What Online Casinos are not part of GamStop’s jurisdiction?
The UK government will impose new restrictions on online gaming, targeting online slot machines. Players over 25 will be limited to a maximum wager of £5, while those under 25 will face a £2 cap. This move is part of the government’s efforts to clamp down on the gambling industry in Great Britain.
Stuart Andrew, Minister of Gambling, has emphasized the need for these measures, citing evidence of a disproportionately high rate of problem gambling in online slot games. After a 10-week consultation period, the government has decided to enforce these restrictions to safeguard players.
A problem in the making
The new slot machine wagering limits will come into effect in September as a result of secondary legislation. After that, there will be a six-week transition period for £5 limit bets and another six-week period during which the new £2 limit, aimed at under-25s, will apply.
The lower limit for the youngest segment is established due to their vulnerability, considering the strong relationship between gambling-related harm and suicide. Moreover, online slots are easily accessible and highly addictive, posing significant risks such as compulsive gambling and substantial financial losses.
Additionally, it is necessary to take into account that “the change in the modality of gambling, from face-to-face to online, has influenced the reconfiguration of the profile of people who gamble in a risky or pathological way, increasingly including children and young people, many of whom are students or professionals”, according to the publication Prevention of addiction to gambling with betting by Centros de Integración Juvenil, A.C.
It is crucial to recognize that the shift from in-person to online gambling has led to a reconfiguration of the profiles of those who engage in risky or pathological gambling, with an increasing number of children and young people being affected. Given this compelling evidence, it is likely that the current preventive measures taken by the government will be inadequate. The potential emergence of an illegal market and its associated consequences cannot be disregarded in this context.
A different approach
It is essential to consider a different perspective and comprehensively address the issue. While looking at the tax aspect can be useful, it could also be counterproductive, especially for younger individuals who tend to resist restrictions. In this regard, addressing the problem at its core by focusing on reinforcing values through home and early education is crucial.
In line with Andrew’s statement at the eleventh annual GambleAware conference, an effective prevention plan should aim to identify the right interventions at both population and individual levels. This approach can contribute to creating a well-informed, supported, and protected society regarding gambling-related harms.
Individuals capable of self-regulating their gambling tendencies may not respond well to limitations. However, if their values and principles are strong, they are more likely to limit themselves and seek support if they suspect an addiction issue. Therefore, for them, the option of playing in casinos not on Gamstop could be a viable solution to the various regulations.
These individuals can play freely for entertainment without feeling restricted by various limitations from different sources. Sites not on Gamstop can offer the freedom to play without the constraints imposed by Gamstop. Thus, players can choose to join certain bookmakers and place bets even if they are self-excluded, as these bookmakers are based outside the United Kingdom, for example in locations like Curacao or Panama.
The search for casinos not on Gamstop seems to be a viable solution for slot machine players in light of these restrictions. Nevertheless, it is important to exercise caution when selecting which sites to play on that are not regulated by the Gambling Commission and therefore not obligated to follow the rules of Gamstop. These sites are regulated under different jurisdictions, such as Curacao, among other options.
When deciding to play at casinos not on Gamstop, there are crucial aspects to consider:
- Licensing and Regulation: The casino must possess valid licenses from a recognized entity.
- Secure Payment System: Ensure the operation of a secure payment system protected by a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate.
- Games and Markets Offered: Assess the variety of games and markets available.
- Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: Verify the supported methods, applicable fees, and withdrawal timeframes.
- Welcome Offer and Terms and Conditions: Scrutinize the welcome offer and its corresponding Terms and Conditions.
- Mobile Compatibility: Check for an app or a version compatible with smart devices.
- Language Support: Confirm the languages used in their communication channels.
- Accepted Currencies: Inquire about accepted currencies, including cryptocurrencies.
- Customer Service: Evaluate the standard of customer service provided.
Selecting casinos not on Gamstop that meet these criteria can be an effective way to bypass the restrictions on sports betting limits or slot machines. Those who wish to enjoy their favorite games freely and responsibly can do so on sites not on gamstop, which are not licensed or regulated by the UK Gambling Commission but are available to UK players and usually hold licenses issued in other jurisdictions.
Best High Stake Casinos
Here are the best non-Gamstop bookmaker options for UK players who want to gamble while in Gamstop’s self-exclusion scheme. These bookmakers do not offer a self-exclusion scheme, but they do provide self-help tools. Among the recommended non-Gamstop casinos are the following:
- Magic Win: Offers a £6,000 casino and £100 sports welcome bonus and accepts UK players in Gamstop’s self-exclusion scheme.
- Goldenbet Casino: Provides a £500 casino and £500 sports welcome bonus for the first three deposits, totaling £1,500, and offers live casino and sports betting to players worldwide without being part of Gamstop.
- Goldenlion: Offers a £6,000 casino bonus and a £100 sports bonus, covering major UK sports events, including Grand National and Euro 2024 betting.
- Palm Casino: Perfect for UK players who are fans of slot machines and are registered with Gamstop, offering excellent bonuses.
- Seven Casino: Provides great welcome bonuses of £7500 + 10% cashback, and is not part of Gamstop.