For some time, gambling addiction has been a major problem in the UK. To address the issue and help people with this problem, the GamStop scheme was created. It follows the UKGC licence regulations and practice, and it’s very closely connected to the UKGC and the work they do. Since its creation, it has evolved and gained popularity across the UK. Despite the popularity, the number of players who strongly feel that the restrictions are getting out of hand is only growing. They seek an alternative which will give them better conditions and more freedom. The alternatives are many non GamStop casinos, which is the topic of this piece. The aim is to answer why UK online casino sites not registered with GamStop are so popular and to provide all the necessary information to choose the best casinos out there.
About the GamStop scheme and non-GamStop casinos
When people realize they are spending too much time and money on gambling, and it ceases to be just entertainment, it's necessary to take some preventative steps. Self-exclusion schemes are one of the most effective methods to restrict gambling addiction. As such, GamStop is the most popular solution available in the UK at the moment. UK players who decide to limit their online gambling activities via GamStop will be denied access to gambling sites. This is set up per their registration agreement. Right now, all sites licensed under UKGC have to be registered with GamStop. In this case, there is no leeway for UK gamblers who change their mind in the middle of their GamStop agreement. Without other options, a player from the UK can turn to casinos which are not under UKGC jurisdiction but accept UK players. These are non GamStop casinos, which means they come with no restrictions. However, depending on a non-GamStop online casino, some risk factors should be considered.
Key information about GamStop UK & how to contact them
GamStop is a free self-exclusion scheme, operated by a non-profit organization, The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited. To start using it, UK players need to sign up on the website (gamstop.co.uk) and add their details. For 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years, users won't be able to access UK gambling sites licensed by UKGC, depending on how long they sign up. Only after the chosen minimum exclusion period passes, by calling GamStop, per request, exclusion can be removed from a GamStop casino. All the contact details are available on their website with multiple options (form, email, chat and phone).
Why do British people play at non-GamStop casinos?
After signing up for self-exclusion, it happens that people often change their minds. With the GamStop self-exclusion scheme, changing the terms is not an option. In other words, the ban on a GamStop UK casino lasts per the initial agreement. If the exclusion time was set at 5 years, a lot can happen during that period. Additionally, some UK online casinos will keep players blacklisted even when the exclusion ends. The process of fixing the issue can be frustrating and long. The ban at a GamStop casino may not be lifted despite all the efforts. This means that some GamStop sites could impose the ban permanently. Playing at a non GamStop casino equals freedom, no restrictions, attractive welcome bonus options, favourable odds and a range of available online casino games.
Our research revealed the best non-GamStop casinos and other gambling sites popular among UK players
Best online casinos not on GamStop
Trying to select the top three best casinos among so many wasn’t an easy task. But, after considering the selection of games, reputation, welcome bonus offers and most importantly, players’ choice, the following were selected:
- MyStake Casino
- Rolleto Casino
- Fortune Clock Casino
Best mobile non-GamStop casino sites
For those who prefer mobile casinos, here is a selection of casinos with excellent promos and games:
- Crazy Star Casino
- Fortune Clock Casino
- Prestige Spin Casino
Best live online casinos not on GamStop
Setting themselves apart from the rest with various games, a stellar reputation and incredible bonus options, these casinos provide players with a unique live experience:
- Fortune Clock Casino
- Red Lion Casino
- Agent No Wager Casino
Best sites that offer slots not on GamStop
To some players, the range and the quality of slot games, a generous welcome bonus, and other promos like free spins are really important. For them, the following sites with non-GamStop slots provide more than enough of those, along with excellent service. What’s more, playing slot machines at these slot sites will prove to be an enjoyable experience.
- MyStake
- Jackpot Charm
- Rolleto
Best sites for sports betting not on GamStop
Sports bettors can choose between these bookmakers offering football, eSports and horse racing, according to their preferences. And best of all, these sites are trustworthy and have no restrictions.
- Fortune Clock Sportsbook
- MyStake Bookie
- Rolletto Bookie
Best poker sites not on GamStop
On these websites, poker players can find the best options out of GamStop, offering a diverse set of games and attractive promotions.
