Non Gamstop Casinos for UK Players
Online gambling is a nationwide pastime in the UK. Gamers often flock to online casinos regulated by the Gambling Commission to play their favourite slots, table games, and live dealer games.
Non Gamstop Casinos
Usually, these casinos also offer sports betting services, giving gamers a more holistic experience.
But although gambling is supposed to be fun, some players find themselves deep into addiction. A new report by The Guardian reveals that problem gambling in the UK could be 8x higher than estimated. This study adds that 2.5% of gambling adults have had an addiction before.
That's where bodies like Gamstop come in. This is a national problem gambling initiative that offers self-exclusion services to struggling players. All you need to do is register with Gamstop to block yourself from accessing gambling and betting sites in the country.
However, some players who are fed up with the Gambling Commission restrictions may start exploring non Gamstop options. So, if you're considering going this route, this article is for you. We'll share a few hard-nosed facts about why you should consider these casinos and how to choose the best sites. There's much to learn!
Why Choose Non-Gamstop Casinos?
Despite the potential dangers of playing at casinos not on Gamstop, some players risk it all to explore what's out there. You might not understand the motivation behind their choices until you read the reasons below:
Evade UKGC Restriction
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is one of the strictest regulators worldwide. This body takes a no-nonsense approach to protecting player interests and regulating the industry. The UKGC doesn't hesitate to fine operators that violate its laid-down gambling policies.
However, some measures can negatively affect players. For example, this body banned credit card gambling in April 2020 before criminalising the Autoplay slot feature a few years later. While the intentions are good, such restrictions can limit player experiences.
Chase More Game Variety
Casinos willing to operate in the UK must get approval from the UKGC. The same applies to software developers. Although this means only the best operate in Great Britain, this can lock out some great options. Lest we forget that the UKGC license is one of the most expensive worldwide.
So, to enjoy more game varieties, gamers sign up on non-Gamstop casinos in the UK. These casinos offer thousands of games from established and little-known game developers. It's common to find a non-Gamstop casino licensed in Curacao or Malta with 10,000+ games. That's rare in the UK.
Bigger Bonuses
The watchful eye of the UKGC prevents casinos from offering all types of bonuses and promotions. For example, the regulator is already mulling over how to limit operators from using bonuses to attract new players. This is part of its response to the White Paper recommendations.
The good news is that casinos that aren't on Gamstop have bigger, if not better, bonus offers. These sites offer more oversized packages with better terms and conditions. Some non-UK online casinos also provide players with no deposit bonuses.
More Currency Options
Playing at a Gamstop casino in the UK means you can only use the GBP. However, this can significantly limit some players. Currency fluctuations also motivate some gamers to explore other alternatives. You can use different currencies like the USD and EUR at offshore casinos.
It's also an open secret that more players are getting intrigued by cryptocurrency gambling. Until recently, only a few UK casinos allowed players to use digital coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. Non-Gamstop casinos, on the other hand, often support dozens of cryptocurrencies.
How to Choose the Best Non-Gamstop Casinos
Before playing at a non-Gamstop casino, it's critical to understand the potential dangers. Playing at these casinos means forfeiting the protection of the UK Gambling Commission. This may place you in danger of being a victim of fraud or scam. You may also fail to get Gamstop assistance when problem gambling effects kick in.
However, you can ensure your safety and peace of mind by playing at a non-Gamstop casino that checks these boxes:
Reputation
This is the first item on our checklist when recommending non-Gamstop casinos. Here's the thing: all casinos have a reputation. It's, therefore, vital to dig out much information about the casino before signing up. Choose a website that has a reputation for treating players with respect.
There are many places to get first-hand information about non-Gamstop casinos, including on this page. You can read player reviews and ratings on platforms like TrustPilot and AskGamblers. However, take the reviews with a pinch of salt because some are from disgruntled players.
License and Regulation
When choosing a non-UK casino, ensure the website is licensed and regulated by a legal body outside the country. There are many other reliable regulators worldwide that can ensure you play under maximum safety and security.
