The UK gambling has gone through some changes over the last few years after the boom in online betting put pressure on regulators to tighten up the rules.
Some UK punters are now looking at options outside of the UK and are trying betting sites not on GamStop.
There are advantages and disadvantages in using both options which we will cover in this article.
The Current State of UK Sports Betting
The rise in new technologies saw sports betting become a 24/7 possibility from the comfort of your own home, but this also brought challenges. The UK saw a rise in problem gambling, which put pressure on regulators to clamp down on the industry.
Increased regulation has also brought a decrease in the enjoyment for some, with limits on casino games, such as stake sizes and spin timers.
For sportsbooks, the regulators have been keen to limit promotions, while the betting companies also tend to focus on their core markets and some will find that their ability to bet on global sporting events can be limited.
The UKGC also brought in GamStop self-exclusion, which is a scheme operated by a non-profit organisation.
Punters can sign up for free by submitting the contact details that were used to setup their betting accounts and the program will enforce a blanket ban across the industry.
The exclusion will see them locked out from betting on UK sites for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
How Do Betting Sites Not on GamStop Work?
The efforts to police the problem gambling issue in the UK are helping, but the additional regulations can hamper the enjoyment of those who are in control of their betting habits.
While technology has seen an increase in UK gambling sites, it has also made it easier for gaming businesses to setup in locations that offer a more suitable environment for taxes and climate.
Examples of these sites are those which are domiciled in Malta or Cyprus. Both of these countries have their own regulatory bodies for gambling and are not required to operate under the UK GamStop rules.
Punters moving to these sites will find that they operate under a similar standard when it comes to compliance, money laundering, and other directives to protect consumers. Punters will also find that they provide a professional environment which is similar to what you would expect in UK casinos.
Alongside the European nations, there has been a rise in the number of Central American sites offering services to UK gamblers, such as Curacao and Costa Rica.
Costa Rica was actually named one of the top destinations for retirement in a report this year and it is a popular destination for retirees from the United States. You can read more here about sports betting sites outside of the UK.
Non UK sports betting sites can offer an alternative experience but they should never be used to bypass GamStop exclusion. It is also 100% legal for British punters to use betting sites not on GamStop.
The UKGC has ensured that they cannot market to UK consumers directly, which is why there is limited awareness. Sites not on GamStop can be easily found in Google searches.
UK Sportsbooks vs Non GamStop Sports Betting Sites
Many in the UK are now looking up to betting sites not on GamStop as an alternative to the UK. By signing up to these sites, gamblers will find an environment that is less restrictive on gaming and marketing, with less rules, more options, and increased promotions.
UK betting fans will discover that favourite teams and sports are still available, with the usual selection of football, rugby, cricket, US sports, etc. There is also more coverage in global sports events that are not covered by the UK sites due to the lower volumes from UK customers.
Below are some of the pros and cons of both options:
Pros of Using UK Betting Sites
- Recognised brand names
- Physical presence on High Street
- Familiar game titles
- Third-party dispute assistance
- GBP deposits as standard
Cons of Using UK Betting Sites
- Limits on stake sizes and spin timers
- Extensive verification processes
- Credit card deposits unavailable
- No support for cryptocurrency funding
- Limited bonus options
Pros of Using Non UK Sites
- Large welcome bonuses
- Less restrictions on stake sizing and no spin timers
- Larger game libraries than UK gaming sites
- Self-exclusion is an option
- Wider range of funding methods, including Bitcoin
Cons of Using Non UK Sites
- Sites can seen as a GamStop loophole
- May not provide GBP deposits
- UK game titles may not be available
- Separate regulatory environment from the UK
- Limited access to third-party dispute resolution
What Else is on Offer at Non GamStop Sites?
Betting sites not on GamStop will also offer a wide range of extra products to UK customers, such as casino gaming. The usual lineup of slots, blackjack, poker etc. are there, but without the restrictions being applied to UK sites.
Healthier and more regular bonuses are available, with other perks such as VIP rooms. Alongside this, punters will find lottery games and e-sports, which are growing in popularity.
Less limits on stake sizes and deposits are also common and this can be important as not everyone makes the same salary so applying blanket rules can be restrictive for some.
Conclusion
With the UK Gambling Authority tightening the rules on UK sites, punters in the UK are having a harder look at betting sites not on GamStop, while many have already tried them out.
These sites should not be seen as an option to skirt around the GamStop rules, but consumers who are comfortable in their betting habits, should have the freedom to choose.
If you feel that the UK gambling scene is becoming too restrictive then maybe this is a good time to find out more about non UK sites and maybe take one for a test run.