- Million Vegas Poker
- Rolletto Poker
- MyStake Poker
Best bingo sites not on GamStop
With bingo being very popular in the UK, many players will look forward to the sites we’ve picked since they come with many advantages that include bonuses.
- Orion Spins Casino
- SlotsNBets Casino
- Very Well Casino
List of casino games available on non GamStop casinos
GamStop casinos and casinos not subscribed to GamStop offer more or less the same variation of games, there are no big differences. The list includes:
- Roulette
- Slots
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Bingo
- Lottery
- Sports Betting
- Live casino games
- Live dealer games
The best table games at non-GamStop UK casinos
Among the casino games, roulette has the lowest house edge and it’s widely sought after by UK customers. It’s considered one of the top gambling games for UK players that seek out casinos not on GamStop.
Played around the globe, blackjack is one of the casino games most likely available in every online casino not on GamStop.
How to choose and join a casino not on GamStop?
Choosing a casino depends on the player's preferences. In general, the site should offer a variety of methods when it comes to payments, currencies, deposit methods, the collection of games, welcome bonuses, etc. Checking up on current reviews from a trusted source can also be of great help. A good example is the comparison and guide of casinos not on GamStop by TheNewsMinute, which includes all the necessary information for each casino and is reviewed by a trusted media source.
To join casinos, you must register via email on the website of your choice. With that done, check the account page and go to deposit funds. As soon as you make a deposit, you can start playing.
Reasons and benefits of playing on a non-GamStop casino
Among the benefits of using non-GamStop UK casinos, the first one is that there are no restrictions at all and you can gamble online there at any time. Unlike with GamStop, there is no chance of being blacklisted permanently. Another advantage is the quick verification process, which sometimes only takes a few minutes. Plenty of online casino games with attractive bonuses can also count as a reason to play at casinos not on GamStop. This is mainly due to the fewer taxes a casino not on GamStop has to pay. And for the players who want to limit their activities, there are mechanisms to do that as well. For example, freezing the account when a certain amount of money is spent.
Reasons why a non-GamStop casino may not be for you
Seeking out casinos not on GamStop might not be wise if your gambling activities are getting out of hand and you want to quit. Especially for someone dealing with severe addiction problems. This goes double because there is no option to contact free professional help. These casinos don’t have advanced tools which could restrict those individuals with serious gambling issues and offer them support. On the list of drawbacks, slow customer support can be added as well. Sometimes it takes time to get a reply and resolve the problem you’re having. Additionally, several sites have a low withdrawal limit which could discourage many players.
The legal status of casinos not on GamStop
The status of a casino not on GamStop is defined by the licence it obtains. When it comes to casinos not on GamStop, they are mostly offshore and under Curaçao and Malta jurisdiction. With unlicensed websites, all the responsibility is on the players. It means that in case of any disputes, they will be resolved according to the rules of the casino operators. When we compare them to licensed casinos, we can conclude this is a big disadvantage.
Licences for British casino sites with no GamStop
Non GamStop online casinos usually have licences from:
- Curaçao eGaming Commission
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Of the three mentioned above, MGA’s reputation precedes the other two gambling commissions. It’s just slightly behind the UKGC in terms of strictness and second in line of credibility. By implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, anti-laundering policies and responsible gambling, they built a reputation for trustworthiness. The least restrictive among these remote licensing authorities is Curaçao which means obtaining the licence is easier than with other gambling commissions.
UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission)
Formed in 2005, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has the entire United Kingdom under its jurisdiction. Their goals are:
- Protecting UK players
- Making sure there are no criminal activities within the industry
- Providing transparent and fair gambling
- Protecting the public from the harm caused by gambling
Strict gambling laws and the rise of non-licenced operators
The online gambling industry in the UK is extremely successful; it is the most successful one in Europe. It’s also tightly regulated by UKGC. Since December 2014, the regulatory body obligated all operators that provide online space for gambling in the United Kingdom to obtain a licence. They also invested a lot of time, effort and connections to bring down unlicensed websites. These measures also include cooperation with other international regulators. But despite all that effort, in the last couple of years, the number of UK players in unlicensed casinos has doubled.