For example, consider a website licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority or the Curacao Government in Europe. Some casinos also have licenses in Canada, the Philippines, and other countries. So, ensure the casino is regulated before anything else.
Safety and Security
Once you have confirmed that the non-Gamstop casino is legal, check its safety and security features. The most standard security features are SSL and TLS encryptions. These encryption standards ensure that your personal details are safe from interception during online transmission.
Another often overlooked security feature is 2FA (two-factor authentication). This function provides an extra protective layer to your casino account by allowing you to enter a code before logging in. You only need to install Google Authenticator or Authy to enjoy this protection.
Payment Methods and Speed
Another way to spot a reliable non-Gamstop casino is to look at its banking service. The best non-UK casinos process payments via safe banking methods. Some standard methods include PayPal, Trustly, Visa, and Mastercard. Even cryptocurrencies should be on the menu.
You should also confirm if the casino offers fast transactions. Deposits must be free and instant. As for withdrawals, this may vary between casinos and payment methods. However, the best non-Gamstop casinos process fast payouts, preferably within minutes or hours.
Game Variety and Quality
The game variety can speak much about a non-Gamstop casino. The best options offer thousands of games from the most respected software developers. Ensure that reliable companies like Pragmatic Play, Betsoft, Playtech, Microgaming, and NetEnt provide the games.
Don't be satisfied with an extensive game library. Confirm if an independent lab has tested and approved the RNG games. A reliable non-Gamstop casino must be tested and approved by companies like eCOGRA, Gaming Associates, and iTech Labs.
Customer Support
Don't forget to confirm the quality of the support department before signing up. You'll encounter a few issues with bonuses, deposits, withdrawals, and other services. A good non-Gamstop casino must always be a chat or call away. 24/7 live chat is non-negotiable.
You can confirm the support quality by sending the casino a question or two. Avoid playing at casinos that respond to player inquiries after hours or days. The live chat feature or email address should also be easy to find on the website.
Fair Terms and Conditions
Lastly, read the casino's T&Cs clause by clause before signing up. This dull page with a blog of texts hides all the legally binding information. Rogue casinos can use specific clauses to deny you a big jackpot win when Lady Luck finally smiles at you.
Another reason to read the casino's fine print is to know the payment details. Most casinos specify the number of days you have to wait before receiving winnings. You also know the withdrawal limits and whether payouts are processed daily or on business days.
Real User Experiences and Case Studies
There's little doubt that the UK is one of the most secure and closely regulated gambling jurisdictions worldwide. Yet, the strict rules on online operators can limit them from providing gamblers full access to services like payments and gaming options. So, what excuses do players have for moving abroad?
We visited a few forums for UK online gambling, and here's what we found:
Review #1:
One player (Spin_em-in) at Backinamo.com said he switched to playing at non-Gamstop casinos to enjoy crypto transactions. The player added that offshore casinos have better site features, rewards, and promotions than UK casinos. However, the gamer said he wouldn't move to an unknown smaller casino unless it's a bigger brand than most Gamstop gaming sites in the country.
Review #2:
Another player (simply called Slot) said that he wouldn't think twice before signing up at an offshore gaming site. He argues that most non-Gamstop gaming sites have better bonus terms, often providing 30-35x wagering requirements. Slot also commented that non-UK casinos offer fast withdrawals via PayPal, Skrill, and other payment methods you'd rarely find in the UK.
Review #3:
We also found a few interesting comments on various casino review sites. Here, a player (Deeplay) said he hadn't touched a UK-facing casino for 2 years. This player noted that UK casinos are notorious for offering low RTPs and no Autoplay in their slots. The Gambling Commission banned Autoplay and Quickspin slot features in February 2021. Deeplay added that the endless document requests at UK casinos are a turn-off for him.
Review #4:
A Scottish Casinomeister.com member (greylady) said playing slots with the Bonus Buy feature is her primary motivation for joining non-Gamstop sites. This player noted that slots now have higher volatility ratings and reduced RTP. Therefore, players have to grind out games with minimal returns. Back in 2019, the Gambling Commission announced that all software developers must remove the Bonus Buy feature from their games.
