Best Non Gamstop Betting Sites for UK Players

Best Non Gamstop Betting Sites for UK Players

The betting industry in the UK is flourishing. According to government statistics, there was a total of £3.389 million gaming and betting receipts during the 2023/2024 financial year. This number reveals a 3% uptick compared to the previous financial year. Notably, online Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) also saw a 5% rise, reaching £1.4 billion. This growth was largely driven by online slots which experienced an 11% year-on-year increase.

However, despite this growth in the regulated market, some UK players are exploring alternatives, particularly betting sites that are not part of the Gamstop self-exclusion scheme. These offshore sportsbooks are known to offer better odds, fewer restrictions and a wide variety of betting markets. In this guide, we’ll highlight major reasons why sports betting without Gamstop is becoming widespread in the UK. We’ll share some first-hand player testimonials and a few tips to bet on a non-Gamstop sportsbook securely. Keep reading!

What Are Non-Gamstop Betting Sites?

Before operating in the UK betting and gambling scene, all operators are required to get approval from the Gambling Commission. This is one of the most reputable betting regulators worldwide. Having a UKGC license proves that the betting site is committed to providing fair odds, fast payouts, and data protection.

However, getting the UKGC license comes with strings attached. One of the requirements is to offer Gamstop services. This is a national scheme that allows online bettors to self-exclude themselves from betting and gambling to prevent harm. In January 2020, the Commission announced that all the 200+ operators in the country must provide this service.

However, sometimes you may want to place a bet when you’re still self-excluded. That’s where non-Gamstop betting sites come in. These are UK sportsbooks that are not bound by Gamstop’s restrictions. Put simply, these bookies are not licensed by the UKGC, so you don’t have to worry about the Commission’s stringent requirements.

Let’s make it a little bit clearer by comparing Gamstop and non-Gamstop sportsbooks below:

 Why Choose Non-Gamstop Betting Sites?

Betting on a non-Gamstop betting site may seem like an unwise decision due to the risks involved. However, there are many benefits of joining these sportsbooks. Here are some of them:

Fewer and Less Stringent Restrictions

Here’s the thing; the Gambling Commission is always coming up with new rules that can limit betting experiences. For example, Gamstop betting sites are compelled by the law to perform affordability checks on a player whose net loss is £1,000 within 24 hours. You may also be subjected to these checks if you lose £2,000 within 90 days.

Although most of these restrictions are for a good cause, they can restrict certain bettors. High rollers who stake huge sums may no longer find it comfortable to play on local websites. On the other hand, non-Gamstop bookies don’t have too many restrictions. Just upload your verification documents and that’s it.

Access to Global Betting Markets

The sports betting market is huge, so you don’t need to confine yourself to a bookie that focuses on the UK scene. Most Gamstop sites only provide markets on popular UK sports like the EPL, Championship, and horse races. These can deny British bettors the opportunity to exploit the global betting market.

At most offshore sportsbooks, you can beat on global sports, including UK favourites. You’ll find thousands of live and daily events on these sites, meaning your betting options are endless. That’s not all. Some non-Gamstop betting sites provide better odds and more market variety than UK options.

Better Payments

You’re almost certain of receiving your betting returns if you join a Gamstop bookmaker. However, the same is true for real money betting at offshore sites. Like their UK counterparts, these sportsbooks process fast withdrawals at zero fees. These sportsbooks usually take less than 24 hours to process winnings.

Another significant plus of joining a non-Gamstop site is access to more payment varieties. These bookies offer standard options like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. However, you can also transact using credit cards, which was banned by the Commission in April 2020. And yes, cryptocurrency betting is the modus operandi of most betting sites not on Gamstop.

Bigger Bonuses and Promotions

The Gambling Commission keeps a close eye on the UK sports betting scene to ensure a level playing ground. This can prevent most bookies from offering oversized bonuses. The hefty licensing fees and frequent fines can also eat into their profits. In return, bettors carry the burden of reduced promotional offers.

