Sports betting is massively popular in the UK, with millions of people placing bets on the likes of football matches and horse races every week. Betting on the outcomes of these sporting events can add to the excitement of watching them live.
Many people prefer placing bets online as they can often get access to a better range of events and markets, as well as for the convenience factor. This article will focus on whether you should choose a UK-licensed sports betting site or use one of the non-GamStop platforms that do not have as many curtailments on bettors.
The Current State of UK Sports Betting?
Sports betting has been legal in the UK for a long time, with bookmaker shops being the go-to option to place bets before the internet came around. As soon as the internet started going mainstream, online sports betting sites started popping up. These days, a lot more people use these online options rather than placing bets in person.
Countless people in the UK enjoy placing bets every week, usually giving them some extra skin in the game. While UK betting sites have been popular for some time, the authorities have been introducing increasingly strict restrictions on these platforms in recent years. This includes very strict betting limits and a ban on making deposits or withdrawals with a credit card. This is why a lot of people are now looking at sports betting not on GamStop options.
How do Betting Sites Not on GamStop Work?
Betting sites not on GamStop are those platforms that do not hold a license with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Every operator that holds a UKGC license needs to also be a part of GamStop. This is a non-profit organization that allows people to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites. Once a person has been signed up for self-exclusion, they will have to see out the entire term.
Betting sites not on GamStop are not regulated by the UKGC and will usually have a license with other gambling bodies, like the Malta Gaming Authority or the Curaçao government. These other types of regulators will have different rules from the UKGC, which usually be a lot less restrictive.
You will often find that you have fewer restrictions on bet sizes, with a huge range of betting markets normally available. The range of payment methods will also usually be much more extensive, and the bonuses will often be bigger and better.
While they are not UK-licensed, most of the sites will be completely legit. They will often have their own self-exclusion programs and account restriction tools that can help people to gamble responsibly. It is vital that people do not try to use non-GamStop sportsbooks if they are self-excluded on GamStop and trying to get around this block. Problem gambling is very serious and you need to seek proper treatment if you are currently not able to control your gambling.
Related: Revealed: Owners Of Major Sports Betting Companies In Nigeria And Their Net Worth
UK Sportsbooks vs Non-GamStop Sports Betting Sites
It is important to note that both types of sports betting sites are going to have distinct advantages and downsides. You should be aware of these different aspects before you make a decision on which type of platform to sign up for. Here is a look at the main pros and cons for each option:
UK-Licensed Sports Betting Sites
Pros
- UKGC is a well-respected regulator
- Full consumer protection for UK bettors
- Always the option to use GBP
- Problem gamblers can self-exclude through GamStop
Cons
- Limits on bet sizes
- No credit card transactions allowed
- Bonuses can be limited
Non-GamStop Sports Betting Sites
Pros
- Usually regulated by another respected regulator
- Covers a huge range of global events and markets
- Often fewer restrictions on bet sizes
- Supports many payment options including credit cards and cryptocurrencies
- Bonuses are often bigger and better
Cons
- No GamStop protection for problem gamblers
- GBP not always supported
- Some sites might not be licensed or reputable
What Other Games do Non-GamStop Casinos Offer?
As well as a comprehensive esports betting offering, a lot of the non-GamStop sites will also offer other types of great casino games. These can range from slots to table games, live dealer titles, and lotteries.
Just like with the sports betting side of things, casinos not on GamStop are also becoming a lot more popular among UK players for a lot of the same reasons. The game libraries are often a lot bigger, with certain game features not being banned, and having access to bigger betting limits.
You will also often get access to massive bonus packages and are an ideal fit for high rollers. As these sites are also not under the oversight of the UKGC, you will not have to deal with more and more restrictions as time goes on.
What will you decide?
Now that you are aware of what you can expect if you sign up for a new account with a non-GamStop betting site, you will be able to decide if this is the route you should take or if you will stick to the tried and tested UKGC-licensed platforms.
The advantages of sports betting sites not on GamStop are obvious. Bigger bet sizes, larger bonuses, more payment options, and access to a wider spread of sports events, it is a no-brainer for a lot of UK players.
Once you choose a platform that is legit and has a good track record, you won’t look back. Starting a new account will only take up a minute or two of your time. Therefore, you will have access to these stunning game libraries in no time at all.
