Online gambling platforms licensed in the UK are restrictive, especially because of the country’s self-exclusion system. For most players, an offshore casino not on GamStop is the best alternative.
That’s understandable because offshore casinos have more flexibility and better bonuses. Plus, their minimal verification guarantees fast payouts. But are they safe?
We’ll start by explaining what casinos not on GamStop really are then move on to comparing them with the GamStop sites. Later, we’ll tell you why these sites are worth considering though you should approach them with some level of caution.
Online casinos not on GamStop are gambling sites not registered on the self-exclusion system. As you already know, all gambling platforms in the UK must be on GamStop. In January 2020, the UKGC ordered all casino operators to register on the system by 31 March of that year.
Here’s what sets non-GamStop casinos apart from other GB-licensed casinos: they’re not registered with the UKGC. That means UK gambling rules don’t apply to them. So, no restrictions on bet sizes or bonuses.
GamStop casinos are tailored for the average UK gambler with enough games, local payment methods, and the option to self-exclude yourself. A major advantage of this system is that if you opt-out, you can’t access all other legal casinos in the UK for a set period.
GamStop casinos automatically guarantee your overall safety. You can be sure of safe transactions and rapid dispute handling.
But it’s all fun and games with UKGC gambling platforms until you desire something extra: diverse game selections, fast payout methods including crypto, and minimal verification. Such kind of freedom is only available at non-GamStop gambling sites.
As mentioned, gambling sites not on GamStop don’t answer to the UKGC. Not following the gaming laws as provided by the Gambling Commission doesn’t mean unrestricted offshore casinos are illegal.
They have valid licenses from other reputable gaming regulators, such as the Curacao Gaming Control Board, which is a good example.
That said, are UK offshore gaming sites illegal? Well, the UK's 2005 Gambling Act recommended operators get a UKGC license to offer casino gambling to GB players. Unlicensed gambling sites may face punishment, but as a UK player, you won’t be prosecuted for gambling on these sites.
Generally, casinos without a UKGC license are less strict because of the leniency of their regulatory bodies. This spells freedom for UK players and is a major reason they look for non-GamStop platforms.
The registration process at casinos outside GamStop is straightforward—just a few details needed; username, password, and maybe some address info and you’re done. There are no tedious verification processes involved.
Another thing: If you had activated self-exclusion, you can’t access any casino in the UK for at least 6 months. However, you can still play at offshore casinos not on GamStop. We highly discourage this, though, especially if you have a gambling problem. It’s basically turning a molehill into a mountain.
Compared to GamStop casinos, UK offshore gaming sites offer games from heavyweight and brand-new software developers, guaranteeing variety. Some providers, especially if they’re new to the gambling market, may choose not to distribute games in the UK because of strict licensing agreements. That means you can’t access their titles at UKGC casinos.
Still on games, players prefer non-GamStop gambling sites because of their extensive libraries. You can find thousands of games ranging from slots to live dealer options and table games. Even better, they come with demo options, allowing you to play for free for as long as you wish.
Online offshore casinos also have affordable minimum deposits which make them attractive to UK players. Plus, they have higher maximum deposit and withdrawal limits, allowing for high potential winnings and smooth payouts.
Non-GamStop online casinos are unrestricted compared to UKGC-licensed sites. Here’s why they stand out:
Enhanced Gaming Flexibility
UK offshore gaming sites have a straightforward account creation process. Fill in your biodata and address, and you’re done. They don’t ask gamblers to verify their address or IDs during sign-ups like UK-licensed gambling sites. The deposit process is also a breeze. After selecting your preferred currency such as GBP and payment method, you can go ahead and deposit in just a few clicks. As for withdrawals, some offshore casinos require you to use the same method you used for deposits. Others allow you to change the payout method. Whichever the case, the withdrawal process is direct and may require only minimal verification before you proceed.
Attractive Bonuses and Promotions
Compared to casinos with a UKGC license, non GamStop offer competitive welcome and reload bonuses. They come in various forms – match deposit, no deposit, cashback, or free spins. The bonuses at unrestricted offshore casinos UK have reasonable wagering requirements. So, you can quickly convert the bonus money into real funds. Non-GamStop online casinos also have worthwhile loyalty programs with distinct levels. The higher the level, the more the perks. Most operators allow you to join their loyalty programs automatically; they change your status based on your activities at the casino.
Fast Payouts and Efficient Banking Options
Unlike casinos on GamStop, offshore gaming platforms accept popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. With these options, you can be sure of instant deposits and withdrawals, not to mention anonymous transactions. Well-known payment systems such as Trustly are also available. You don’t need an account to transact with such payout methods, guaranteeing anonymity. Other banking methods supported include e-wallets, prepaid cards, and debit cards. Some non-GamStop gambling sites may request minimal verification documents before withdrawals. Coupled with short pending periods, they offer faster payouts than UKGC-licensed casinos.