Non-Gamstop bookies, on the other hand, are good at enticing betters with exciting offers. These sportsbooks often have big welcome bonuses and several reload offers. You can also get loyalty points on these sites and withdraw them as betting credits. Just don’t forget to read the bonus print before collecting your gift at a non-UK sportsbook.

How to Pick a Betting Site Not on Gamstop

Enjoying all the benefits of non-Gamstop bookies requires you to have a strict selection process. You must check and confirm some vital features to ensure you don’t get a raw deal. Here’s what to look for:

Licensing and Regulation

Do not overlook this critical feature even if you’re looking to evade the UKGC restrictions. The most reliable non-Gamstop bookmakers in the UK hold valid licenses. Curacao is often the most widespread sportsbook license, although the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is also common. These certificates prove that the bookmaker has been vetted to ensure transparency and fairness.

Data Safety and Security

Playing at an offshore bookmaker using real money may mean linking your payment card, bank account, or providing personal information. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that the bookmaker protects your details and funds using encryption technologies like SSL and TLS. You can confirm this by checking if the URL of the sportsbook starts with HTTPS://. Don’t compromise.

Betting Odds

Spend time to compare the betting odds before picking a particular sportsbook. The best sportsbooks not on Gamstop offer competitive odds to ensure good returns on a lucky day. You can choose a major event and compare the odds to know which sportsbook has the friendliest rates. However, think twice if the odds are too good to be true. The difference shouldn’t be huge.

Sports Markets

Here’s another vital box that a non-Gamstop bookie must tick. One of the main ideas of betting at international sites is to enjoy more betting varieties. Therefore, compare multiple bookmakers to pick an option with the most extensive market variety. You shouldn’t be short of betting options even if your favourite league is on recess.

Betting Features

Modern sportsbooks have a long list of betting features to ensure a fun and rewarding experience. For example, choose a sportsbook that offers live odds or in-play betting. This should be accompanied by a live streaming feature on numerous sporting events. Other vital features to consider include early cash-out options and accumulator bets. These features can make a difference.

Payment Options

Ensure that the bookmaker has enough payment methods to choose from before signing up. Join a sportsbook that allows you to use e-wallets, payment cards, and bank transfer options. You can also consider cryptocurrencies for faster and more anonymous payments. And don’t forget to confirm if the payout speeds are fast and without any hidden charges.

Mobile Betting

A sportsbook can tick all of the boxes listed above. However, don’t sign up if it doesn’t offer a smooth mobile betting experience. Test and compare several sportsbooks to ensure you choose an option with the most responsive mobile betting experience. The best non-Gamstop bookmakers also provide standalone apps for Android and iOS.

Player Support

Lastly, check to confirm if the bookie offers fast and efficient support. Top-rated international sportsbooks provide 24/7 live chat and email support. We’ve also tested and reviewed several bookies with WhatsApp and phone support. Test each method by sending a few queries to know the response times and professionalism.

Top Sports at Non-Gamstop Betting Sites

Bookmakers in the UK offer countless sports to bet on. However, some sports are more popular among British bettors than others. Here are the most loved options:

Football

No bookie worth its salt can miss a chance to provide bettors with odds on the most popular sport worldwide. Football is the UK’s national favourite and it dominates most local and offshore betting sites’ libraries. In fact, research published by squaremile.com shows that 45% of UK punters bet on football.

One of the reasons why UK punters love this sport is simplicity. Football is generally one of the easiest sports to understand and bet on. You can bet on markets such as outright wins, over/under, double chance, and handicaps. Most bookies also provide prop bets like betting on the number of corners, yellow cards, red cards, and more.

