The British gambling scene has seen tighter restrictions applied over the last few years to tackle problem gambling. The UK Gambling Commission has had to clamp down on the booming industry and this has seen UK punters trying out new options with non-GamStop casinos becoming more popular.
UK-based gamblers are now moving across to these sites because they are looking for more freedom in their gambling again, without the strict betting limits, fewer bonuses, and funding restrictions that are being applied in the UK.
For punters seeking an alternative to the GamStop rules, non-UK casinos will be covered in this article.
How GamStop Works
GamStop is a not-for-profit organisation that works exclusively with the UK Gambling Commission in the United Kingdom only. GamStop operates a lengthy self-exclusion scheme which punters can sign up to for free. The scheme will see them blocked from using gambling websites and apps run by British companies. The term of the exclusion can be as long as five years.
With the growing selection of betting sites now available in the United Kingdom, the scheme allows users to create a blanket restriction across the country and put a halt on all of their betting activities. This can be beneficial for someone who is going through a run of losses and is unable to control the psychological urges that can take over.
Customers provide their current and former addresses, alongside any email addresses that were used to sign up for betting sites and GamStop will apply the exclusion.
How Non-GamStop Casinos Work
Betting sites not on GamStop are those casinos and gaming outlets that have their businesses located outside of the UK and are not subject to GamStop regulations. These sites are still regulated by the licensing authority in their own jurisdiction, with Malta and Gibraltar being two examples. Companies are regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority or the Gibraltar Government’s Gaming Division. These non-UK casino sites will still be subject to a high standard of KYC rules and segregation of client funds from the business are also usually standard. One drawback of using these sites can be a lack of third-party support for dispute resolution, but this is not always an issue for some punters.
UK bettors are increasingly moving across to these sites because of the many benefits that now exist over the GamStop sites. British betting companies are being subjected to stricter rules and those who are more comfortable with their gambling habits will find that the playing experience is more restrictive and less fun.
Sites not on GamStop will often have their own self-exclusion option in place, but it will not be as long as the five years available in the UK.
Are Non-GamStop Casinos Legal?
Of course, it is 100% legal for gamblers in the UK to bet at non-GamStop casinos. Consumers in the UK still have freedom to choose their online purchasing habits and can sign up to these sites if they want to. It is because of restrictions on marketing being applied by the UKGC, that many punters aren’t aware of their options.
If gamblers move to these sites overseas, it is important that they don’t use them as a means to avoid the GamStop rules. Problem gambling is a serious issue and it can require professional assistance to treat. The support staff of the non-UK sites will be able to help with self-exclusion and bet limits for those that are worried about a recent bad run.
Should You Use Non-UK Casinos?
There are many advantages for UK gamblers using these sites that are not subject to the GamStop rules. For customers who are more comfortable with their betting habits, they will find that the sites offer more freedom than sites in the UK.
The UK government has been under increasing pressure by social and mental health groups to deal with the problem gambling issue, with one area being a high-profile push against Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBT). These measures are beneficial for those who have a problem with their gambling, but it can also punish those who don’t. A new campaign is now trying to stop all forms of betting advertisements in the country.
Moving to non-GamStop casinos will usually allow users access to a larger range of funding options. The UK gambling scene has seen a ban credit card funding in recent months, which is another attempt to curb problem gambling. With non-UK sites you can still use credit cards, digital wallets, and even cryptocurrencies for funding. You can discover more about non-GamStop casinos at non-gamstop-casinos.com.
The Pros and Cons of Casinos Not on GamStop
As with other consumer options, there are usually pros and cons attached to decisions, and using a GamStop casino versus non-UK casinos is the same. Each person should weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of using both depending on their betting needs. This is our summary of the important pros and cons:
GamStop Casinos
Pros
- Many UK companies are listed corporations
- Additional efforts to tackle problem gambling
- GBP deposits are standard
- Enhanced consumer protection
- Third-party dispute support support
Cons
- Limits on stake sizing and gameplay
- Extensive KYC rules
- No credit card deposits allowed
- No crypto payments
Sites not on GamStop
Pros
- Generous bonus sizes and more frequent
- Less limits and restrictions
- Licensed by a gaming authority
- Access to self-exclusion
- Wider range of funding options
Cons
- May not provide GBP funding
- UK game titles may not be available
- May be exploited as a loophole for GamStop
- No access to third-party dispute support
Conclusion on Non-GamStop Sites
If you are an experienced gambler you will find there a lot of advantages in using non-GamStop casinos. Customers will find more freedom in their gambling and the environment will feel similar to the UK gambling scene did years ago, before the UKGC clampdown.
Bet sizing and deposits are free from restrictions, but there are also attractive welcome bonuses and rewards. The game libraries at overseas sites are often larger and UK consumers will find something to suit their tastes, which is another consequence of the UKGC marketing rules. Another benefit in using overseas sites is the ability to fund accounts with cryptocurrencies.
If you feel that the pros of using these sites outweigh the cons, then now is a good time to consider a switch to non-UK casinos.
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