The UK's gambling market is regulated by the strict rules of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). In April 2023, the commission released a white paper that added more restrictions to the existing ones.
While this move aims to reduce problem gambling, it takes the fun out of the activity. For instance, the white paper noted that the betting limits for slot games are now between £2 and £15, preventing high rollers from placing stakes as high as they would prefer.
Thankfully, only some operators are obligated to implement these restrictions. As such, players looking to escape these restrictions can opt for non-UK licenced online casinos and fully enjoy non gamstop slots. In this text, we discuss the limits brought on by the recent publication, why non-UK-licenced sites are worthwhile, and the most crucial factor to note when choosing these sites.
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Pressure on Bettors Increased by New UKGC Regulations
Since the Gambling Commission was formed in 2007, it has worked to supervise and regulate casino gaming and sports betting in the country. Its gambling regulations only get stricter, and with the release of its latest white paper, players will face more limitations at online casinos. Here’s what the white paper covers:
Players' Affordability Checks
The Gambling Commission subjected players who lose up to £1,000 within 24 hours or £2,000 over 90 days to affordability checks. It also added that there would be “passive” checks for players who lose up to £125 monthly.
New Online Slots Stake Limits
One of the glaring additions to the UK’s online gambling laws is slot stake limits. As already noted, players are only allowed to wager between £2 and £15 per spin at UKGC-licenced casinos. So, instead of worrying about choosing a hot game machine, you must also be aware of the bet limits.
Bonus Offers Restrictions
To ensure that bonuses aren't too tempting, the commission aims to consult to discuss controls on bonus advertisement and how players can opt-in for promotions.
Age Restriction
Tighter restrictions are in place to ensure that people under 18 can’t gamble online or in land-based locations. Furthermore, the commission will consult and discuss more measures to protect players between 18 and 24 years old because they’re more susceptible to gambling harm.
Extra Power For The Gambling Commission
The white paper provides additional authority for the Gambling Commission to combat black market operators through court orders and collaborate with internet service providers (ISPs) to take down illicit gambling sites. This would only lead to more rigorous checks on licenced platforms.
Punters Looking For Escape in Non-UK Licenced Operators
If you want to escape these restrictions and have access to better casino offerings, play at non-UK-licenced platforms. There are many benefits to using these sites, which we’ve explained below.
No Limits on Slots Games
The limit on slot stakes doesn’t affect you at non-UK casinos. In other words, you can place as little or as much as you want, depending on the provider’s betting limits, which are usually much higher than those set by the UKGC. Placing high stakes comes with a plethora of advantages. For instance, if the slot has a jackpot feature, you have a better chance of triggering it when you place higher bet amounts.
Furthermore, some casinos with a VIP programme reward you with points for playing real-money games, and the higher your stakes, the more points you accumulate. With these points, you can climb to higher VIP positions and get more rewarding bonuses.
No Cumbersome KYC Verification Process
At non-UK-licenced casinos, players are spared from the rigorous Know Your Customer Verification processes common at UKGC-regulated sites. Thanks to this, withdrawals are processed much quicker, and players get their winnings within a shorter time frame.
That’s not to say there are no verification checks at non-UK casinos, but they aren’t as time-consuming and frequent as they are at UK gambling sites.
Various Games to Select
One of the perks of playing at casinos run by non-UK operators is the variety of games you can access. These platforms aren’t prohibited from offering specific titles; hence, they have a more comprehensive game library.
You only need a guide to search for the best online game because there are many choices. Players can take their pick from slots with different themes and bonus features, RNG-powered table games, game shows, and more. Some sites have provably fair games where you can verify the integrity of every betting round.
Attractive Promotions and Bonuses
Regarding bonuses and promotions, the best of these sites stand out. They offer players rewarding deals like matched deposit bonuses with higher percentages and maximum bonus amounts, more free spins, and cashback. Some casinos even have no-deposit bonuses that you can claim without making a financial commitment to the site.
Despite how generous these offers are, the best operators attach minimal terms and conditions. As such, players can quickly meet the requirements and withdraw their earnings.
Credit/Debit Card Payments Available
Online casinos with UKGC licences don’t support credit cards because the Gambling Commission considers the payment method harmful to punters. Research shows that 22% of problem gamblers use credits to play. However, debit and credit cards are two of the most popular payment methods in the country. If you’d instead use these cards to transact at online casinos, non-UK platforms are the best because they support Visa, Mastercard, and other card payments.
Still, Legitimacy Is the Key Factor for Non-UK Brands
The above benefits are enticing, but you can only enjoy them if you register at reputable online casinos. Keep in mind that hundreds of non-UK gambling sites offer services to UK punters, and not all are legitimate. To ensure trust and security in online betting, pick a platform licensed by other reliable authorities. If the operator is independent, read detailed reviews and learn about other players' experiences to know if the venue is trustworthy. Also, go through the site’s general terms and conditions to learn if they’re fair.
Most importantly, practice responsible gambling. Take advantage of resources available at online casinos, such as setting personal limits and enabling the reality check feature to remind you of how long you’ve spent on the site. Even if the casino has no limit-setting feature, make a betting budget and stick to it.
Manually record how much you spend on each gambling session to track your expenses on these sites. If it’s still difficult to control your gambling habits after these implementations, self-exclude or seek help from well-known organisations.