Below are some popular football competitions to bet on:

• English Premier League

• Championship

• UEFA Champions League

• UEFA Europa League

• La Liga

• Serie A

• French League 1

Horse Racing

Horse racing is more of a culture in the UK. This sport stretches back several centuries and has since become a popular staple at Gamstop and non-Gamstop bookies. You don’t believe it? A recent investigation by YouGov shows that 37% of the respondents had wagered on horse races in the last year.

Today, you can find hundreds of reliable non-Gamstop sites with odds on local events. Popular options include the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, and Royal Ascot. You can also bet on horse races in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the US. The options are endless.

Tennis

Tennis is also a popular sport to bet on in the United Kingdom. YouGov says that 8% of UK residents have placed a wager on tennis matches at some point in the last one year. One of the main attractions to bet on tennis is the sheer number of events. Tournaments such as the WTA and ATP can have more than 10,000 matches every year.

Another reason to bet on tennis at non-Gamstop UK casinos is the live in-play betting option. Men’s singles often use best-of-five rules, especially during the Grand Slams. This means a competitive tennis match can drag on for 3 or more hours. That’s plenty of time to adjust your live odds and win something.

Esports

Lastly, you can bet on Esports and join the other 8.5% of UK punters who have wagered on this sport in the last year. This sport features highly entertaining and competitive tournaments played in Europe, Asia, North America, and other parts of the world. Players compete in games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, and CS:GO.

That said, the main Esports betting market is usually the match winner. You only need to predict a player or a team to win to get a payout. Non-Gamstop sites can also provide markets like map winner, first blood, first kill, and more. These attractive options provide basic entry points if you’re still new to this sport.

Real Player Experiences and Success Stories

So, what are bettors saying out there about non-Gamstop betting sites? We searched for opinions and here’s what we found:

Review #1:

One bettor (Ethan David) on a Quora forum praised a Curacao betting brand (name withheld) as his safe betting haven for the last 5 years. He said he prefers betting on this site using Ethereum and his deposit and withdrawal experience with the operator is commendable. Surprisingly, David said email support is faster and more convenient than live chat at the sportsbook.

Review #2:

Another comment on BettingForum.com praised non-Gamstop sportsbooks for their relaxed restrictions. The commenter (Administrator) praised these bookies for not imposing stringent identity verifications or mandatory self-exclusions on bettors. However, this comment stressed the need to be cautious when choosing an offshore bookmaker.

Review #3:

A member of a gambling community (andywilliams) said the allure of betting using cryptocurrency is irresistible. He praised crypto casinos for providing private betting sessions instead of cutting deals with local operators. Williams also went ahead to blame the stringent local rules for bettors moving to offshore sites.

Payment Methods at Non-Gamstop Betting Sites

Non-Gamstop betting sites undoubtedly provide more payment methods than UK sportsbooks. This can include credit cards, cryptocurrencies, bank transfers, and e-wallets. Let’s explain your options in detail below:

E-Wallets

Web wallets are the most popular options for transacting money to and from sportsbooks. These options are more secure as they don’t involve sharing any bank details. Another good thing about e-wallets is the pocket-friendly fees and fast transactions. Deposits are often instant with payouts taking less than 24 hours. However, most bookies don’t reward Neteller and Skrill deposits.

Here are the most offered e-wallets outside the UK:

• PayPal

• Skrill

• Neteller

• MuchBetter

• MiFinity

Debit/Credit Cards

UK punters at non-Gamstop betting sites can transact using options like Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and Visa Electron. These cards provide a secure link to your bank account, allowing you to bet without any security worries. Most betting sites support two-way bank transactions, with deposits attracting a match bonus or free spins. Unfortunately, withdrawals can take 3-5 days.

Bank Transfer

Here is another way to link your bank account to the casino. This option is often preferable for bettors who want to transact significant sums. The withdrawal limits are often higher than most payment methods. However, Bank Wire deposits are rare to find at offshore sites due to regulatory restrictions. Also, withdrawals can take up to 10 business days. Nevertheless, it’s one of the most secure sportsbook payment methods.

