Betting Sites Not on Gamstop

What is Gamstop?

Gamstop is a self-exclusion program serving UK gamblers and casino enthusiasts battling problem gambling. The program is run by The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited (NOSES Ltd). This organisation was formed to address the rising concerns over compulsive gambling and other tendencies related to gambling addiction. Gamstop rules and regulations apply to all online gambling operators.

Established in 2018, Gamstop has been providing a platform where all casino and sportsbooks operators licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) can share data with all other UK casinos.

The aim of helping gamblers manage gambling addiction. The program bars UK players from accessing any gambling services for the defined exclusion period once signed up.

How Gamstop Works

One of the advantages of Gamstop is that it’s a free self-exclusion service. To get started, players need to register on the official Gamstop website. The service requires the submission of critical data such as official names, postcode, date of birth, and email address. After that, answer several questions and update all other details to activate the Gamstop self-exclusion.

When signing up for Gamstop, choosing the preferred self-exclusion window is critical. Participants of the program can choose to self-exclude for six months, one year or five years. For the record, it’s not possible to cancel Gamstop even though there are several ways to get around it. The only way to cancel Gamstop is to wait for the self-exclusion period to elapse then contact the Gamstop team to confirm that indeed you want the limits to be removed.

Besides self-exclusion, Gamstop boasts several other methods that can help players manage addiction. These include a wide range of practical control solutions, and emotional, gambling and debt support resources.

Gamstop is among the self-exclusion services that have been established to combat problem gambling. The list of self-exclusion services also includes platforms such as GamBlock, Gamban, Net Nanny and Betfilter, just to mention a few. But from the experts’ recommendations, Gamstop is the ultimate choice for UK players dealing with gambling addiction.

Gamstop Betting Sites vs Non-Gamstop Betting Sites

The online betting industry has been growing exponentially in the last decade.

Today, the UK is host to a wide variety of betting sites that can be classified into two; Gamstop betting sites and non Gamstop betting sites. As the name suggests, the former refers to gambling sites that have signed up with the Gamstop program. In contrast, the latter refers to bookies that accept UK players but are not part of the Gamstop self-exclusion program.

As per the latest 2020 UK gambling laws revision, all casinos and betting sites in the UK should participate in the Gamstop self-exclusion scheme. That means all casinos and gambling sites licensed by the UKGC are betting sites on Gamstop.

Why Play on Betting Sites Not on Gamstop?

Because of the strict gambling laws in the UK, non Gamstop casinos, also known as non-UK casinos, are increasingly becoming popular. They have several benefits, as discussed below.

First, the registration process is pretty straightforward, as there are no lengthy Know Your Customer requirements. Remember, to sign up on Gamstop betting sites, you need to be vetted before you can start playing. But on non Gamstop sites, you can start playing right away.

Another advantage of non Gamstop casinos is the organisation’s global focus. While most UK bookmakers offer betting options on only the popular sports in the UK, non Gamstop casinos tailor their products for the worldwide market. You will find all kinds of sports on such betting sites, including eSports which has been growing exponentially, especially during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Third is the fact that non Gamstop betting sites offer flexible banking options, and there are no strict caps on the amount you can bet or withdraw. Also, most of these bookmakers have a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods and even allow players to gamble using cryptocurrency.

Another reason to play on non Gamstop casinos is that they have lucrative bonuses and promotions compared to Gamstop casinos. This is because there are many non Gamstop betting sites and promotional events are the only way to attract new players.

Disadvantages of Betting Sites Not on Gamstop

While there are many advantages of playing on non Gamstop betting sites, there are disadvantages as well.

The obvious disadvantage is that compulsive gamblers will not be in a position to manage the addiction. Gamstop’s core mission is to help gambling addicts manage addiction through self-exclusion. The recent surveys show that problem gambling is becoming a real menace in the UK.

The other risk of playing at non Gamstop sites is the fact that UK players have nowhere to turn to if they have complaints. As you may be aware, UK players can lodge the common player complaints with the UKGC if the involved betting site is under Gamstop.

How to Select the Best Non-Gamstop Betting Sites

Non-Gamstop sites are increasingly becoming popular in the UK. Some are genuine, while others are not worth your time. In this section, find all the critical factors to consider before signing up on any betting site that is not on Gamstop.

1. Licensing and Regulation

While UK players are free to join any offshore betting sites, it’s essential to check whether the bookmaker is licensed by a renowned regulatory body, for example, ARJEL (France), Panama Gaming Control Board (Panama), Nevada Gaming Control Board (Nevada), Gambling Supervision Commission (Isle of Man), Malta Gaming Authority (Malta), and Curaçao Internet Gambling Association (Curaçao). Never make the mistake of betting on an unlicensed website as they are hubs for online fraud, and some will not pay winnings.

2. Reputation

Besides licensing, do background checks to find out whether the betting site is trusted or not. Some betting sites are approved but are known for the wrong reasons. Experts recommend playing on gambling sites that have been in business for a long time. The best way to ascertain the reputation of a bookmaker is to read sportsbooks online reviews.

3. Betting Options

Another important consideration is the betting options. Make sure the non Gamstop betting site you want to join has a wide variety of betting options. Consider a bookmaker that offers betting markets on all sports, talk of football, basketball, tennis, rugby, volleyball, motorsports, etc.

Besides the traditional sports betting, look out for other new betting options such as virtual sports and eSports betting. And it’s not just the betting options, be on the lookout for sites with the highest odds as well.

4. Banking

Today, there are online betting sites that allow players to gamble using fiat money as well as cryptocurrency.

For players who want to gamble with fiat money, it’s essential to check whether the British pound is supported or not. Nothing sucks like having to hit the currency converters to size bets. On the other hand, gamblers that want to bet anonymously should go for bitcoin casinos.

Besides the currency, make sure the site has flexible deposit and withdrawal methods. Most importantly, the betting site should be secure.

5. Usability

A good betting site should be user-friendly. The first thing to check is the layout of the site, navigation and menu. Next, check the compatibility of the betting site. If you like betting while on the go, a bookie with a mobile app will be the best here. Other usability features to check out include customer support and language.

6. Promotions and Bonuses

One advantage of online betting is lucrative promotions and bonuses for both new and existing players. If you don’t want to spend your money, there are non Gamstop betting sites that offer free bets. For starters, free bets refer to free money that bookies give players. There are also deposit bonuses, and reload bonuses, among other promotions.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks, a detailed guide on the best features of non Gamstop betting sites for UK players. If you want to get around Gamstop, registering on betting sites not on Gamstop is the best option. But then, remember to gamble responsibly. Always keep in mind that gambling is not a substitute for school or work. Importantly, never stake what you can’t afford to lose and don’t chase losses.

FAQ

Does Gamstop affect credit rating?

No. Gamstop doesn’t have any impact on a player’s credit score. However, it’s important to note that the program runs credit checks for identification purposes.

Can you bet in a land-based betting shop if you are on Gamstop?

Yes, you can bet in land-based betting shops even if you are on Gamstop as the self-exclusion program applies to online gambling only.

Which countries does Gamstop cover?

The Gamstop self-exclusion program applies to players in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Can you cancel Gamstop?

Yes. You can cancel Gamstop, but then, you need to wait for the self-exclusion window to elapse first.

Does the Gamstop exclusion end automatically?

No. After the self-exclusion window expires, you need to contact Gamstop to have the exclusion lifted.