign.

What about offshore operators advertising UK-facing offers?

Some brands in the wider market operate under Curacao or Anjouan licences rather than a UKGC permit. These include casinos such as Roobet, Donbet, Mystake, Goldenbet, NineWin and several others in the crypto and offshore space. They may advertise no-deposit spins, and they may accept UK players, but they sit outside the Gambling Commission's jurisdiction.

That has consequences. No UKGC protection, no access to the Commission's complaints process, no statutory self-exclusion via GAMSTOP, and no guaranteed dispute resolution. If an offshore operator refuses a withdrawal, your options are limited. The upside is often larger bonuses and fewer stake restrictions. The downside is legal recourse, and that is not a small thing.

How Do UK Licence Conditions Shape No-Deposit Bonus Offers?

Every UK-licensed operator holds a licence issued under the Gambling Act 2005 and regulated by the Gambling Commission. That licence is not a formality. It carries conditions on advertising, bonus terms, customer funds protection, anti-money laundering controls and responsible gambling tools. A no-deposit spin offer has to sit inside all of those rules.

Since October 2021, the Commission has required operators to present bonus terms in a standardised format. Wagering requirements must be stated clearly, significant terms cannot be hidden in small print, and offers cannot be described as "free" if they carry conditions that make them anything but. A 20-spin no-deposit deal with 40x wagering on winnings and a £20 cap is legal, but the terms must be visible before you claim.

What does the licence application actually involve?

An operator applying for a UK casino licence submits a detailed business plan, financial forecasts, evidence of funding, ownership structure, and personal declarations for every director and beneficial owner. The Commission runs probity checks on all of them. Application fees run from around £4,000 for a small operator to over £100,000 for a large remote casino, and annual fees scale with gross gambling yield.

The Commission publishes its licence conditions and codes of practice in a single document, the LCCP. Operators must meet every applicable condition or face regulatory action. That action can range from a formal warning to a licence review, financial penalty or revocation. In 2024 alone, the Commission issued penalties running into tens of millions of pounds across the sector.

How does AML compliance affect your bonus?

Anti-money laundering rules require operators to verify customer identity, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activity to the National Crime Agency. Even a no-deposit bonus can trigger a check if the account shows unusual patterns, such as multiple accounts from one IP address or rapid changes to personal details. Enhanced due diligence applies to politically exposed persons and high-risk jurisdictions.

UK operators must comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Source of funds and source of wealth checks become mandatory once deposit or loss thresholds are crossed, typically at £2,000 in a rolling 12-month period for many operators, though some set lower triggers. A £20 win from 20 free spins will not trigger these checks. A pattern of larger activity will.

What audits does a licensed operator face?

UKGC licensees undergo regular compliance assessments, either remote or on-site. The Commission also requires operators to submit regulatory returns, typically quarterly, covering revenue, customer complaints and key events. Independent testing houses such as eCOGRA, BMM Testlabs and GLI audit game RNGs and payout percentages. Big Bass Bonanza's 96.71% RTP figure is published by Pragmatic Play and verified against test results.

Financial audits are separate. Operators must hold customer funds in accounts that protect them in the event of insolvency, either through segregation or an insurance arrangement. The Commission rates operators as low, medium or high risk for customer funds protection. A high rating means the operator has put the strongest safeguards in place.

Top UK Operators for Big Bass Bonanza Free Spins in 2026

The list below covers operators that either run a no-deposit spin offer on Big Bass Bonanza or provide strong Big Bass coverage within a broader welcome package. Each entry notes what the operator does well and where it falls short. All hold UKGC licences unless flagged otherwise.

Which operators combine no-deposit spins with strong ongoing value?

MrQ runs a 20-spin no-deposit offer with 30x wagering on winnings and a £20 cap. Its loyalty programme, MrQ's "Happy Hour" and daily free spin drops, keeps regular players engaged. The game library runs to around 900 titles including full Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Microgaming and Hacksaw Gaming coverage. Big Bass Bonanza sits in the top row of the slots lobby.

PlayOJO's no-wagering model is the cleanest in the market. Twenty spins, winnings paid in cash, no cap. The operator also runs a "Money Back" feature on selected slots, returning a small percentage of stakes as cash. The trade-off is a smaller welcome package than most rivals and a game library that, while solid at around 1,500 titles, does not match the biggest operators.

Casumo offers 20 spins on sign-up with 30x wagering and a £20 cap. Its "Casumo Reel Races" and mission-based rewards system give the site a distinctive feel. The library covers Pragmatic, NetEnt, Play'n GO, Evolution and more, with Big Bass Bonanza and its sequels all present. Customer support runs 24/7 via live chat.

Which operators lead on Big Bass title coverage?