Trusted Licensing and Security
As mentioned, non-GamStop casinos are not UKGC-licensed. However, they have licenses from respected jurisdictions such as Curacao that ensure a safe gaming environment. These gambling sites support well-known banking methods to guarantee the safety of player transactions. MiFinity and Jeton, for example, are FCA-licensed banking options you’ll find at most offshore casinos. As for games, these gambling sites partner with licensed software providers such as NetEnt and Pragmatic Play. Their games have undergone independent audits from testing labs like eCOGRA and iTechLabs.
Playing at offshore casinos not on GamStop sounds like a great option for UK players seeking fewer restrictions. However, not every brand has your best interests in mind. That’s why understanding the legal and regulatory aspects is crucial.
These sites operate under international licences, meaning they follow different rules than UKGC-regulated sites. With that in mind, we summarised everything you need to know to stay informed and play responsibly.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) oversees all gaming activities in the UK. This includes licensing casino operators. The Commission is one of the strictest, with operators having to comply with rigorous rules. It ensures fair gaming and general player protection.
For a player to sign up at a UKGC gambling site, they must go through KYC checks. This includes age verification, proof of funds, and proof of address checks. Players are also required to set deposit limits.
More importantly, all operators must check if a player is registered on GamStop. Players found in the self-exclusion register are not allowed to take part in gaming.
As for offshore casinos accepting GB players, several jurisdictions oversee gambling. They include Malta, Gibraltar, and Malta.
Some regulators are less strict than UKGC. The Curacao Gaming Control Board is a good example. It is a bit lenient, making it a favorite choice for most operators.
Operators with permits from Curacao have minimal verification compared to UKGC-licensed sites. Players don’t have to verify their documents during registration. KYC checks are mostly done before withdrawals. Plus, gamblers don’t have to set deposit and loss limits upon signing up.
UKGC and non-GamStop gambling platforms have distinct features because of their difference in regulations. Here’s a quick summary of what to expect when playing on these casinos:
Aspect | UKGC Casinos | Non-GamStop Casinos |
Regulation | Strict | Less strict |
Crypto Support | No | Yes |
Games | Fewer than non-GamStop casinos | Diverse; more than UKGC casinos |
Bonuses | Less generous; high wagering requirements | Generous; low wagering requirements |
Payout Speed | Slow | Fast |
Responsible Gambling | GamStop self-exclusion; applies to all UKGC casinos | Limited responsible gambling tools; vary by casino |
KYC Process | Long verification process | Minimal verification |
There are plenty of internet gambling sites copying licensed offshore UK casinos. Of course, they claim to be legit, and that’s why it’s crucial to understand how to verify a casino’s legitimacy for your overall safety.
How do you do that?
First, scroll to the footer of the casino’s website and check the licensing details. If a casino claims to be licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, for example, head to the official MGA website and search for the operator’s name on the licensees’ register.
That’s the longer route. Here’s the short version: A legit casino must have a licensing seal at the footer of the website. If you click on the seal, you should be redirected to the official licensing info.
Remember, all online casinos must display their licensing details. This regulatory requirement ensures transparency.
Still at the footer, check accreditation logos from the likes of eCOGRA, iTechLabs and GLI. Like the licensing seals, these independent certification logos usually link to official verification pages. They confirm that the site is safe and the games are fair.
Like gambling platforms on GamStop, trusted offshore casinos UK also have responsible gambling tools. Here are some tools to help you manage your gambling responsibly:
As mentioned, don’t use UK offshore gambling sites to circumvent GamStop if you have a gambling addiction. Take some time off and get help because your mental health comes first.
Don’t sign up at any casino on the internet because it accepts players from the UK. For the best overall experience, here are the factors to consider when choosing trusted offshore casinos UK:
Ensure the casino operates with a valid license from a reputable regulator. If it claims to have a Curacao license, for example, there should be a clickable green or orange license seal at the footer of the website. Clicking on it should redirect you to a page displaying the licensing info on the official CGB website.
Go for a non-GamStop casino with fast payout methods like crypto and e-wallets. The casino should also have a short pending period. Plus, it should charge reasonable or no transaction fees at all. This way, you’ll keep most of your winnings.
Choosing an offshore casino with an extensive game library means you’re likely to find a title that suits your taste. Don’t just go for a diverse game portfolio. The games should be from trusted software developers; think of Spinomenal, Pragmatic Play, and other licensed providers.
When reviewing bonuses, don’t just go for the size of the offer. Head to the T&Cs page and confirm the bonus policies. This way, you’ll be able to pick up any hidden conditions. Additionally, consider casino bonuses with low wagering requirements so you can request payouts faster.
A reliable offshore casino must offer professional customer support via email, live chat, or social media. Prompt and friendly customer support ensures your issue is solved in time. Don’t ignore offshore casino reviews, either. Too much negative player feedback and low star ratings are red flags of a terrible gaming experience.
