Non-GamStop casinos are becoming more popular in the UK as they provide gamblers with a way to play casino and slot games before the end of their self-exclusion period. For some people, the self-exclusion period imposed by GamStop is too long, and they’d rather return to slots than wait.
For others, non-GamStop casino sites offer a wider selection of games, bigger bonuses, and more anonymity than GamStop-compliant platforms. A mixture of these reasons has led to non-GamStop casinos becoming more popular than ever.
GamStop exclusion is too long
Upon signing up for GamStop, gamblers have an option of how long they want their exclusion period to last. They can choose either a minimum of six months, one year, or two years. Unfortunately, no matter what length of time you select, you cannot end your GamStop period early.
If you later decide that you’d like to start playing digital slots and table games again just a few months after signing up, you won’t be able to – at least not on a GamStop site.
In early 2020, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) made it compulsory that all UK online gambling sites must comply with GamStop. This means that any GamStop-registered gambler is now unable to access any UK-based casino site.
So, those who want to end their exclusion period sooner than agreed must turn to an offshore, non-GamStop platform – hence their growing popularity in the UK.
Easy sign-up
Given that the UKGC has made it mandatory for UK sites to comply with GamStop, the only way that a site can offer games to those who have signed up for GamStop is to operate offshore.
The main benefit of being registered in a different country is that non-GamStop sites don’t have to follow any of the UKGC’s rules. For example, they don’t have to implement Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
When signing up for a UK-based casino, you must prove your identity in order to play casino games. This involves submitting a copy of your driver’s license or passport, as well as proof of address. Not only does this process involve various steps, but it normally also takes a while for the gambling site to verify that your information is correct.
This is not the case with non-GamStop casinos. While some degree of verification may still need to occur, the procedure is minimal relative to what you’ll find on UK-based sites.
This does not mean that non-GamStop is less secure, given that they often come with sophisticated encryption technology. Plus, around 55% of UK gambling businesses suffer from cyber breaches even with the likes of KYC measures in place.
Privacy
By not having to implement KYC procedures, non-GamStop sites can offer more privacy to gamblers. Some offshore sites even offer complete anonymity, which is great if you’re looking to keep your online gambling habits a secret.
Your name or location won’t be displayed on your profile. Instead, simply a made-up username will be attached to your account. This way, you’re not searchable and your personal information isn’t publicised. This encourages those who like to keep a low profile to use sites that are not part of GamStop.
Broader game selection
You can definitely find more games on non-GamStop sites than you can on GamStop sites. This is again due to the fact that the former does not have to comply with UKGC. UK-based sites can only offer casino games that have been approved by the UKGC, whereas offshore sites can offer games that the UKGC may have disapproved of.
While these offshore sites will still need to comply with a local governing authority, chances are that they’ve selected a country with the least amount of restrictions. By doing so, they’re able to offer players the biggest game selection and the least restrictive online gambling experience possible.
Bigger bonuses
Non-GamStop casinos also offer more lucrative bonuses than UK-based gambling sites. With so many offshore gaming sites to choose from, non-GamStop sites strive to gain the most amount of players by offering the best sign-up and in-game bonuses. For this reason, you’re going to find non-GamStop sites offering competitive bonuses.
Plus, non-GamStop sites generally come with bigger deposit limits. This means you can deposit more money to gamble with, which increases your chances of winning big. You may also find that offshore sites offer bigger withdrawal limits than their UK counterparts.
Flexible payment options
Unlike most UK-based sites, non-GamStop sites aren’t limited in terms of payment methods. On top of depositing and withdrawing using fiat currency, some non-GamStop sites also allow you to use crypto. These crypto-gambling sites work just like regular gambling sites, except you gamble the value of your cryptocurrency.
While crypto gambling is available in the UK, there are relatively few compared to offshore crypto options. Plus, if you’ve signed up for GamStop, you won’t be able to use the UK crypto gambling sites.
To make the most of your time at a non-GamStop casino, take advantage of a 10€ no deposit bonus, this bonus allows you to start playing without any upfront costs.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