Mr Vegas stocks the full Big Bass family, from the 2020 original through Megaways, Splash, Hold & Spinner, Bigger Bass Bonanza and Big Bass Day at the Races. Its 20-spin no-deposit offer runs at 35x wagering with a £30 cap. The site also runs regular Pragmatic Play tournaments with prize pools in the tens of thousands of pounds.

Pub Casino leans into the Big Bass theme, running 20-spin no-deposit offers on the original slot at 35x wagering with a £25 cap. The library is smaller than the giants, around 1,000 titles, but the curation is tight and the Big Bass selection is complete. Pragmatic Play, Nolimit City and Push Gaming feature heavily.

Kwiff runs 20 spins on Big Bass Bonanza with 40x wagering and a £20 cap. The operator's "kwiffed" bet feature, which randomly boosts odds on sports bets, is its main differentiator. Casino coverage is decent, with Pragmatic, Red Tiger and Evolution well represented.

How do the big high-street names compare?

Betfred casino, part of the Betfred group founded by Fred Done in 1967, runs periodic no-deposit spin drops tied to sporting events. Its standard welcome is a deposit match plus spins. Big Bass Bonanza is available across its casino and slots sections. The operator holds a UKGC licence and has retail shops across the UK.

Gala Bingo and Foxy Bingo, both part of the Entain group, bundle 20-spin no-deposit offers with bingo welcome packages. Gala Bingo's offer typically includes bingo tickets plus spins; Foxy Bingo runs a similar structure with a £20 cap and 30x wagering. Coral casino, also Entain, leans toward deposit-linked promotions.

Betfair casino, Sky Vegas casino, Virgin Games casino and JackpotJoy casino all run slot promotions but rarely advertise a pure 20-spin no-deposit Big Bass Bonanza deal. Betfair and Sky Vegas tend to favour deposit bonuses with larger headline values. Virgin Games and JackpotJoy bundle spins into broader welcome packages.

What about the wider operator field?

Admiral casino, 888 Casino, PartyCasino, Grosvenor Casinos, Unibet casino and LeoVegas casino all carry Big Bass Bonanza in their lobbies. No-deposit offers are less common among them, but deposit-linked spin packages are standard. 888 Casino's welcome typically includes a deposit match and spins; LeoVegas runs similar structures with a strong mobile experience.

BoyleSports casino, Betway casino, Betvictor casino, NetBet casino and 32Red casino sit in the same bracket. 32Red, now part of the Kindred group, has a long-standing reputation for responsible gambling tools. Betway and Betvictor combine sports and casino offers. BoyleSports is strongest in the Irish and UK retail markets.

Bingo-focused sites such as Sun Bingo, Heart Bingo, Double Bubble Bingo, Rainbow Riches Casino, Fabulous Bingo and Slingo casino often run no-deposit spin offers as part of their acquisition mix. Sun Bingo and Heart Bingo in particular have run 20-spin promotions on slot titles including Big Bass Bonanza. Wagering typically sits at 30x to 40x with caps between £20 and £50.

OperatorBig Bass CoverageNo-Deposit SpinsNotable FeatureUKGC Licence
MrQFull Pragmatic rangeYes, 20 spinsHappy Hour dropsYes
PlayOJOSelected titlesYes, 20 spinsNo wageringYes
CasumoFull range + sequelsYes, 20 spinsReel RacesYes
Mr VegasFull Big Bass familyYes, 20 spinsPragmatic tournamentsYes
Pub CasinoFull Big Bass familyYes, 20 spinsCurated libraryYes
KwiffOriginal + sequelsYes, 20 spinsKwiffed betsYes
BetfredOriginal + sequelsEvent-linkedRetail integrationYes
Gala BingoOriginalYes, 20 spinsBingo bundleYes
Foxy BingoOriginalYes, 20 spinsBingo bundleYes
LeoVegasFull rangeDeposit-linkedMobile experienceYes

How to Claim and Convert 20 Free Spins Without Losing Value

Claiming is the easy part. Converting the spins into withdrawable cash is where most players stumble. The gap between a £40 win and a £0 withdrawal is usually wagering, cashout caps or a missed verification step. Below is the practical sequence, followed by the terms that matter most.

What is the step-by-step claim process?

  1. Pick an operator from the table above and open its sign-up page.
  2. Register with accurate personal details matching your ID and bank account.
  3. Complete identity verification, usually via photo ID and a selfie or bank check.
  4. Confirm your email and, if required, mobile number.
  5. Opt in to the no-deposit spin offer if it requires a code or toggle.
  6. Open Big Bass Bonanza from the eligible slots list and confirm the spins are loaded.
  7. Play the spins at the fixed value of £0.10 each, 20 in total.
  8. Check the wagering tracker in your account to see progress on any winnings.
  9. Meet wagering within the stated window, typically 7 to 30 days.
  10. Request withdrawal once wagering is cleared and verification is complete.

