Non-Gamstop casinos are online gaming sites that are not licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, which also means that they don’t impose Gamstop self-exclusions and other restrictions. They come with some advantages and disadvantages that we will cover in more detail in order to give you the full picture.
What is a Non-Gamstop Casino?
Put simply, non-Gamstop casinos are online gambling sites that do not participate in the Gamstop self-exclusion program. Since 2020, all casinos that are licensed by the Gambling Commission must follow Gamstop restrictions, meaning they can’t accept players who are currently self-excluded.
In other words, if you’re currently on the Gamstop self-exclusion list, you won’t be able to use a gambling site that’s regulated by the Gambling Commission. This means that to gamble online, you’ll need to use a casino that’s regulated in another jurisdiction. This isn’t necessarily a risk, as there are many legitimate gambling bodies outside of the UK.
Ultimately, you should still carry out your own due diligence on casinos that are not on Gamstop. Never use an unlicensed platform, as you won’t have any regulatory protections. You can check out a casino’s rating on TrustPilot and other review sites to see what people are saying about it.
Although the online casino operators are not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, they can hold licenses in other jurisdictions, such as:
Some operators are authorised and regulated by the Governor of Cura?ao. They hold a Cura?ao e-gaming license, issued by the Cura?ao Gaming Control Board. This established organization has been issuing remote gambling licenses for 25 years. This means that while the casino isn’t regulated by the Gambling Commission, it still has a watchful eye from a reputable licensing body. The Malta Gaming Authority is a first-rate licensing body that operates mostly in Europe. The jurisdiction is more permissive towards gambling than other parts of the region and the MGA is not as strict as the UK GC. In 2018, the legal framework changed to make it easier for operators to apply for gambling licenses in Malta. However, many MGA licensed casinos will still require a license from the Gambling Commission to operate within the UK. Panama is regarded as a tax haven for online gaming operations since it provides almost full exemptions. The Ministry of Economy and Finance in Panama also issues gambling licenses, which are relatively cheap and easy to obtain. The licensing body has more than two decades of experience, with most operators licensed here focusing on the US market, given the close proximity, but also being available in the UK. Another popular jurisdiction for licensing casinos that are not on Gamstop is Antigua and Barbuda. The Directorate of Offshore Gaming is the authority responsible for licensing and overseeing operators licensed in the Caribbean island. Antigua and Barbuda has been issuing licenses since 1994, making it one of the oldest offshore gambling jurisdictions in the world. It is also known for hosting major events, such as poker tournaments.Curacao
Malta
Panama
Antigua and Barbuda
Why Use Casinos Not on Gamstop?
Let’s explore a few of the main reasons why you might use casinos not on Gamstop.
What to Check on a Non-Gamstop Casino
Choosing the right non-Gamstop casino is crucial. Not only in terms of safety but accepted payments, bonuses, and supported games. Read on for guidance on the key elements of casinos not on Gamstop.
Security and Safety
You won’t benefit from Gambling Commission protections when using a non-Gamstop casino. Therefore, it’s important to select a provider that is regulated by another reputable licensing body. Many casinos outside of the UK are licensed by the Governor of Cura?ao.
At the other end of the scale, some online casinos are not regulated at all. These casinos should be avoided as your money is at risk. After all, unregulated casinos won’t need to follow traditional licensing conditions like segregating client funds in separate bank accounts.
It’s also important to take a look at which software providers supply games to non-Gamstop casinos. Operators can have licensing agreements with established developers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Betsoft, and Evolution. Interestingly, many of these software providers are licensed by the Gambling Commission – although this doesn’t restrict player availability.
Bonuses and Promotions
Most non-Gamstop casinos in the UK offer a range of bonuses and promotions, but it’s still important to read the terms and conditions.
For example, you may be able to claim a 200% first deposit bonus. This offer has a maximum limit and also comes with fixed wagering requirements. You must complete the wagering requirement within the promotional period before you can withdraw the winnings from the account.
Important Casino Bonus Terms to be Aware of
Here’s an overview of what terms and conditions to be aware of when claiming a casino bonus.
Qualification Requirements
Most casino bonuses come with qualification requirements. These generally include a minimum deposit limit. To claim the offer, you must deposit at least the required amount. Some bonuses restrict certain payment methods too.
