UK casino sites are notorious around the world for how they restrict players. The regulations imposed upon participants in UK casino sites include factors such as the maximum wagering limit, which actively discourages many would-be users. Given that one of the central psychological appeals of gambling is the flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants spontaneity of it all, having a governing body heavily regulate it in such an explicit way deflates some of the joy out of the experience for many users. However, by using trustworthy non Gamstop casinos, players can avoid these restrictions and access higher stakes.
Casinos not on Gamstop offer a unique gaming experience that is not subject to nearly as much oversight. Unlike others, these sites feature higher stakes and even afford users cryptocurrency options. The best non-Gamstop casinos are still licensed and regulated in other parts of the world but focus on player safety, game variety, prompt payments, and attractive bonuses.
What is a Non-Gamstop Casino?
Non-Gamstop casinos, often regarded as offshore casinos, are online platforms not licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). As a result of their unlicensed status, they are not on the Gamstop database of online gambling platforms.
Since 2020, all casinos that the Gambling Commission licenses must follow Gamstop restrictions, meaning they can’t accept players who are currently self-excluded. If you’re on the Gamstop self-exclusion list, you won’t be able to use a casino that the Gambling Commission regulates. However, non-Gamstop casinos aren’t nearly as risky as some might have you believe, seeing as many legitimate gambling bodies outside the UK run safe, efficient, and exciting non-Gamstop casino sites accessible from the UK.
Are Non-Gamstop UK Casinos Legal?
For UK players, playing at non-Gamstop UK casinos falls into a legal grey area. While the UKGC mandates that all UK-licensed casinos must be part of Gamstop, players are not prohibited from playing at international casinos with valid licenses from a reputable regulatory body.
A casino without Gamstop is not necessarily more dangerous; it might simply offer different self-exclusion tools. However, knowing the potential risks and ensuring you are only playing at reputable sites is important.
Are Non-Gamstop Casinos Safe?
How can you trust that a casino holds a valid license if they claim to do so? Simply head to the website of the named regulator and search for the non-Gamstop UK casino in their database. Additionally, independent reviews and player feedback should be looked for to ensure the casino’s credibility.
Reliable non-Gamstop casinos will still have clear policies on handling your data and personal information and will use secure encryption methods to safeguard your details. You always want to make sure the casino requires proper verification to prevent fraud and ensure a safe gambling environment. If they do not, giving over any information from your web browser to them could be potentially hazardous.
Drawing Your Own Conclusions
Regardless of how safe many of these sites are, you should always carry out your due diligence on casinos, irrespective of their status on or off Gamstop, to ensure your own privacy and financial security. It is always important to remember to practice safe gambling, no matter if it is online or in-person.
Using an unlicensed platform will result in you not having any regulatory protections, which is highly volatile. Simultaneously, an easy way to check out the safety of a given gambling site is to check out a casino’s rating on TrustPilot and other review sites to see what people are saying about it. If the casino has a native app, check out its rating on Google Play and the App Store.