Companies behind UK online casinos without GamStop
Alpha Interactive Solutions is a well-known company that’s been around for years. They list a couple of casinos like Spin Up and Split Aces.
Vega World Solutions is located in Cyprus where they run their operations. Under their wing, the most famous casino not on GamStop is Gale & Martin.
Topia Solutions is a Curaçao-based company that runs some of the most popular casinos like Lord of the Spins, Crazyno and All Wins Casino.
Game Tech Group N.V. is a trusted company that owns Madame Chance and several other non GamStop sites. Their base is Curaçao.
Cerberlot N.V. is a newly founded company that operates from Curaçao. Though it was just recently launched, their casino Fortune Clock has quickly become a recognized name with a reliable reputation.
Usoft Gaming N.V. was established in 2016. This very successful company owns numerous betting sites not on GamStop. BetSwagger, PH Sportsbook, and Playhub are a few of them.
FTD Limited started their operations in 2012 in Cyprus, and today they include names such as The Red Lion, Harry’s Casino, Cobra Spins and other successful websites
BetNow LTD has been operating since 2006 and has a lot of experience. They run only one betting website and that’s BetNow.
Prism Marketing is a widely known brand that stands behind websites such as Agent Spins Casino and Lionel Bets.
BetOnline AG was founded in 2001 and since then, they have amassed a large following. And there’s hardly anyone who gambles online but didn’t hear about this sportsbook.
Providers at online gambling sites not on GamStop
Just like you would play at the best UK casinos, licensed by UKGC, non GamStop casinos, remotely licensed by Curaçao and MGA, offer the same providers. And you can play games from NetEnt, Microgaming, and other top-notch providers. NetEnt is one of the most successful developers out there that provides high-quality products. The Swedish company is well-known for its amazing graphics, innovative features and high RTP percentages. Their most famous online slots are Gonzo's Quest, Starburst, Twin Spin and many more.
Counting over 700 games in their portfolio, Microgaming is one of the largest providers right now. Among their best works are online slots such as Mega Moolah, Immortal Romance, Jurassic Park and others.
With exceptional themes, exciting features and vivid 3D graphics, Betsoft brings some amazing slot games such as Safari Sam, The Tipsy Tourist and Gypsy Rose.
How to determine if an online casino not on GamStop is reliable?
Deciding if a casino is to be trusted or not is relatively easy. The process requires a certain level of research from players beforehand. The most efficient way would be to make a list of requirements that can be checked on non GamStop gambling sites and go through each item. For example, if a casino is licensed or not, available payment methods, promos and bonuses as well as other categories such as the number of casino games they offer, online support, safety and security, responsible gambling, etc. In a nutshell, combing through a non GamStop casino site very carefully and checking who they are, and how they conduct their business. Checking online reviews with extensive research about casinos’ reputation is a must; it’s one of the key ways to make sure that a gambling site can be trusted or not. Another significant tell sign is if a casino has a license from a respected gaming regulator.
How to determine which casino not on GamStop is a fraud casino?
There are a few indicators to look at. The ones that stand out are the lack of a reliable support option, withdrawal delays and having no licence from a reputable gambling commission. Also, when a non-GamStop casino operates under unfair wagering conditions.
Blacklisted casinos not on Gamstop
Casinos that operate under dubious conditions and players should avoid are Xplaybet, Bets724, Xplaywin, Casino765, Casinowin, OlympusCasino and Venetian.
How to block yourself from casino sites:
Betblocker is a free-to-use tool that can block access to gambling sites according to your choice (starting from one day to 5 years).
Gamban blocks all gambling apps and UK casinos according to the feature you choose. There are two options; “cool off” ($5.19 per month) and “exclusion” ($4.34 per month). It can only be removed when the subscription expires.
GamCare analyzes protective measures gambling websites have against gambling addiction. Their work model includes judging ten areas and 73 criteria that iGaming businesses have to comply with to create a safer gambling environment.
GambleAware is a scheme that provides information about responsible gambling and offers support to gambling addicts.
There’s no way around GamBlock, not with proxies or VPNs. When the exclusion period is over, it can be removed from UK casinos. There are several registration options, and it applies to most devices. Costs per year for a subscription start at $142.
