The UK gaming sector has seen a big pushback by regulators and social interest groups in the last few years due to an increase in betting restrictions. Many British punters are now looking outside of their shores for alternatives to the UK gaming scene and Non-UK Casinos are becoming more popular. Sites not on GamStop are helping that growth by offering benefits and variety. This article will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of both UK casinos and foreign betting sites.
How Does GamStop Work?
The UK Gambling Commission is the regulator for all gambling services in Great Britain and has seen its role in the sector increase with the rise in online gaming in the country. Over the last few years, this has become a heavy-handed approach that protects problem gamblers, but also now limits the choices of those who are comfortable with their gambling habits.
The UKGC works alongside a not-for-profit group called GamStop to assist with the efforts to protect problem gamblers. UK bettors can now sign up for the service free of charge and apply a GamStop self-exclusion from gaming sites for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
GamStop requires the personal details that were used to set up a gaming account so that providers can apply a blanket ban to any registration made using the same information.
Alongside the new GamStop program, the UKGC has been clamping down on the freedoms of licensed gaming providers in the country. Some of the latest restrictions imposed include lower stake sizes, spin timers, and limited options for marketing and promotions.
Non are Non-UK Casinos Regulated
When moving across to Non UK casino sites, consumers will find that they are still regulated to a high level by the appropriate authorities in their given jurisdiction.
The reason that this opportunity exists is that the world of gaming has switched from the days of physical casinos to operating fully online. Gaming providers are now moving their businesses to countries that offer more suitable business conditions and a warmer climate.
One example of this is Malta, where the small Mediterranean island is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Malta is still a member of the European Union and has the same level of rules on compliance and other directives as you would expect to find across the Eurozone.
These will ensure that individuals setting up gaming businesses are “fit and proper” persons, while the casino sites are required to meet similar directives as UK companies with regards to money laundering and the segregation of their client’s funds.
Other examples of European gaming jurisdictions include Gibraltar or Cyprus. Newer locations are also becoming common, such as Costa Rica or Curacao in South America. The only issue to consider when making the move to non-UK casinos is the lack of third-party support for dispute resolution. If this is a real issue for you then you can dive deeper into online forums or other means to support your choice.
Is Using Non-UK Casinos Legal?
Yes, using the non-UK casinos is 100% legal for UK gamblers seeking a change from GamStop gambling arenas. With the current restrictions being new to the UK market, some punters are now looking outside their own country for alternative gambling solutions.
The sites not on GamStop are regularly mentioned in online forums and they can be found in Google search results, but they are legally limited in their ability to market their products directly to UK consumers. It is also the responsibility of these gaming companies to ensure that they are following local regulations when offering services to consumers.
Consumers can choose the services they wish to partake in online, but despite this, the sites should not be used as a loophole to dodge the GamStop regulations. Problem gambling and responsible gaming are serious issues, and only bettors who are comfortable with their habits should consider trying out a lighter regulatory environment.
What to expect at Non-UK Casinos
Punters are moving to non-UK casinos to find more freedom in their online gaming experience. When choosing sites that are not on GamStop, individuals will find that there are fewer limitations on stake sizes, spin timers, or deposit methods.
The rise of cryptocurrency is an important issue for some UK gamers now and they would like to use any spare change from trading to have a flutter. This is unavailable without full account verification in the UK, but non-UK casinos are offering less strict deposits in Bitcoin and other cryptos.
Although game titles will be different from those at home, the selection of games is usually larger when choosing casinos, not on GamStop. You can still find many of your favorite titles, but also be exposed to a host of new themes and features otherwise unavailable in local gambling markets.
Sports Betting Sites Not on GamStop
For those looking to expand their options, they will be happy to know that the same situation applies to sports betting sites, not on GamStop. Punters using sports these betting sites can take advantage of virtually uncapped payment transfers, while there are generous welcome bonuses of 100% or more. These welcome bonuses can be matched up to £500 in some cases.
Slots Not on GamStop
Slots at sites not on GamStop are another option and these offer a wider range of games than some of the UK sites for the same marketing reasons. The titles in these sites are also different but there is still something for keen slots players. Slots sites have even larger welcome offers of 500% or more, up to £1,000 or £2,000.
Pros of Using Non-UK Casinos
· Large welcome bonuses
· Less restrictions on stake sizing and no spin timers
· Larger game libraries than UK gaming sites
· Self-exclusion is an option
· Wider range of funding methods, including Bitcoin
Cons of Using Non-UK Casinos
· Sites can be seen as a GamStop loophole
· May does not provide GBP deposits
· UK game titles may not be available
· Separate regulatory environment from the UK
· Limited access to the third-party dispute resolution
Conclusion
For UK gamblers, making the switch to non-UK casinos is becoming more popular. Signing up with casinos, not on GamStop can be a return to the environment that existed in the UK five years ago when there were fewer restrictions on gaming.
GamStop is still an important scheme for problem gamblers and this new opportunity should not be seen as a means to side-step the regulations. But, for those who can control their playing, a self-exclusion of 1 or 5- years is extreme, while the fun of the experience can be watered down by rules.