Verification is the step that catches people out. UK operators must verify identity before a first withdrawal, and many now verify before a first deposit. Have your passport or driving licence and a recent utility bill or bank statement ready. Delays here can push you past the wagering deadline on a related bonus, though no-deposit spin winnings usually sit outside deposit bonus timeframes.

Which terms decide whether the offer is worth claiming?

Four numbers matter more than the rest. Wagering requirement, cashout cap, spin value and expiry window. A 20-spin offer at 30x wagering on winnings with a £20 cap is materially better than the same offer at 40x with a £10 cap. The first gives you a realistic shot at the cap; the second makes the cap the ceiling and the wagering the wall.

Spin value determines the nominal stake. £0.10 per spin is standard. Some operators set £0.05, halving the total stake to £1. A few set £0.20, doubling it to £4. Expiry windows run from 7 days to 30 days. Anything under 7 days is tight if verification is slow.

How do you calculate the real value of a no-deposit offer?

Start with the expected return. Twenty spins at £0.10 on a 96.71% RTP slot gives an expected gross return of about £1.93. Then subtract the probability-weighted cost of wagering. If wagering is 30x on winnings and you win £10, you must stake £300. At 96.71% RTP, expected loss on that £300 is roughly £9.87. So the expected net value of a £10 win, after wagering, is close to zero before the cap.

That calculation is why no-deposit offers are best treated as entertainment with a small upside, not as a value play. The upside comes from variance: hitting the Big Bass Bonanza free spins round with multiplier wilds can push a £10 win to £100 or more, and if the cap is £20 or £30, you clear it and withdraw. Probability is low, but it is real.

What are the common traps to avoid?

Game weighting is the first. Big Bass Bonanza usually contributes 100% to wagering, but some operators weight slots at less than full value, meaning £1 staked counts as £0.50 toward the requirement. Check the contribution table before you start wagering.

Maximum bet rules are the second. Most bonus terms cap individual stakes at £5 or less while wagering is active. Exceeding the cap can void the bonus and any winnings. If you plan to wager at higher stakes, wait until the bonus is cleared.

Expiry is the third. A 7-day window sounds generous until you factor in verification delays, weekend processing and the reality that you may not log in every day. Claim the spins when you have time to use them.

Responsible Gambling and Licence Protections for UK Players

Gambling in the UK is legal for anyone aged 18 or over. The Gambling Commission regulates all licensed operators, and every UKGC-licensed site must offer the same core protections: deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, time-outs and self-exclusion. These tools apply whether you are playing with a no-deposit bonus or your own funds.

The national gambling helpline is operated by GamCare and is available 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. GamCare also runs a live chat and a forum. For self-exclusion, GAMSTOP is the UK's national online self-exclusion scheme: a single registration blocks you from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites for a minimum of 6 months, extendable to 5 years. Registration is free and available at gamstop.co.uk.

Operators must also participate in the multi-operator self-exclusion scheme and must act on GAMSTOP matches before allowing a customer to gamble. If you self-exclude via GAMSTOP, any licensed operator that lets you play is in breach of its licence conditions. The Commission has fined operators for exactly this failure.

Deposit limits can be set at daily, weekly or monthly intervals and must take effect immediately, without a cooling-off period. Loss limits work the same way. Session reminders must be offered at intervals chosen by the customer. Time-outs of 24 hours or more must be available on request, with the account frozen for the duration.

What should you do if a bonus dispute arises?

First, raise it with the operator's customer support and keep a record of the correspondence. If it is not resolved within 8 weeks, you can escalate to an alternative dispute resolution provider. UKGC-licensed operators must be signed up to an approved ADR scheme. The ADR decision is binding on the operator, though not on you.

If the dispute concerns a licence breach, you can complain directly to the Gambling Commission. The Commission does not resolve individual disputes or award compensation, but it does collect intelligence that feeds into compliance assessments. Enough complaints about the same operator can trigger a licence review.

How do you spot an unlicensed operator?

Check the footer of the site for a Gambling Commission licence number and a link to the Commission's public register. Licensed operators display this. Offshore operators will show a Curacao, Anjouan or Malta licence instead, and some display no licence at all. If the site does not name a regulator, treat it as unlicensed for UK purposes.

Other signals: no GAMSTOP integration, no UK-facing responsible gambling tools, and payment methods that avoid UK banks. A site that accepts only crypto deposits and does not mention the Gambling Commission is almost certainly outside UK jurisdiction. The spins may be real. The protection is not.

