In this article, we’ll explore together what a Gamstop is, where casinos not on Gamstop came from, and how they differ from UK Gambling Commission-licensed (UKGC) sites.
What is Gamstop?
Gamstop is a free online self-exclusion scheme in the UK. It is designed to help people with gambling problems limit their online gambling activities.
When you sign up to Gamstop, you choose how long you will be banned from participating in online gambling. You can choose 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. Once this period starts, you will not be able to use the gambling sites and applications of UK-licensed companies for the duration of the self-exclusion period.
Gamstop is run by a not-for-profit organisation in the UK called The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited. It is supported by the UK Gambling Commission, which requires all online gambling companies licensed in the UK to participate in the scheme.
The UKGC is in charge of regulating the gambling market, including imposing various “restrictions” on players to help them resist gambling addiction. In our other article, you can read about the latest gambling restrictions that the UKGC is imposing in conjunction with the British government.
Comparing Non-Gamstop Casinos and UKGC-licensed Casinos
Players have the choice of playing at UKGC-licensed casinos or opting for offshore brands. Let’s take a look at their key differences and find out what is the best possible option for players.
| Criteria | Non-Gamstop Casinos | UKGC-Licensed Casinos |
| Self-Exclusion | Voluntary, providing more control to the player | Mandatory via Gamstop, limiting player control |
| Game Variety | All slots and games available | Limited to UKGC-regulated games |
| Player Restrictions | No Restrictions | UK regulations |
| Accessibility | Global access, not restricted to UK players | Primarily limited to UK players |
| Bonus Offers & Promotions | Huge bonuses of up to 1000%, Free Spins and Lotteries | Often more regulated, leading to more conservative offers |
| Deposit and Withdrawal Limits | Flexible – starting from £1, with high limits appealing to high rollers | Strictly regulated, with often lower limits and higher deposit limits |
| Licensing | Curacao, Malta | Strictly regulated by the UKGC |
As you can see, Gamstop-free casinos offer far more benefits to players, which sets them well ahead of UKGC-licensed sites.
Even non-self-excluded players now prefer international casinos, where their gambling activity cannot be monitored by government and regulators, and where they are provided with much more comfortable flexibility.
Let’s examine some items in detail:
Bigger gaming library
At casinos not on Gamstop, players are given a huge library of games, which usually includes all the popular slots from well-known manufacturers:
and many others.
Better bonuses and promotions
Offshore casinos provide players with huge bonuses to give them more of an enjoyable gaming experience and to keep them on their site a little longer.
For example, we can illustrate our own rankings of popular non-Gamstop casino bonuses:
Also, to lower the entry threshold, or so that players don’t have to worry about losing large sums, casinos are lowering the minimum deposits compared to UKGC-licensed sites. Minimum deposits starting at £1 are available (but they’re not common), and the most popular minimum deposits are £5 and £10:
Players have more to choose from, and unlike the UK brands, they have no weekly limits and so on.
Licensing of casinos not on Gamstop
Players should not worry about the fact that a casino does not have a UKGC licence. Because there are other regulators outside the UK, which are independent and publicly recognised, that issue licences to various offshore casinos. These regulators are mostly:
- Malta
- Curacao
In this article, we won’t go into details on how it works and how casinos get a license, except to say that having any of these licenses can assure a player that it’s safe for them and won’t disappear with their money.
Available payment options at casinos without Gamstop
Literally, the only disadvantage of a Gamstop-free casino is the point that not all payment methods are available to players. This is precisely due to restrictions by the British government and the UKGC, so the list of banned payment systems for gambling includes:
- Credit cards
- PayPal
- Boku
- Pay-by-Phone
However, more classic payment methods are available to players – Visa and Mastercard debit cards, e-wallets, as well as a variety of crypto casinos.
Conclusion
We hope you were able to understand the differences between non Gamstop casinos and UKGC-licensed sites, and what their advantages and disadvantages are. Please remember the rules of safe and responsible gambling, and we wish you luck with your winnings!
FAQs
What are Non-Gamstop Casinos?
Non-Gamstop casinos are online gaming platforms that are not registered with the UK self-exclusion program, Gamstop. These platforms often provide a more extensive game selection and fewer player restrictions compared to their UKGC-licensed counterparts.
Can I get deposit bonuses at Non-Gamstop Casinos?
Absolutely. Non-Gamstop casinos often provide generous deposit bonuses, ranging from 100% to as high as 800% of your deposit amount. Additionally, they may also offer free spins as part of their promotional campaigns.
What are the minimum deposit limits at Non-Gamstop Casinos?
Minimum deposit limits can vary from one non-Gamstop casino to another. However, they typically offer lower minimum deposit limits compared to UKGC-licensed casinos, making gaming more accessible to players with various budget levels.
How varied is the game and slot selection at Non-Gamstop Casinos?
Non-Gamstop casinos often pride themselves on a broad game and slot selection. From classic favourites to innovative new games, these platforms provide many options to cater to a wide range of player preferences.
Can I access Non-Gamstop Casinos from the UK?
Yes, one of the major advantages of Non-Gamstop Casinos is their global accessibility. They generally welcome players from all around the world, providing an international gaming experience.
Are Non-Gamstop casinos safe to play?
The safety of Non-Gamstop casinos can vary depending on their licensing jurisdiction. While they are not regulated by the UKGC, many are licensed by other reputable gaming authorities worldwide like Curacao and Malta Gaming Authority. Always check a casino’s licensing and reputation before playing to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience.
What if I develop a gambling problem at a Non-Gamstop Casino?
While Non-Gamstop Casinos are not connected to the UK’s self-exclusion program, many have their own responsible gambling measures in place. However, if you feel that your gambling is becoming a problem, consider reaching out to a professional support organization, such as GamCare or GAMSTOP, for help and guidance.
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