MOSES (Multi-Operator Self Exclusion Scheme) is the newest self-exclusion addition, created in 2016. They cover self-exclusion for betting shops and deal with violations. They are financed by membership fees from operators, but the services are free for all users.
Payment options at GamStop casinos UK
Bank transfer - Bank transfers are a very fast and practical option, usually without additional fees.
Credit Cards - Just like with bank transfers, the method is fairly easy and all it’s necessary is to select the corresponding payment method on your account
Crypto - For those who want to make payments in Bitcoin, there are many online casinos that allow this payment option.
e-Wallets - One of the most used payment methods, fast and safe; includes companies such as Skrill, Neteller and PayPal.
Which currencies are available?
The most commonly used currencies are Euros and Dollars. A few casinos accept Pound Sterling, but there are plenty of non GamStop casinos that use cryptocurrencies for those who want to choose this payment option.
Bonuses on casinos without GamStop
Depending on a casino not on GamStop, UK players can enjoy various bonus options. Compared to British casinos registered with GamStop where bonuses are significantly smaller and sometimes not available at all, this is a strong advantage of casinos not on GamStop. However, there are some matters when players should be cautious, and it mainly relates to the no-deposit bonus policy that some operators not on GamStop have. In some instances, the requirements are too high, and players can end up playing for hours without being able to cash in.
Casinos not on GamStop FAQ
How do I remove GamStop self-exclusion?
You can’t remove it.
How long does a self-exclusion on GamStop last?
It lasts until the time of self-exclusion expires.
Is it possible to end self-exclusion early?
No, it’s not possible.
Can you block non-GamStop casino sites?
Yes, that can be arranged with the customer service of a non GamStop casino.
Are all UK casinos registered with GamStop?
No, they aren’t.
What does "casino not on GamStop" mean?
It means the casino doesn’t have a licence from the UKGC and therefore isn’t registered with GamStop.
Where can I find casino sites that aren't part of GamStop?
Apart from our choices, there are plenty of casinos online not on GamStop that can be easily found with a Google search.
The best online casino not on GamStop is?
MyStake Casino.
Is playing at online casinos not on GamStop safe?
Yes, the majority of them are safe and reputable casinos.
Is it illegal to play without GamStop?
No, playing at online casinos without GamStop is perfectly legal.
Is non-GamStop gambling tax-free?
For UK players who play at a casino located in the UK, all the winnings are tax-free. For a casino not on GamStop, due to different currencies, there might be some tax fees.
Can I make a deposit and withdraw in pounds?
It depends on the site, though some online casinos accept Pound Sterling.
Is Curaçao a serious gambling jurisdiction?
Yes, but they don’t have as demanding standards as the UKGC. As a result, operators can obtain a licence more easily.
Gambling risk factors to consider
The majority of consumers never develop gambling problems, but there are serious risk factors and they are:
Mental health – it’s not uncommon that people who have gambling addiction are also facing drug abuse, depression, personality disorder and anxiety as well as other mental health issues. Age – Among younger and middle-aged people there is a heightened risk of gambling addiction.
Sex – Men are more prone to compulsive gambling than women. Women are at a higher risk if they start gambling at a later age.
There’s a significant risk involved with family members who are gambling addicts as well.
Using certain medications to treat a condition can be a risk factor due to their content.
Particular personality traits may increase the probability of gambling addiction, such as being very competitive, impulsive, restless, easily bored and similar traits.
Responsible gambling
Numerous intervention tools are at the disposal in case of gambling addiction right now. And GamStop is one of the best ones and a perfect fit for so many UK players. It has the most effective means and access to promote responsible gambling. But not all individuals who signed up on GamStop are compulsive gamblers. Some decisions were made on impulse, but due to the GamStop agreement, no changes are permitted. As adult people, who make their own decisions and aren’t having gambling problems, they should be permitted to make their judgment and try other options within the law.
Final Thoughts
Another indicator of how wide the gap is between players and enforced restrictions in the UK is the continued popularity of casinos without GamStop. All the restrictions are driving players away to check out other available options. Thanks to all the helpful information above, it will be fairly easy to decide.