Wagering Requirements
The wagering requirements determine how much you need to gamble before bonus funds can be withdrawn. For example, suppose you receive a £1,000 bonus and the wagering requirements are 40x. This means you need to wager at least £40,000 before the bonus can be cashed out.
Eligible Games
Some bonuses can only be used on selected games. In some instances, certain games contribute less to the wagering requirements. For instance, slots usually contribute 100%, but table games are often much lower. There can also be selected slots that don’t contribute at all, so make sure to read the terms carefully.
Time Limit
All casino bonuses come with a time limit. This is the number of days you have to meet the wagering requirements before the bonus is revoked. It usually averages 30 days but can be much shorter.
Range of Casino Games
The games available can depend on the non-Gamstop casino. Some platforms in this space can offer thousands of games including blackjack, roulette, video poker, slots, and craps. Most casinos offer live dealer tables too.
It’s also important to know which software providers supply games to the casino. These should be reputable developers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and Evoplay.
Payment Methods
Consider which payment method you want to use when gambling online. This will not only have a bearing on how quickly funds are processed but also what KYC requirements are in place.
For example, an increasing number of UK players are gambling with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin. This is because some providers ensure fast transactions without any fees when using supported cryptocurrencies.
Some casinos are among the best PaySafe casinos not on Gamstop and offer the option to use the PaySafe Card. This allows for online payment without the need to hand over any of your details. Sites also accept traditional payment methods, like debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill.
Deposit and Withdrawal Limits and Times
Online deposits are often processed instantly, but the limits and fees can vary based on the casino and on the banking method selected.
In addition, it’s crucial to assess how long the casino takes to process withdrawals. This is usually stated on the payments page, but they’re sometimes inserted deep into the casino’s terms and conditions.
In most cases, traditional payment methods, such as debit/credit cards, require 1-2 working days before withdrawals are approved. After that, payment times will depend on your bank or card issuer.
That being said, if you’re comfortable gambling with cryptocurrencies, these usually allow for instant payouts. So, as soon as the withdrawal request is made, the cryptocurrencies will be transferred to your preferred wallet. This rarely takes more than 10 minutes.
User Experience
A solid user experience also includes the payments department, or in other words, seamless deposits and withdrawals. Finding the right casino games should also be simple so there has to be a good search function.
If you’re looking to gamble on a smartphone, check out how well the casino has been optimised for mobile browsers.
Are Casinos Not on Gamstop Safe? Things to Consider
Non-Gamstop casino sites are not regulated by the Gambling Commission. This means you won’t benefit from Gambling Commission protections. It is one of the most stringent licensing bodies globally and isn’t afraid to penalise its licensees.
That being said, some non-Gamstop casinos still offer a safe and secure gambling experience that follow the practices imposed by the UKGC. This is especially the case when the casino is regulated by an alternative licensing body with an established reputation.
You should also consider whether online gambling is the right move to take. If you’re on the Gamstop self-exclusion program, this is likely related to some issues you may have had in the past with gambling. Non-Gamstop casinos will happily accept your deposits, but it’s up to you to make sure that you gamble responsibly.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many casinos not on Gamstop and that are not regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. These represent alternatives for players who are excluded from the Gamstop list of casinos and also for customers who want to explore more options.
Although non-Gamstop casinos are not licensed in the UK, most operators still follow strict regulations and hold licenses in other jurisdictions. The main difference is that these foreign brands cannot advertise within the UK, which means that they generally fly under the radar.
FAQs
Which casinos aren’t on Gamstop?
Are non-Gamstop sites safe?
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What is the difference between Gamban and Gamstop?
References
- https://www.kabinetvandegouverneur.org/en/
- https://www.curacao-egaming.com/
- https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/online-operators-required-to-participate-in-gamstop-from-march-2020
- https://info.gamstop.co.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/4404992307602-Can-I-cancel-my-exclusion-early-
- https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-to-licensing-authorities/part-20-licence-conditions-and-requirements
- https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/17-1-1-customer-identity-verification
- https://www.ifa.org.uk/technical-resources/aml
- https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/BTCGBP/
- https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/protecting-customer-funds
- https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-william-hill-fined-24-million-widespread-gambling-failures-2023-03-28/