With the rise of internet and computing technology, there has also been a boom in online casinos. Finding a new site can have many pitfalls and it is important to know what to look for to ensure that your deposits are in safe hands. Since the UKGC clamped down on the sector, the UK has seen strict rules applied, such as a ban on credit card deposits, in-game spin timers, and bet limits. A result of this loss of freedom has driven many punters to seek out betting sites not on GamStop.
The sites are located overseas and are subject to less stringent regulation but there are also risks involved. This guide will help you to find the more reputable casinos.
Security and Licensing
The first thing to look for when seeking a new casino is the security of the platform and of users’ funds.
For the betting platform, it is important to find asite that uses up-to-date security measures. One of the basics is SSL encryption, which was designed to provide privacy and data integrity for users in internet communications. Sites with this feature are showing that they value customer safety and data security. Firewalls are another important feature, and they can prevent hacking with a high standard of data protection.
To protect the deposits of gamblers, you will still need a site that is regulated by a gaming authority in their respective country. For UK gamblers, the obvious choice is the UK Gambling Commission. British citizens are offered more security and support in their home country, but some punters have been increasingly looking overseastosites not on GamStop. Malta and Gibraltar are two examples of European countries that have attracted betting companies. These are regulated by their own body, such as the Malta Gaming Authority and are still subject to strict EU money laundering rules. These are a good starting point for finding reputable sites.
In recent times, there has been a rise in South American destinations offering services, with Curacao and Costa Ricabeing two that will accept British punters. These countries tend to have less strict regulation and they will have little or no consumer protection for UK punters, so they should be handled with care.
The UKGC has joined forces with the GamStop non-profit organization to apply a strict self-exclusion scheme to stamp out problem gambling in the country. Anyone who has experience, or is vulnerable to problem gambling, can apply to the scheme and have their accounts blockedfrom all gambling sites for a pre-determined period. This can be for a period of up to five years. Another organisationbeing used is Gamban, which is a for-profit private enterprise that will block gambling sites from mobile devices and PCs. Unfortunately, many gamblers are in denial of their problems and may use betting sites not on GamStop as a loophole.
Variety of Payment Methods
Outside of the safety measures, choosing a suitable casino site will require a variety of payment methods and withdrawal methods.
The standard for online payments is debit and credit cards, but another restriction enforced by the UKGCwas a ban on credit cards at Britishsites. This is another reason why punters have looked to overseas sites. Many consumers prefer to separate their betting transactions from their bank statements to avoid stigma when applying for a mortgage or a loan. For withdrawals, UK betting sites will provide wire transfers and payment wallets, but the overseas siteswill also offer these, and many are also supporting cryptocurrencies. This is giving betting sites not on GamStop an advantage over the British sites.
Consumers should check the terms and conditions for withdrawals to ensure that fees and times are at an industry standard. Withdrawals are usually instant for e-wallets, 1-3 days for cards, and 3-5 business days for wire transfers.
Bonuses and Promotions
One of the exciting parts of signing up to a new casino are the welcome bonuses and promotions. Companies like to offer generous odds or matched deposits to entice new users, but another issue with the UKGC restrictions has been a clamp down on marketing of UK companies. There has also been recent talk of an outright ban on gambling marketing in the country. This is another reason why punters are looking to expand their options outside of the UK. Bonuses and promotions are often more generous at the non-GamStop sites, where welcome rewards can be up to 100% or more, with sign-up rewards being matched up to £500 in many cases.
Games Catalogue
A reputable casino will have a strong selection of game titles on offer. Overseas sites can provide access to a wider range of game titles, and that is another drawback of the reduced marketing in the UK.
The most popular games are slots, live dealer roulette and poker. Those who are conducting their own research on new sites should also look for a company that provides transparency in gaming statistics and ensure that they are certified by their respective gaming authority. This will ensure that the site values fairness, and that payout ratios are at the acceptable industry level.
Customer Support and Responsible Gaming
Customer support is another factor to consider when seeking an enjoyable online experience.
Many users will not use customer assistance often but it’s important to have it as an option. Reputable sites will usually offer access to 24/7 chat support, and they will also provide other contact options available such as phone, email, and a good FAQ section. Larger businesses, such as the listed companies in the UK, will usually provide smoother customer service due to increased staff numbers and this is another area where the UK sites can have an advantage.
Betting Sites not on GamStop for UK Punters
The UK gambling scene has been pressured by government and mental health group son problem gambling and that has seen a lot of new rules attached. As a result, many individuals are seeking alternatives from sites like this. While not every source is reliable, some good secure betting platforms do exist.
It is important that they tackle this problem, but the measures introduced are also punishing users who are comfortable with their gambling habits. The new rules have expanded to the in-game casino experience, with measures such as spin timers and bet size limits. These rules are also giving overseas sites an advantage in attracting new users.
Conclusion
If you are an experienced gambler, then a little background research with our tips should be enough to guide you towards a safe online casino experience.
The UKGC is the preferred regulatory body for UK consumers because of theincreasedconsumer protection and support for problem gambling. European casino sites would be the next best option because of the EU banking system and money laundering rules. These are a good starting point for using overseas sites and can give you the confidence to seek out other betting sites not on GamStop.
Moore Martin
Glenn Maxwell