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The UK gambling scene is one of the most regulated markets in the world with online operators given strict requirements to keep their UK Gambling Commission licence.
Back in 2020, the UKGC announced that all online gaming operators were required to participate in the self-exclusion scheme GamStop.
However, there's been a growing market for gambling options not regulated by the UKGC from offshore sites that offer fewer restrictions and bolder bonus offers.
They seem appealing at first glance, but behind the shiny promotions lie some serious risks - especially for those trying to regain control of their gambling habits.
Here, we take a critical and in-depth look at why these non GamStop betting sites exist, how they operate, and what dangers users should be aware of.
What Are Non GamStop Betting Sites?
Non GamStop betting sites are online casinos and bookmakers that are not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and therefore not part of the GamStop self-exclusion scheme.
They are often based offshore—in places like Malta, Cyprus, or Costa Rica - and may hold local gambling licenses (or none at all).
Because they aren’t subject to UK regulation, they’re not legally bound to follow the same consumer protection rules.
What is GamStop
GamStop was first launched in 2016 as the 'National Online Self Exclusion Scheme' before rebranding itself a few years later.
It was established in response to the increased popularity of online gambling in the UK, providing a platform to help users self-exclude from online gambling for a specified period.
In March 2020, the UKGC made it mandatory for online gambling operators to participate in GamStop.
Where users would have previously had to voluntarily ban themselves from one betting site at a time, GamStop meant they would be able to self-exclude themselves from all participating betting sites with a single click.
Users are able to choose how long they want to exclude for (six months, one year, five years or five years with auto-renewal).
More than 500,000 individuals have registered with GamStop to block themselves from UK-licensed online gambling operators as of September 2024.
UK online gambling operators are required to participate in GamStop
How Are Non GamStop Betting Sites Different?
At first glance, non GamStop betting sites can look very similar to UK-licensed bookmakers. They'll feature familiar layouts, popular sports betting markets and big welcome offers.
But once you dig a little deeper, the differences become much clearer - and more important.
Below are a few telltale signs that set non GamStop betting sites apart:
The most important difference of them all is there will be no licence available by the UK Gambling Commission.
That means they don't offer things like player protection, responsible gambling tools and financial transparency.
Non GamStop sites often support payment methods not allowed on the UKGC-regulated operators. Credit cards, which have been banned in the UK for online and offline gambling since 2020, are regularly accepted on non GamStop sites.
For someone struggling to control their spending habits, it could be extremely dangerous.
With UK-licensed sites, users have access to multiple resources such as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to escalate complaints to the UKGC. With non GamStop sites, players don't have that and often deal with slow offshore customer service teams and no legal protections under UK law.
Possibly the most enticing reason someone would choose to go for a non GamStop betting site is their flashy welcome offers. But they often come with high wagering requirements hidden in their terms and conditions.
While there might be offers like '50% deposit match up to £500', cashing out your winnings can be tricky.
By law, UK-licensed bookies must offer safer gambling tools such as deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion via GamStop.
In contrast, there are limited tools available on non GamStop sites - a potential issue for problem gamblers.
Are Non GamStop Betting Sites Legal?
The answer isn't straightforward - which alone acts as a deterrent for non GamStop sites.
Betting sites not on GamStop face multiple legal implications due to not participating in the self-exclusion scheme.
It is technically not illegal for an individual in the UK to access or place bets on a non GamStop site.
However, using these sites means you are gambling outside of UK protections, and you have no legal recourse if something goes wrong (ie withheld winnings).
Non GamStop betting sites typically operate offshore, although any operator not licensed by the UKGC cannot target UK players.
Essentially, any non GamStop betting site actively accepting UK players is operating illegally under UK law and they could face penalties and sanctions.
Stick To UK-Regulated Sites - Like These Ones
We pride ourselves on diving deep into the world of online betting sites in the UK and we try to give YOU all the information you need to pick a new platform.
All the betting sites we include on our website are licensed by the UKGC, meaning they are the safest bet!
If you're looking for the best horse racing betting sites or maybe tennis betting sites are more your thing, we have you covered.
Looking for bonus-specific sites, such as low deposit betting sites or bet 10 get 30 - no problem!
Here's just a few betting sites from our top 20 list that we would recommend going with.
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| UKGC Licence Number | 39576 | 39544 | 55148 |
| Welcome Offer | Bet £10 Get £30 | Bet £10 Get £50 | Bet £10 Get £30 |
| Claim Offer ➡️ |
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Final Thoughts
"At MyBettingSites.com, we strongly advise against using non GamStop betting sites in the UK as the risks far outweigh the possible rewards.
"They're a trap for many problem gamblers and even recreational bettors.
"The UK market is heavily regulated for a reason to help keep your gambling habits under control and GamStop has proven to help thousands of participants since its inception.
"The glossy bonuses and lack of limits might feel like freedom from the stringent UKGC guidelines - but you're essentially leaving yourself with no safety net.
"It's just not worth the gamble."
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