GamStop has been around since 2018. During this period, the independent organization has partnered with hundreds of gambling websites in the UK. Its goal is to reduce problem gambling by encouraging self-exclusion.
Yet, not everyone wants to use GamStop casinos. So, what’s the big issue? Why is the demand for non-GamStop casinos growing? These are the benefits and disadvantages of using casino sites not on GamStop.
Advantages of Non-GamStop Casinos
Casinos not on GamStop provide the following benefits:
Licensed and Safe
Contrary to popular opinion, non-GamStop casinos are licensed and safe. Most of them have licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority—Europe’s most popular iGaming regulator.
Similar to the UKGC, the MGA enforces extensive rules for casinos that want to acquire licenses. Each operator must secure its website using SSL. It must work with safe payment providers and offer fair games.
In other words, casinos not on GamStop are safe. All you need is to confirm that you’re choosing a licensed website. Also, check for additional features like two-factor authentication, and a seal of trust from eCOGRA, GLI or a similar organization.
No Limits on Deposits and Betting Amounts
When you use most non-GamStop casinos, there are no limits on your deposit and betting amounts. You can deposit from €1 to €100,000. However, keep in mind the specified limits may vary from one casino to another. Limits also depend on your chosen payment method.
Take PayPal as an example. It lets you send up to €10,000 at a time. That means for you to send a bigger amount, you need to choose an alternative payment company. You can use crypto or wire transfer—both options support much higher limits.
Your casino may also set payment limits to avoid receiving money earned illegally. As such, some casinos won’t let you deposit more than €20,000 per week. High-stake casinos support up to €100,000.
Huge Game Libraries
Truth be told, the UKGC is a lot stricter than most casino regulators out there. As a result, there are plenty of good software providers not licensed to operate in the UK.
Joining a casino not on GamStop exposes you to these upcoming studios. In turn, you can play a lot more slots and table games compared to someone who uses Gam-Stop sites.
Of course, you can always play games from your favourite software providers. NetEnt, Betsoft, Microgaming, Evolution, BTG and Play’n GO all operate at leading non-GamStop casinos.
You don’t miss out on any games by joining an offshore casino. If anything, you get access to a wider range of games. It doesn’t matter if you love slot machines or live poker. Find the right non-GamStop casino and you will have tremendous fun.
Lots of Bonuses
Casinos in the UK and Irish 10 Euro deposit casinos tend to offer small but fair bonuses. They may match your bonus up to £100 or £200. But seldom will you find a casino on GamStop offering crazy bonus amounts.
Because non-GamStop casinos are not under the UKGC, they can provide bigger bonuses without worrying about fines and penalties. Depending on the casino, you can receive a welcome bonus worth up to £10,000.
That being said, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Aim for bonuses with the best terms and conditions: wager requirements, withdrawal limits, game weighting and validity time.
Also, look at the types of game a casino provides. If you’re a high roller, you want to see high-stakes bonuses. If you tend to be loyal to one site, ensure you have access to lots of loyalty bonuses.
Self-Exclusion Tools are Available
Although some casinos are not on Gam-Stop, they have self-exclusion tools. For example, they have deposit and betting limits that let you choose the maximum you should deposit every week or month.
What’s more, some casinos have tools that force you to take breaks after a certain period. This is a helpful tool for people who get carried away by the gaming experience during a losing streak.
In case betting is becoming a problem, you can suspend your account or close it entirely. In other words, there’s nothing GamStop casinos offer you can’t receive from a good casino not on GamStop.
Disadvantages of Non-GamStop Casinos
Choosing a non-GamStop casino is not without its challenges. Below are some of them:
Self-Exclusion Loophole
Casinos not on GamStop provide a leeway to gamble online even after you’ve self-excluded on GamStop. This is not a big issue if you self-excluded without thinking the entire process through.
But if you have a serious betting issue, joining a non-GamStop casino won’t help fix your addiction issue. This is especially true if you don’t take extra measures like budgeting or seeking help.
May Not Support GBP
This is yet another small drawback of choosing a non-GamStop casino. You may need to incur conversion fees because your casino does not support pounds sterling.
Also, the casino may not support your favourite payment method. Maybe you like to pay through EcoPayz. You may need to settle for PayPal or Skrill. On the bright side, foreign casinos support credit card payments—you can’t use credit cards for gambling payments in the UK.
The UKGC Can’t Intervene if Disputes Arise
One of the reasons people recommend GamStop casinos is that they’re licensed by the Gambling Commission. And if you have any disputes with a casino, you can always contact the UKGC for assistance.
The UKGC is not only fair with its dispute resolutions but it’s also quick to discipline operators that flout its rules. Unfortunately, this is a privilege you lose when you join an offshore casino.
The MGA also helps solve disputes between players and casinos. But you may not get any assistance if you use casinos located in the Caribbean.