Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/slots-slot-slot-machine-5012428/
Problem gambling has again made the news in the UK, inadvertently giving rise to casinos not on GamStop. Per the National Gambling Treatment Service, more than 280,000 England residents believe that they have an impulse control problem regarding betting on games of chance and sports over the internet. Such shocking addiction statistics have forced Brittan’s gaming regulator, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), to enforce new measures that make the online slot experience less engaging. Hence, now auto-play functions and high max bet limits are a thing of the past at UKGC-licensed sites.
Also, since March of 2020, all UK online casinos must participate in the mandatory self-exclusion program titled GamStop. Those platforms that operate within this network from the UK must implement the mentioned restrictive measures. Due to them limiting gameplay, many Brits are now seeking out sites outside of this obligatory network or Non GamStop casinos.
The GamStop Self-Exclusion Scheme Explained
GamStop is a software solution that aims to curb online gambling addiction. The not-for-profit organization called The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited operates this service, and, as mentioned, it is now a requisite for all UK online casinos.
GamStop lets players restrict their online gambling activities by allowing them to activate a self-imposed ban that lasts for a chosen duration and is valid across all UKGC-licensed gambling platforms. The program offers three self-exclusion periods. These can involve a timeframe of six months, one year, or one that lasts five years.
Once a player initiates such a ban, he/she cannot reverse this action. In 24 hours after its activation, self-exclusion will become effective. The player in question can only return to his/her gambling ways after his/her chosen self-exclusion period passes. To do so, he/she will have to reach out to GamStop by telephone and request that his/her ban gets lifted.
Sites that incorporate GamStop also implement the new UKGC measures that lower the intensity of slot gameplay. The UKGC does this by eliminating auto-play functions, featuring spin-timers, lower max bet limits, and imposing bonus restrictions on operators.
How Non GamStop Casinos Operate
Are there any casinos not on GamStop that accept UK residents? Yes, hundreds. Online casinos not on GamStop have attained approval to offer their services globally from an international regulator such as Panama’s Gaming Control Board, one of the four Curacao master license holders, or the Malta Gaming Authority. All of these have been active in this sphere longer than the UKGC.
These organizations vet each of their licensees for financial stability and fair practices. Independent testing agencies like TST or eCogra make sure that the games offered by operators with international licenses are legitimate. They must also feature advanced SSL encryption to protect all data exchanged on their sites. Thus, reputable casinos not on GamStop are as credible as the most established UK internet gambling platforms.
Are Online Casinos Not on GamStop Legal?
Technically, per the Gambling Act of 2005, only UKGC-licensed sites can offer gambling services over the internet to Brits. However, UK authorities do not bother prosecuting players who choose to play at offshore platforms, as many view this as a matter of personal choice. In case of any legal liability, the only party likely to face any repercussions is the operator who accepts players from the UK and not individual players from the country. Non GamStop bingo sites and casinos openly market themselves to international players. Therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that they accept only players from regions eligible to enjoy their services.
That said, problem gamblers must not see casinos not blocked by GameStop as a loophole to circumvent previously activated self-exclusion and continue feeding their gambling addiction. Only those who can exercise proper impulse control should visit these sites.
What to Expect From Reputable Casinos Not on GamStop
There is no doubt that foreign platforms are more diverse in many aspects compared to UK sites. For one, they offer a robust array of payment methods for players to use. Since April of 2020, UK online casinos no longer accept credit cards. Yet, casinos not on GamBan do not only allow them, but they permit the use of niche cryptocurrencies and a range of prepaid options.
Casinos not on GamStop also feature gaming products unavailable in the UK market. To offer games of chance to UK residents, providers have to satisfy technical and market conditions set by the UKGC. Many developers do not wish to go through the hassles involved in breaking into this market. However, they can freely feature their titles on international sites. Additionally, non GamStop casinos have a reputation of offering far more enticing welcome bonuses and more lavish VIP programs than their UK counterparts.
UKGC-Licensed Sites vs. Casinos Not on Gamstop
No one type of gambling platform is better than all the rest. Every category has its pros and cons. Players must weigh all their aspects, factoring in what matters most to them before deciding which type of casino they will call home.
Below a list follows of the perceived advantages and disadvantages of the two groups of sites discussed above.
Gamstop Sites
Pros |
Cons |
– GBP is always an option. – UK regulation. – A multiple-operator self-exclusion scheme. – Protection of funds. – Third-party complaint handling. – No fear of potential legal problems. |
– Bonus restrictions. – Low max wagering limits. – Spin timers |
Non Gamstop Casinos
Pros |
Cons |
– Richer slot selection. – A vast range of accepted payment methods. – Niche cryptocurrencies accepted. – Not as strict procedures. – More enticing bonuses. – Richer loyalty schemes. |
– GBP is not always an option. – Dispute resolution via foreign laws.
|
To Wrap Up
In closing, players should not concern themselves about the legality of sites where they can register without a VPN service. Any legal burden falls on the operators that allow such an option. Not on individual players that take advantage of something advertised and offered to them. Players are merely looking for casinos that help them get the most of their gaming experience. Thus, that is why casinos not on GamStop are surging in popularity.
These platforms offer perks like vaster game selection, alluring promotions, and the ability to use less established payment options. Veteran international regulators oversee their activities, and many of these sites are just as credible as popular UK online casinos. Whoever finds their benefits attractive is free to sign-up with such a platform and give it a test run. Most of them allow demo-play, so browsing and playing for fun is possible without a deposit.
Avid music fanatic. Communicator. Social media expert. Award-winning bacon scholar. Alcohol fan.