Casinos not on GamStop are becoming more popular with UK punters after an increase in regulations at UK-based sites. After a clampdown by the UK Gambling Commission, British gambling sites have had to adhere to new rules, such as bet size limits, limited bonuses and funding restrictions.
The casino sites in overseas countries can offer some freedom from these restrictions, but they are sometimes used as a loophole to escape the GamStop regulations. In this article we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the non-UK sites.
How Does GamStop Work?
The UK Gambling Commission has regulating all gambling services in Great Britain and Northern Ireland since 2005. The group had adopted a lighter tough regulatory effort in those earlier years, but the growth in online gambling due to new technology also brought growth in problem gambling. Pressure from social groups and the government over the last few years has seen a stricter approach applied to the sector and this is affecting the gambling experience of UK consumers.
The rise in online gaming outlets also meant that punters could bet from the comfort of their bedroom or mobile device and this removes some of the checks and balances that were previously present in the physical casino experience.
The UKGC has now been working with a non-profit enterprise called GamStop to help with the fight against problem gambling and UK punters can sign up for the service for free. A GamStop self-exclusion can be enforced across all UK gaming sites for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or even 5 years.
GamStop require users to supply them with the email addresses and contact details that were used to setup UK gambling accounts. This allows betting providers to flag up any accounts that they have in the person’s name and ensure that they can no longer place bets on them.
Alongside the new GamStop rules, the UKGC has also moved to apply further restrictions to license holders in the country, with lower stake sizes, spin timers, and limits on marketing activity.
How Sites Not on GamStop are Regulated
When deciding to move to casinos not on GamStop, UK punters will find that they are regulated by different bodies for their respective countries.
Just as the rise of new technology has seen a rise in gambling opportunities, it has also meant that gaming businesses don’t require a physical presence in every country they operate in. The operations in foreign countries are also more appealing for business arrangements and climate.
Malta or Cyprus are examples of casinos not on GamStop. Malta is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and has attracted an influx of gaming sites and companies. As a member of the EU, companies on the island are required to adhere to rules on compliance and other directives to protect consumers. The sites also offer the same professional environment that is expected in UK casinos. The non-GamStop sites still have to meet similar directives as UKGC companies with regards to money laundering and the segregation of client funds.
In recent years, new gaming jurisdictions have grown in popularity with the South American destinations of Curacao and Costa Rica seeing a rise in new sites. Costa Rica was recently named one of the top destinations for retirement and was given the title of “The Switzerland of Central America”. The country is popular with US expats and retirees.
One issue that consumers may have to consider with these sites is a lack of third-party support for dispute resolution. This is not an issue if you are betting in small amounts, but online forums can be helpful for further information.
Are Casinos Not on GamStop Legal?
Yes, it is 100% legal for UK consumers to bet with casinos not on GamStop. The UKGC has clamped down on the ability of companies to market in the UK, leaving many punters unaware of their options outside of the big UK casino brands. The sites not on GamStop can also be easily found in Google searches.
It is the responsibility of the gambling providers to ensure that they are following the regulations when offering services to UK consumers. Punters are not liable for any infringement of the rules.
Consumers have freedom to choose the services that they wish to use online, but these sites should not be used as a means to escape the GamStop rules. The measures were introduced for a reason and only punters that are comfortable with their betting habits should consider moving to casinos with a lighter regulatory environment.
What to expect at Non-UK Casinos
Punters have been moving across to the non-UK sites to see more freedom in their betting experience again. By moving to the overseas sites, they will immediately find less limitations on stake sizes, deposit options, or other restrictive measures, such as spin timers.
Although the game titles will differ from UK sites, there is still a large selection of games available to play, and the graphics and technology are on the same level as UK sites.
Sports Betting Sites Not on GamStop
Sports betting sites not in the UK are another popular outlet for those seeking sites not on GamStop. Punters can get access to unlimited payment transfers, while they will often find more regular and generous bonus schemes, with welcome rewards of up to 100% or more. The sign-on rewards can also be matched up to £500 in some cases. The sites offer a wider range of payment options, and this is in contrast to the UK where credit card funding was banned and cryptocurrency funding is not supported.
The full selection of sports is available to bet on with football, rugby, cricket, and US sports as standard.
Slots Not on GamStop
Slots available at the non-UK sites will usually offer a larger selection of games than UK sites, which is another knock-on effect of the UKGC marketing rules. These slots often have even large welcome offers of 500% or more, up to £1,000 or £2,000.
Pros of Using Casinos Not on GamStop
- Big sign-on bonuses
- No limitations on stake sizing/spin timers
- Larger game libraries than UK sites
- Self-exclusion is an option
- More funding options with credit cards, crypto
Cons of Using Casinos Not on GamStop
- Sites are seen as a GamStop loophole
- May not offer GBP deposits
- Different game titles to UK
- Separate regulatory bodies
- Limited support for third-party disputes
Conclusion
With the strict rules being applied to the UK gaming sites, punters signing up to casinos not on GamStop will find more freedom in their gambling. The experience is similar to the British sites in the early years of the online gambling boom.
It is important that the regulators do what they can to tackle the rise of problem gambling, but the “one size fits all” approach doesn’t always work. The new rules can also act as a punishment to those who are more responsible with their gambling. For those consumers, it is unnecessary to have a self-exclusion of 1 to 5 years, but it is the restrictions that are being placed on the actual gameplay that is ruining the experience for many.
If you don’t have a problem with gambling and are being restricted by the GamStop rules, it might be as good at time as any to try out casinos not on GamStop.