Without a doubt, the UK is the most developed gambling market in Europe, even with the proliferation of non GamStop casinos. It is by far the Old Continent’s most regulated one, boasting an annual gross gambling yield that pre-pandemic amounted to slightly above £14 billion. Even though this UK sector took a hit on account of the rise of the novel COVID-19 virus, it managed to sustain, particularly on the online side, which thrived while land-based venues had to close due to government-issued lockdowns.
A May 2021 study conducted by the University of Bristol showed that frequent British gamblers were six times more likely to wager over the internet once the pandemic began. The results also stated that males were more prone to develop a compulsion toward this pastime, which falls in line with previous surveys, mainly one conducted by YouGov in 2020. The latter caused quite the stir in Britain as it showed that a worrying percentage of those that have an addiction to internet betting seek help and that 63% of gamblers now prefer playing online.
These staggering figures caused the UK Gambling Commission to enforce new measures that it hopes will curb the increasing number of problem gamblers in Britain. However, that move alienated some players, who have since migrated onto sites not registered with GamStop, gaming homes that will get broken down in the subheadings below.
GamStop’s Relationship with the UKGC
The UK Gambling Commission is Britain’s sole gambling regulatory body. It came into existence with the passing of the 2005 Gambling Act, which mandated that this body get created and replace the Gaming Board for Great Britain, which it did in 2007. Six years later, it took over the regulation of the UK National Lottery, only leaving spread betting to get overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority. According to most industry analysts, the UKGC is the most stringent gambling licensor in all of Europe. Its new anti-gambling addiction measures (implemented in February 2021) include spin timers, no auto-play, lower max bet limits, and mandatory self-exclusion.
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GamStop is a nationwide database in which all UKGC-licensed operators must participate since early 2020. Once a player decides that he may have a gambling problem and activates a self-imposed GamStop ban, he can no longer join or play at any UKGC online casino until the duration of his chosen ban expires. His only option is to seek out gambling sites, not on GameStop, which should never get used as a way to circumvent an active self-exclusion.
How Non Gamstop Casinos Operate
The answer to the questions – are there any casinos not on GamStop, and how many? Are yes, and thousands. In essence, sites not covered by GamStop like those found here are simply gambling operators with a base of operation in a foreign country whose laws allow business entities to provide games of chance over the internet for real money. Famous such stops are Panama, Malta, Curacao, and Costa Rica. These countries’ regulators have been active in the interactive gaming sphere for far longer than the UKGC. Though, they are admittedly not as strict in enforcing their rules. Still, they vet each operator they license for financial stability and ensure that they incorporate state-of-the-art security technology.
The perks of gambling sites not on GamStop lie in that these platforms feature slots not registered with GamStop, have more enticing bonuses, allow niche payment methods, boast generous VIP programs, and more. Though, they should only get used by players who can keep their impulses in check.
Can You Legally Play at Sites Not Registered with GamStop?
Brittan’s laws dictate that only UK-based companies operating under the watchful eye of the UKGC can offer internet gambling services to UK residents. However, authorities do not bother going after players that choose to utilize sites not on GamStop. There is no history of anyone getting charged for this practice. Nor are there any inclinations that such a thing could be possible in the future. Thus, for years, Brits have enjoyed non GamStop casinos freely, as these operators openly advertise their services to UK players, whom they allow to create accounts on their websites. So, they are the ones with whom the legal liability rests.
Should You Test Sites Not Covered by GamStop?
Deciding to enjoy a casino that does not enforce GamStop’s restrictions is entirely up to each player. What follows are some of the most essential positive and negative aspects of these platforms.
Benefits of Non Gamstop Casinos
- Niche payment methods are available.
- No spin timers.
- Higher max bet limits.
- Better bonuses.
- Vaster game libraries.
Drawbacks of Gamstop Casinos
- May not accept GBP.
- Disputes get regulated via foreign laws.
- Popular UK games may be missing.
- Unique terms and conditions may apply.
- May get used for fueling a gambling addiction.
GamStop Sites vs. Gambling Sites Not on GamStop
There is no clear winner in the battle of sites on and off GamStop. Each one has its pros and cons. It is up to interested parties to weigh these and select what platform category best suits their needs. Those looking for diversity will likely gravitate towards UKGC-licensed platforms. Those who crave security and want a super reliable body like the UKGC to fall back in case of potential issues will pick UK-based online casinos. Ultimately, the choice is subjective and entirely a matter of taste.
To Wrap Up
Online gambling has grown to become an established hobby in all corners of the globe, and the UK is no exception. Nevertheless, given that more and more Brits are succumbing to the temptation of chasing after riches while risking financial peril, the UKGC recently began enforcing new gameplay restrictions that make online slot gameplay less intense, and conversely, less enjoyable for many. Players that are not fans of having to wait 2.5 seconds between reel spins should feel free to search out and try non GamStop casinos. These websites get regulated by world-famous overseeing organizations. They are more or less as legit as ones that have headquarters in the UK. So, interested parties should give them a whirl by creating an account with a gambling site not on GamStop today. Doing so can lead them to enjoy some varied gaming action.