What is the statutory levy and how does it affect offers?

The Gambling Act 2005 (Gambling Levy) Regulations 2025 introduced a statutory levy on licensed operators, replacing the previous voluntary system. The levy applies to remote and non-remote operators and is calculated on gross gambling yield. Funds go to the Commission, GambleAware and the NHS for research, prevention and treatment.

The levy increases the cost base of running a UK-licensed casino. Some operators have responded by trimming acquisition bonuses, including no-deposit spin offers. Others have absorbed the cost and kept offers in place. The trend through 2025 and into 2026 has been toward fewer, tighter no-deposit deals, with more value shifted into deposit-linked packages.

Frequently Asked Questions About 20 Free Spins No Deposit Big Bass Bonanza

Can I withdraw winnings from 20 no-deposit spins without depositing?

Yes, if you meet the terms. You must complete identity verification, clear any wagering requirement on the winnings, and stay within the cashout cap. PlayOJO's no-wagering offer allows withdrawal of any winnings with no cap. Most other operators cap at £20 to £50 and require 30x to 40x wagering on winnings before withdrawal.

What is the wagering requirement on a typical 20-spin no-deposit offer?

Thirty times winnings is the most common figure among UK operators, followed by 35x and 40x. Wagering applies to the winnings from the spins, not to the spins themselves. If you win £10 and the requirement is 30x, you must stake £300 before the winnings become withdrawable. PlayOJO is the notable exception at 0x.

Are 20 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza really free?

They are free in the sense that no deposit is required to claim them. They are not free of conditions. Wagering requirements, cashout caps, expiry windows and game weighting all apply. The Gambling Commission requires operators to state these terms clearly before you claim, so read the offer page in full before signing up.

Which Big Bass Bonanza version do the spins apply to?

Most no-deposit offers specify the original Big Bass Bonanza, released by Pragmatic Play in 2020 with 96.71% RTP and a 5,000x max win. Some operators extend eligibility to sequels such as Big Bass Splash, Big Bass Bonanza Megaways or Bigger Bass Bonanza. Check the eligible games list before you spin, as using spins on an ineligible title can void them.

How long do I have to use the 20 spins?

Expiry windows vary by operator, typically from 7 days to 30 days from the date the spins are credited. Some operators credit spins immediately on registration; others credit them after email verification or a first login. If you do not use them within the window, they expire and cannot be reinstated. Claim when you have time to play.

Do I need to verify my identity before using no-deposit spins?

Not always before playing, but always before withdrawing. UK operators must verify name, age and address before releasing any winnings. Many now verify at registration to avoid delays later. Have photo ID and a recent proof of address ready. Verification typically completes within minutes via automated checks, but can take up to 72 hours if manual review is needed.

Is Big Bass Bonanza available at all UK-licensed casinos?

No. Pragmatic Play content is widely distributed, but not every UKGC-licensed operator carries the full Big Bass range. MrQ, Mr Vegas, Casumo, Pub Casino and LeoVegas all stock it. Some bingo-focused sites carry only the original. Check the slots lobby before signing up if the title is the main reason you are choosing an operator.

What happens if I breach the bonus terms?

The operator can void the bonus and any winnings derived from it. Common breaches include exceeding the maximum bet during wagering, using spins on ineligible games, opening multiple accounts, and failing to complete verification within the stated window. If you believe a breach decision is unfair, escalate to the operator's ADR provider after 8 weeks.

Can I claim a 20-spin no-deposit offer if I already have an account?

Generally no. No-deposit offers are acquisition bonuses, restricted to new customers. Existing customers are usually excluded, and operators cross-check against previous accounts, payment methods and device fingerprints. Attempting to claim as a new customer when you already hold an account can result in both accounts being closed and any balances forfeited.

How does GAMSTOP affect a no-deposit bonus claim?

If you are registered with GAMSTOP, UKGC-licensed operators must block you from gambling, including on no-deposit bonuses. Registration is free, lasts a minimum of 6 months and can be extended to 5 years. If you are considering self-exclusion, register before claiming any bonus, as operators are required to act on GAMSTOP matches immediately.

Twenty free spins on Big Bass Bonanza is a small offer with a clear structure once you strip away the marketing. The licence behind it is what makes it worth considering.

A UKGC-licensed operator has passed probity checks, runs AML and KYC controls, submits to audits and answers to a regulator with real enforcement powers. An offshore site offering the same spins does not.

Choose accordingly, read the terms, verify early, and treat the spins as what they are: a low-stakes introduction to a slot with a 96.71% RTP and a 5,000x ceiling. GamCare is on 0808 8020 133 if gambling stops being fun, and GAMSTOP is there if you need a hard stop.