The landscape for betting in Britain has changed over the last few years after the UK Gambling Commission stepped up its efforts with increased regulations. The plan was to clamp down on problem gambling, however, the new rules have impacted all gamblers. With the limitations created by the UKGC, many UK gamblers have moved across to non-GamStop casinos, but what are they?
These are gambling sites located overseas and not required to play by the UK rule book. For many, they are already offering more freedom in the betting experience.
In this article, we will discuss the workings of the UKGC and GamStop and the pros and cons of moving to non-GamStop casinos.
GamStop Functions with the UKGC
The UK Gambling Commission is tasked with regulating the gambling industry in the UK and Northern Ireland. The regulator has been pushed to apply a tougher approach to the industry in recent years after pressure from government and social groups. This is despite the commission’s own figures which have said that problem gambling affects only 0.4% of gamblers in the UK.
Some of the new rules seen have included a credit card funding ban and gameplay restrictions, such as stake limits and spin timers. The non-UK casinos are those set up overseas in the likes of Malta or Gibraltar, but more recently we have seen South American destinations emerging. These sites have a lighter-touch approach to regulation and that benefits businesses and gamblers.
One of the main programs implemented by the UKGC is GamStop, which is a non-profit organization aiming to support the regulator and help those struggling with problem gambling. GamStop allows users to set a blanket restriction from the growing number of betting sites in the country. Customers must share the contact details that they used to sign up for betting sites and GamStop will enforce the ban, which can be for up to 5 years.
Last year, Gamstop noted it had seen a 21% increase in applications for the scheme, which was likely another social cost from the coronavirus lockdowns with many stuck at home with more time and money.
How Non-GamStop Casinos Work
The casinos not using GamStop are those sites that operate outside of the UKGC territory, and these are not required to follow British gambling rules. According to non-gamstop-casinos.com, those companies are restricted from directly marketing their services to UK consumers but can be found on Google searches or online forums.
The overseas sites have fewer restrictions on gameplay and the environment may feel like the UK gambling scene did in the early years of the internet boom. Players will find that these are quality gaming sites for technology and security, while they are likely to offer a broader selection of game titles, funding methods, and better rewards and bonuses.
But, because these sites do not have to follow the GamStop rules, punters must not see them as a loophole to avoid the rules for problem gambling.
Can You Legally Play at Non-GamStop Casinos?
Of course, it is legal for British punters to play at these non-GamStop sites. This is a choice for each consumer and the companies are liable for their approach to overseas customers.
The sites overseas will be regulated by an authority in their own country and will have a legal responsibility to users. In countries such as Malta, they are required to follow EU rules on money laundering and know-your-customer rules. With a little research, you can find sites that are working to a high standard of customer protection.
Sites not on GamStop will usually have an option to self-exclude, which is a reversible choice that can be ended early. Punters should not be looking to take advantage of the lighter approach if they have suffered from gambling in the past.
Should You Play at Non-GamStop casinos?
Before deciding to sign up for casinos not using GamStop it is important to know some of the advantages and the disadvantages. This is our list of some of the key pros and cons:
Pros of Using Non-GamStop Casinos
- A wider selection of game titles
- Ability to use credit cards and cryptocurrency
- More generous and regular bonuses and rewards
- Limited in-play restrictions (spin timers, stake size limits)
- Access to your favorite casino, sports, and e-sports
Cons of Using Non-GamStop Casinos
- Can be seen as a GamStop loophole
- Many will not allow GBP deposits
- Limited third-party dispute support
- Customer service may not be as good as UK sites
GamStop Sites vs Casinos Not on GamStop
The UK Gambling Commission has been taking a tougher stance on rules and restrictions in recent years, but the hard-hitting approach has also impacted gameplay and accessibility. Gamblers who feel more comfortable in their betting habits are also being punished and restricted.
The casino sites not using GamStop are offering customers access to credit card funding, cryptocurrencies, and the same withdrawals options as British sites. Gamblers will also find that there are limited rules on things such as stake sizes and it is easy to see why the sites have attracted new users. Gambling is meant to be fun and even when they are seeking to protect problem gamblers, regulators can end up acting a little too heavy.
Conclusion
In recent years, the UK Gambling Commission has attempted to enforce tougher rules on the betting sector in the UK. By taking a hardline approach they have forced some UK punters to move to non-GamStop casinos. Customers trying those sites overseas can expect to find more freedom in the gambling experience.
Bet sizes and deposits are usually free from restrictions at the overseas sites, while they are likely to offer more attractive welcome bonuses and rewards. The game libraries can also offer a larger selection than the UK sites, which is another effect of UKGC marketing restrictions. An additional benefit for many is the option to use credit cards or crypto for account funding.
Gamblers who have had previous experience with problem gambling should not look to use the non-UK casinos as a GamStop loophole. Gambling problems can be destructive for families and users would do better under the watch of the UK casinos and regulators. For those that are comfortable with their gaming habits, they might want to consider making a move to non-GamStop casinos if they are feeling restricted.