Table of contents
Offshore casinos not of GamStop accept a wider range of payment methods. These include cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and international bank transfers. Some are more popular than others, so we’ll focus on the popular ones.
The United Kingdom is the headquarters of some of the most popular banking options. Below are common payment categories you’ll find at casinos outside GamStop:
UKGC-licensed casinos don’t support cryptocurrencies. That’s because of the strict regulation. The regulator is all about transparent gaming, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering. This is not possible with crypto.
Non-GamStop casinos offer popular digital coins, including BTC and ETH. With these options, you can be sure of instant deposits and under-10-minute withdrawals.
Offshore gambling sites usually set higher transaction limits on crypto than other payment methods. That means you can withdraw high winnings per transaction.
The major problem with these banking options is their high volatility. Price fluctuations can work in your favor. If the BTC value increases, you can withdraw more. However, it will be a loss in case Bitcoin’s value decreases at the time of cashing out.
Electronic wallets are popular payment methods among modern UK gamblers. Well-known options available at offshore casinos are MiFinity and Jeton, both of which are headquartered in the UK.
GamStop casinos only offer a handful of e-wallets. However, there are plenty of options at offshore casinos in the UK.
These banking methods guarantee instant deposits. Withdrawals may take up to 24 hours. Interestingly, most online casinos don’t charge fees for using e-wallets.
Some e-wallets, such as Skrill, come with a gambling block feature. So even without GamStop, you can still control the financing of your gaming by activating this feature.
Traditional bank transfers are the slowest payment methods at offshore gambling sites. UK players still prefer them, though, because they’re generally safe.
Luckily, casinos outside GamStop support open banking solutions such as Trustly, Brite, and Zimpler. These options act as middlemen between the casino and your bank.
Let’s take Trustly as an example. It comes with a Pay ‘N Play solution tailored to online gambling. This system allows instant deposits and automatic verification, enhancing the gaming experience.
Thanks to the automatic verification of open banking coupled with non-GamStop casinos’ minimal verification, rapid withdrawals are guaranteed. Typically, payouts are processed within 24 hours.
In April 2020, the UKGC banned the use of credit cards to gamble. So, these are not options at UKGC-licensed online and physical casinos.
Credit/debit cards are available at unrestricted offshore casinos, though. Visa and Mastercard are popular options.
These banking options process casino deposits instantly. However, they’re pretty slow to process withdrawals—they take 2 to 3 days to reflect.
We highly discourage using credit cards to gamble especially if you have a gambling addiction. It will result in bad debt.
When playing at an alternative to GamStop casinos, go for well-known fast payout methods. We’re talking of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, and electronic wallets like MiFinity. Debit cards and bank transfers are slow.
To couple the fast withdrawal banking method, go for casinos with short pending periods. This ensures you get your winnings fast.
You may come across non-GamStop casinos with minimal verification requirements. When playing at such gaming platforms, submit the required documents early (soon after signing up is even better). There won’t be unnecessary delays when it’s time to cash out.
Not on GamStop means the casino is not integrated with the UK’s self-exclusion system. Such gambling sites are not licensed by UKGC, meaning the gambling rules in the UK don’t apply to them.
Yes. Most non-GamStop casinos for UK players are safe. They employ encryption technology to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing your info. Plus, they have licenses from reputable regulatory bodies such as the Curacao Gaming Control Board.
Check the footer of the casino’s website for the licensing information. Legitimate offshore gambling sites display clickable licensing badges. Tap on the badge/seal to be redirected to the casino’s licensing page on the regulator’s official website.
Licensed non-GamStop casinos accept a wide range of banking methods, including cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin) and e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller & MuchBetter). They also support prepaid cards and conventional options such as debit cards and bank transfers.
Yes. Trusted offshore casinos UK feature responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits and reality checks. They also offer a self-exclusion tool. However, self-excluding from one casino doesn’t apply to other online gambling platforms. So, you can exclude from one and join another. That calls for personal responsibility.
Non-GamStop online casinos come with unrestricted gaming, something that almost every modern gambler in the UK wants. They feature thousands of games, fast payouts, and sizable bonuses – hard to find these at UKGC casinos.
Even better, offshore gambling sites have minimal or no verification requirements. They’re not like the intrusive UKGC casinos with long verification processes. Also, they don’t conduct self-exclusion checks.
If the above features are what you’re all after, then non-GamStop casinos are ideal. But these gambling sites are not for you if you have self-excluded yourself from UKGC gambling sites. There is no need to find a way around it by playing at offshore casinos.
Just because licensed non-GamStop casinos are not strict on self-exclusion doesn’t rule out the need to gamble responsibly. Exercise discipline and use the available responsible gambling tools. Be safe.