It's very apparent that non-Gamstop casinos in the UK are reaping big from the UKGC's strict regulatory approach. Expect this trend to continue as UK players hunt for bigger bonuses and better overall casino experiences. For local operators, losing customers to offshore brands is becoming a bitter pill they must swallow nowadays.
Payment Methods
When playing with real money, payment is one of the most essential features in a non-Gamstop casino. Besides ensuring that the casino provides fast transactions, check if the available payment methods cater to UK players. Reliable casinos not on Gamstop provide tens of banking options for their UK members.
Below, we'll list and briefly discuss the most common payment methods for you:
Card Payments
Gamstop casinos in the UK may not support credit card deposits and withdrawals. Conversely, offshore casinos allow UK players to use both credit and debit cards. These cards provide a safe and secure channel to your bank account, allowing deposits and withdrawals. Another advantage of using payment cards is that they often qualify for casino deposit bonuses. However, withdrawals usually take 3-5 business days.
Below are the most offered payment cards:
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Mastercard
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Visa
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Visa Electron
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Maestro
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American Express
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JCB
Bank Transfers
Another way to transact with a non-Gamstop casino using your bank account is through Bank Transfers or Bank Wire. This option connects players directly to their bank account, allowing them to transact in a bank-secured environment. Besides providing maximum transaction safety, this eliminates those annoying card charges. However, Bank Transfers are often available for casino payouts only. Also, the withdrawal time could reach 10 business days.
Online Banking
Trustly often facilitates online banking at non-Gamstop casinos. Unlike Bank Wire and debit cards, you don't need to provide the casino with any crucial bank details to transact. Simply log in using your online banking details on a Trustly-secured platform to deposit and withdraw. Withdrawals are also fast, often taking less than 24 hours. However, some financial institutions may not be on the Trustly list.
E-Wallet
Web wallets are the most widely accepted options for online gambling worldwide. These payment methods allow UK players to deposit and withdraw money safely and securely. The good thing about web wallets is that you only need wallet login details to transact. On top of that, withdrawals are often fast, taking just a few minutes at the best non-Gamstop casinos. Unfortunately, wallets like Skrill and Neteller may not qualify for deposit offers.
Here are the most popular web wallets for UK gamers:
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PayPal
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Skrill
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Neteller
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ecoPayz
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MuchBetter
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MiFinity
Cryptocurrency
One of the main reasons Brits are flocking to non-Gamstop casinos is crypto payments. These are decentralised currencies, meaning the government cannot track your casino transactions. In addition, there are no banks or card providers involved in crypto payments. This allows gamers to enjoy fee-free and instant payments. However, be wary of cryptocurrency volatility.
Popular gambling cryptos include:
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Bitcoin
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Bitcoin Cash
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Ethereum
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Litecoin
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USD Tether
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USD Coin
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Dogecoin
Responsible Gambling Tools
Let's answer one of the most critical questions: are non-Gamstop casinos committed to responsible gambling practices? The answer is yes! These casinos have measures to help players be in the driver's seat while gambling. You can limit your game time and protect your finances.
Below are some of the responsible gambling tools to leverage:
Deposit Limits
Most non-Gamstop casinos allow players to limit the amount they can deposit into their casino accounts. You can set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit to reduce gaming expenditure and prevent gambling-related harm. So, set a limit on what you can afford to lose.
Loss Limits
Losing wagers is inevitable due to the house edge that guarantees the casino victory. However, the losses can pile up, threatening to deplete your budget. In that case, non-Gamstop casinos allow players to set a specific loss limit. This can be a daily, weekly, or monthly loss limit.
Time Limits
This tool allows you to determine how long you can play within a given period. For example, you can have a time limit of 2 hours during the weekend because this is when you have free time. In short, consider your daily routine before setting a time limit.
