How Do UK Betting Sites Not on GamStop Work?

UK betting sites not on GamStop operate outside the regulatory framework of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and, consequently, are not bound by its requirement to integrate with the national self-exclusion scheme, GamStop.¹ This fundamental difference shapes how they function, from licensing to player restrictions and promotional offerings.

Licensing and Regulation

The primary distinction lies in their licensing. Instead of holding a UKGC license, these sites are typically licensed and regulated by authorities in other jurisdictions. Popular licensing bodies include the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curacao eGaming, and other offshore regulators.² These authorities have their own sets of rules and standards for operation, which may differ significantly from those mandated by the UKGC. This international licensing allows them to accept UK players without adhering to GamStop.

Circumventing GamStop

The core function that attracts many UK players to these sites is their ability to bypass the GamStop self-exclusion.³ Once a player registers with GamStop, they are blocked from accessing all gambling websites and apps licensed by the UKGC.⁴ However, this block does not extend to sites licensed elsewhere. Non-GamStop sites can therefore accept wagers from individuals who have self-excluded through the UK’s national scheme.

Operational Differences

Beyond the self-exclusion aspect, non-GamStop betting sites often exhibit other operational differences:

• Payment Methods: They frequently offer a wider range of payment options, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are less commonly found on UKGC-licensed sites due to regulatory restrictions.⁵ They also tend to accept credit cards, which are prohibited for gambling on UKGC-regulated platforms.
• Bonuses and Promotions: To attract an international audience, these sites often provide larger and more generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions compared to their UKGC counterparts.⁶ However, these bonuses may also come with different and sometimes less favourable terms and wagering requirements.
• Betting Limits and Restrictions: Some non-GamStop sites may have higher betting limits and fewer restrictions on deposit amounts compared to UKGC-regulated platforms, which often implement measures to promote responsible gambling.⁷
• Verification Processes: While reputable non-GamStop sites still employ Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures for withdrawals, the initial sign-up and verification processes can sometimes be less stringent or deferred compared to the often rigorous checks mandated by the UKGC.
• Game and Market Variety: Due to their international focus, these sites often offer a broader range of sports betting markets, including niche sports and international leagues that may not be as prominently featured on UK-centric platforms.⁸ Similarly, their casino sections might include games from a wider array of providers, some of which may not be available on UKGC-licensed sites.⁹

Responsible Gambling Measures

While non-GamStop sites don’t participate in the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme, many reputable operators still offer their own responsible gambling tools.¹⁰ These can include deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion options specific to their platform, and links to international gambling support organizations. However, the comprehensiveness and enforcement of these measures may vary compared to the stringent requirements of the UKGC.

Conclusion

UK betting sites not on GamStop operate by being licensed and regulated outside the UK, thus not being legally obligated to integrate with the GamStop system. This allows them to offer access to players who have self-excluded, along with potentially different features like wider payment options, larger bonuses, and broader betting markets. However, this also means they operate under different regulatory standards, and UK players using these sites forgo the consumer protections and responsible gambling framework provided by the UKGC. Understanding these operational differences is crucial for anyone considering using these platforms.