The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) is famous for its strict betting rules and implementation of self-exclusion programmes like Gamstop. Its decisive ruling of the UK gambling market comes with a price: it limits what players can access on its licenced platforms.
The desire to enjoy a more immersive and less restrictive experience has turned punters to casinos not blocked by Gamstop.
Playing on these sites has several benefits, ranging from a broader game collection to claiming massive bonuses and promotions. There are also downsides you should note before opting for these platforms.
This text is a simple guide that outlines the benefits and downsides of non-Gamstop casinos to help you decide if they’re a worthwhile alternative to UKGC-licenced casinos.
Why Opt for Non-Gamstop Casinos
There’s a long list of advantages to playing at a non-Gamstop gaming site, and we’ve explained each point below:
Big Bonuses and Promotions
Every player loves freebies, and one of the best places to get massive rewards is at casinos that are not part of the self-exclusion programme. These platforms are not obligated to streamline their bonus offers, so they can structure their deals to be more profitable for their players.
You can kickstart your time with a welcome bonus, which could be a no-deposit promotion, a match-up deal with high bonus percentages, or several free spins. After playing through the offer, the operator will have many other deals you can take advantage of, including loyalty rewards. Some casinos even hold tournaments that add more spice to the gambling experience.
Payments
The cryptocurrency regulation in the UK doesn’t apply to these casinos, and the same can be said for the prohibition of credit cards. So, as already noted, they are one of the top payment options you can use at these sites.
The absence of extra-rigorous and time-consuming checks players face at UK casinos makes transactions on such platforms even better. Since these sites’ KYC procedures are much more straightforward, they can process your winnings faster, and you get your funds in a much shorter time frame.
Credit Score
Your credit score measures your creditworthiness and is one of the first things any lender would check if you need a loan. Gambling would not directly show up on your history, but transactions you make to bookmakers and casinos will be on your bank statement, and some lenders view this as a red flag.
The only way to avoid this is to use an alternative payment method that won’t reflect on your financial statements. These methods include credit cards and cryptocurrencies, which you can only find at non-Gamstop casinos.
Sports
Many of these operators have integrated sportsbooks into their platforms to cater to players with diverse preferences. They have extensive coverage for everything football, which is not surprising considering that it’s the most popular sport worldwide. However, this excellent coverage extends to well-known and niche options, like basketball, horse racing, eSports, cricket, tennis, and auto-racing.
Their odds for each event are also one of the most competitive, allowing you to get more value for your winning bets. Some even have live streaming, bet builders, and accumulator boosts to offer comprehensive betting sessions.
Markets
These operators recognise the diverse interests of bettors and strive to cater to various sports enthusiasts. As a result, they offer an extensive selection of markets that go beyond the usual favourites for each sport.
For instance, in football, besides the regular match winners, over/under markets, and other standard options, you’ll find markets for obscure events. You could bet on the player to score the most goals before halftime, the team with the most red cards in a game, and others.
Casino Games
The UK’s online gambling laws now include a limit on slot games that ranges from £2 to £15. This limitation restricts some players from betting as high as they usually would and prevents operators from offering certain games.
Casinos not part of the self-exclusion programme don’t deal with such limits, making them suitable for low and high rollers. They offer a more diverse portfolio of various slots with different bonus features, exciting table games with wide betting limits, and live dealer titles.
Are there any Disadvantages or Red Flags?
Now that we’ve discussed the advantages of these casinos let’s check out their disadvantages:
No Licence At Many Sites
One of the biggest problems with such casinos is that most operate independently. The lack of regulatory oversight is what allows them to operate freely and offer several perks, but it also means there’s a higher chance of these platforms being scams.
To avoid fake sites, research and learn about their reputation. You can do this by reading comprehensive and expert reviews. Also, visit the casino to learn if it sources its games from trusted providers and has the appropriate security measures to safeguard customers’ personal and financial information.
Poor Support
Another downside that many consider a red flag is poor support. It’s standard for an online casino to have an FAQ page to turn to whenever you have questions. However, this section would not have an answer for everything, making it necessary that a casino support other communication channels, especially live chat, through which they can interact with natural customer agents. Unfortunately, some of these operators have only an email option, and it could take hours to reply to your messages.
Bonus
Massive bonuses are a significant draw of such casinos, but you should also note that some sham operators use mouth-watering offers to attract players. Therefore, always read the bonus terms and conditions to learn what requirements you must meet afterwards to collect your winnings. Unreasonable conditions like high wagering criteria and short bonus validity are warning signs.
Despite these disadvantages, non-Gamstop casinos are still the best alternative to UK-licenced sites. You simply have to be cautious when choosing these platforms. Learn about their reputation, game variety, bonus conditions, and customer service, and ensure they perform excellently in all major areas before you sign up.