Cooling-Off Period
This responsible gaming tool at non-Gamstop casinos allows you to take short-term breaks from gambling. Typically, the cooling-off period can be a few days or weeks. Some players can use this duration to evaluate their playing habits or focus on other pressing issues.
Reality Check Reminders
Some reliable casinos provide reality checks during online gambling sessions. This pop-up message informs gamers how long they have been online and how much they have lost. You can use this information to decide whether to stop or continue playing.
Self-Exclusion
Lastly, you can consider this more dramatic measure once you notice gambling is taking a toll on you. In most cases, you'll contact the casino support team and ask them to limit your account and stop sending you any promotional messages. Self-exclusion periods can last for at least 6 months. Remember, you can ask for your account balance during this time.
Problem Gambling Organisation Contacts
Most non-Gamstop casinos partner with other professional problem gambling organisations to provide instant help to players. These casinos often offer direct contacts to organisations like GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, and Gambling Therapy. Some gaming sites also provide responsible gambling tips.
Best Table Games Non Gamstop Casinos in the UK
UK players love table games. From simple dice rolling to heart-pounding poker matches, these games foster cooperation and competition. However, some tabletop games are more cherished by British players than others. Below are the top 5 options to play at non Gamstop casinos:
Poker
This is arguably the most prominent table game worldwide. It's an online card game that involves receiving three or five cards to create a stronger hand than the dealer's. A winning hand receives a payout based on the paytable. Be on the lookout for the Royal Flush, consisting of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 of the same suit.
Note that Poker is a skill-based game. Therefore, get enough practice with free games to sharpen your strategies before sitting at the online table. You can reduce the house edge to negative values with an optimal strategy. Double Double Bonus Poker is an excellent example.
Blackjack
Online Blackjack is another pastime favourite to play at non-UK casinos. Like Poker, it's a card game with an element of luck and skill. Blackjack players can determine when to double down, split aces, fold, and perform other profitable moves. Counting cards is also allowed if you can.
However, Blackjack is available in different variants, the only difference being the number of decks or cards. You can also play on tables that pay out 3:2 or 6:5 when you hit a Blackjack. According to maths, the former has better odds of winning.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a popular card game among UK players thanks to the James Bond effect. This game has long been associated with celebrities and high rollers seeking luxury and sophistication. However, the online versions of this game allow pretty much everyone to catch the action.
Unlike Blackjack and Poker, which require some strategy, Baccarat is a luck-based card game. You only need to decide whether to bet on the Banker or Player position and wait for the outcome. Betting on the Banker comes with a 1.06% house edge, one of the lowest at the casino.
Roulette
Roulette is a favourite classic that attracts players to wager on their lucky numbers or colours. In this game, you only need to predict the white ball to stop on a red/black pocket or a group of numbers to win a 1:1 payout. You can also get a 36:1 reward for betting on a specific number.
However, be careful when choosing a Roulette wheel. Ensure the game uses European or French rules to play with a low house edge. The American version has an extra green pocket (00), giving it a 5.26% house edge. We're sure you don't want to face such odds.
Craps
If you're been to a land-based casino, you'll agree that craps is among the most exciting games to play. It's a fast-paced dice game with one of the lowest house edge rates at the casino. Bets such as Don't Pass Line and Don't Come have a lowly house edge of 1.36%.
The only drawback of playing craps is the abundance of rules which can overwhelm inexperienced players. A typical craps game can also have more than 10 betting options. It's, therefore, critical to learn how the bets and rules work before trying your luck on this popular card game.
Bonuses and Promotions Available
Most non Gamstop casinos in Great Britain have one thing in common – big bonuses and promotions! These casinos have a range of bonus offers for new and returning players. Let's discover the most popular non-Gamstop casino bonuses and how they work.
Welcome Bonus
New UK players who register successfully at these casinos can get a warm deposit bonus. A standard welcome bonus includes a match percentage and free spins on specified slot games. Some casinos also provide significantly higher percentages that exceed 100%. However, read the terms and conditions to know the wagering requirements.