Online Banking

Do you have an online banking account? Use an option like Trustly to deposit and withdraw money from your casino account. Unlike Bank Wire and credit cards, you don’t need to provide any critical details to transact using this option. Simply login using your online banking account to enjoy instant deposits and withdrawals. The only limitation is that smaller banks may not be on the list.

Cryptocurrencies

Bettors are leaving onshore sites in droves to enjoy unlimited crypto payments. These digital coins have revolutionised online transactions by eliminating unnecessary ‘middlemen’ like banks and financial institutions. This makes crypto transactions faster, fee-free, and more private. However, deposits, especially through high-value coins like Ethereum and Bitcoin, are often higher than standard rates at the sportsbook.

Some of the popular cryptos offered by offshore bookies include:

• Bitcoin

• Ethereum

• Dogecoin

• USD Tether

• USD Coin

•  Litecoin

• Ripple

• Bitcoin Cash

Bonuses and Promotions

Many non-Gamstop bookies offer big bonus offers to convince bettors to join them. However, the bonus structures are often different, depending on the package you choose. Let’s look at how some standard sportsbook bonuses work below:

Welcome Bonus

This is the most widespread bonus for new bettors. Most bookies will reward you with a match percentage of your first deposit up to a certain amount. Typically, the match percentage maxes out at 100%. This means new punters receive double their deposit amount.

No-Deposit Bonus

Another popular welcome offer is the no-deposit bonus for UK bettors at non-Gamstop sites. But in this case, you don’t need to deposit any funds to claim the reward. Simply complete the registration process and the sportsbook will give you free betting credits.

Risk-Free Bets

These betting credits are not exactly free. You’ll be required to wager a certain amount to receive free credits if your bet loses. For example, you can be asked to bet £20 with specified odds to win £50 if the bet loses.

Reload Bonus

Top up your sportsbook account during the specified period to receive this reward. The structure of this bonus resembles that of the welcome bonus. However, the percentage rarely exceeds 50%. Still, it’s good to know that you’ll get something every time you deposit money.

Cashback

A cashback bonus is a refund of the amount you lost during a specified period. However, this betting credit is calculated using your net real money losses. Note that the standard bonus terms and conditions apply to cashback bonuses.

Customer Support and FAQs

It’s vital to choose a betting site with a reliable customer support team when betting on a non-Gamstop site. This will allow you to get instant help whenever you experience slow transaction times and other difficulties.

With that said, consider sportsbooks with 24/7 live chat support. This way, you’re always a chat away with an agent in case of any challenges. The best bookies also offer email and phone support. Some even provide social media support on apps like Messenger, Telegram, and WhatsApp.

FAQs About Non-Gamstop Betting Sites

Is betting on non-Gamstop sportsbooks legal in the UK?

No, the law only allows UK residents to bet on betting sites licensed by the Gambling Commission. However, no one will come knocking if you join an offshore betting platform.

Are non-Gamstop betting sites safe?

Yes, offshore sportsbooks are just as safe as onshore platforms. These bookies often have valid licenses in countries like Malta, Curacao, and Canada. On top of that, non-Gamstop sportsbooks use SSL encryptions to ensure maximum safety of player details.

Do non-Gamstop sportsbooks pay out?

Yes, these bookmakers payout winnings through multiple cash-out options. However, be sure to undergo the verification checks before requesting a payout. Also, use options like cryptos and e-wallets for fast payouts.

What are the withdrawal times at non-Gamstop bookmakers?

The payout times vary between sportsbooks. However, the best non-Gamstop bookies take less than 24 hours to process winnings through e-wallets and cryptocurrencies. You should also choose a sportsbook that processes weekend and holiday payouts to avoid delays.

Do non-Gamstop bookies offer self-exclusion tools?

Yes, these bookies often allow UK bettors to self-exclude themselves for 6 months or a year by contacting the support team. You can also use responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, bet limits, and cooling-off periods to bet more responsibly.