No Deposit Bonus
A no-deposit bonus is another package for new players. In this case, you'll receive a welcome offer for successfully setting up an account. A no-deposit bonus at a non-Gamstop casino can be free spins or bonus credits. Keep in mind that wagering requirements and other bonus terms apply.
High Roller Bonus
If you're a VIP or high roller player, some non-Gamstop casinos can welcome you aboard with this offer. It's more like the standard welcome offer where you must deposit money to get a match bonus plus free spins. However, high-roller bonuses are bigger and have friendly bonus conditions.
Reload Bonus
Have you decided to continue playing? Make another deposit to collect a reload bonus. After topping up your account balance, you can receive free spins, match bonuses, or both. Some casinos have daily or weekly reload bonuses. However, reload bonus rates are less than 100%.
Cashback
The best offshore casinos in the UK cushion gamers from losses with weekly or monthly cashback bonuses. You only need to play and lose real money during the reference period to receive a small percentage of your losses. The wagering requirement is also low, rarely exceeding 10x.
Customer Support and FAQ Section
As mentioned earlier, it's vital to keenly scrutinise customer service when comparing non-Gamstop casinos in the UK. That's because you might encounter issues like delayed payouts or missing bonus codes that need help from the casino.
With that said, choose a non-Gamstop site with email or live chat support. Some options can also provide phone, WhatsApp, and social media support. How the support team responds to your inquiries should reveal much about the casino's professionalism. We prefer live chat for instant responses.
Also, check if the casino has a detailed help page with common questions and answers. Before contacting an agent, find out if the non-UK casino has addressed your concerns on this page. Believe it or not, some issues may not require support assistance.
FAQs About Non-Gamstop Casinos
Are non-Gamstop casinos safe?
Yes, playing at non-Gamstop casinos is safe if you choose a reliable website. Ensure the casino is legal outside the UK and the T&Cs are fair and transparent. Also, confirm if the casino uses encryption technology to protect player details.
Are all casinos in the UK on Gamstop?
Yes, all UKGC-licensed casinos must offer Gamstop services. This is a mandatory licensing requirement to help protect vulnerable players. However, offshore sites that accept UK players don't need to comply with this requirement.
Can I be arrested for playing at a non-Gamstop casino?
There's no legal provision to arrest and prosecute UK players who join non-Gamstop casinos. However, it's vital to note that this is an illegal practice. The Gambling Commission has been trying to block these casinos from accessing the UK space lately.
Do I need a VPN to play at a non-Gamstop casino?
Yes and no! Some non-Gamstop casinos are easily accessible without any VPN connection. But if you decide to use a VPN to play at these casinos, confirm if the website accepts UK players. This prevents a push-and-pull scenario when verifying your documents before cashing out.
How can I sign up on a non-Gamstop gaming site?
It's simple. Open the registration page and provide the requested details like email, phone number, and address. Once you have provided this information, create an account and deposit money. Most non-Gamstop sites in the UK have a minimum sign-up age of 18 years.
Do non-Gamstop casinos pay out winnings?
Yes, you can complete a withdrawal if you have enough balance. You must also complete the KYC process by uploading the necessary documents before cashing out. Most importantly, join a non-Gamstop casino with a reputation for paying out winnings.
Is Gamstop a must for casinos to accept British players?
No, most offshore casinos in the UK don't have any Gamstop restrictions. These casinos accept British players who can use the GBP as their preferred currency.
What is the best non-Gamstop casino?
A good non-Gamstop gaming site must have a valid license from another country like Curacao or Malta. These casinos must also have an encryption certificate and a reputation for treating gamers fairly and respectfully.
Conclusion
Now you know why Brits are joining non-Gamstop sites en masse. These casinos don't operate under the restrictive UKGC measures, meaning access to better bonuses and other features like Autoplay and Bonus Buy. Most of them also accept credits, which are illegal back home.
However, make sure you choose the most reliable casino not on Gamstop before trusting it with your details and money. The UK iGaming sector has hundreds of casinos claiming to offer safe and reliable non-Gamstop services. So, keep it here to discover our top-rated options.