What is a non-UK casino?
Let’s start from the beginning.
If you are playing casino games in the United Kingdom, you have probably signed up in a Casino with a UK licensed issued by the UK Gambling Commission. These casinos are based in the UK and any British player can gamble legally. However, players need to follow very strict rules to do so.
Many gamblers may think that this is the only way to bet and have a good time, but there are other options.
About non-UK licensed casinos.
Any online casino without a UK licensed is considered a non-UK casino. In other words, an operator without a licensed issued by the UKCG.
At the same time, we can divide foreign casinos into two different groups: non-UK licensed casinos and non-UK casinos. But, what’s the difference?
Non-UK licensed casinos are those foreign casinos that are operating with a license issued outside the UK. Most of these online casinos hold a license issued in Malta, Curacao, Isle of Man or Gibraltar. This means, that all these casinos have the right to offer its services legally outside of the UK.
These casinos must comply with specific requirements and regulations to obtain their license. However, these requirements are less strict than those proposed by the UKGC.
This translates in a bigger bonus offer, less requirements and a fast sign up process.
Most of these casinos accept UK players, so it would be up to you deciding where you want to play.
About non-UK casinos
On the other hand, you may find also non-UK casinos without any license.
Be careful with these ones!
These casinos haven’t been accepted by any official authority and operate following their own rules. We don’t recommend these casinos for several reasons:
- Players may have problems to withdraw their money.
- Players mustn’t play at an illegal casino.
- If you have any problem with your casino you won’t have any chance to complain and ask for a refund.
About the UK Gambling Commission
If you are a UK player, you have probably heard about the UK Gambling Commission aka UKGC.
But, in case you have no clue… Keep reading and discover what this is for.
The Gambling Commission is the official authority in charge of supervising the gambling activities in Great Britain. In addition, this commission along with other licensing authorities issues the license that any online casino needs to operate legally in the UK.
And that’s not all.
The UKGC also facilitates gamblers to report any strange or illegal activity about their casinos.
UKGC and the casino licenses
As we already explained, any casino must meet strict requirements to obtain the UK license. As a result, the Gambling Commission considered all casinos holding a license out of the UK to be illegal in its territory.
However, you can still play at foreign based casinos.
What does Gamstop mean?
We’re not done yet. If you want to fully understand the context of this situation, you may also learn what Gamstop is.
What is Gamstop?
Gamstop is an online national self-exclusion scheme. In other words, is it a free service that helps players to put a limit and restrict themselves from the UK gambling sites.
If you consider that you have a gambling problem or addiction, all you need to you is to register. Gamstop will automatically exclude you from all the UK licensed casinos that are registered in the UKGC.
If you want to make sure that this really works, you can check some of the players’ reviews.
How to know which casinos are registered in Gamstop?
Firstly, you need to have in mind that Gamstop can only exclude players from the UK and casinos that are registered in Gamstop. Also, we need to consider that this organization is quite recent and not all casinos are registered yet. However, all casinos will be obliged to join the program progressively.
What does it mean, exactly?
Well, this means that in the future, the only possible way to play at a non-Gamstop casino will be to play at a non-UK licensed casino. Whether you choose between UK casinos or casinos not bloqued by Gamstop is your choice.
What should you do?
Depending on your situation, playing at casinos that are registered in Gamstop may be a relief or just a nightmare.
That’s why we are going to give you some extra information before you choose:
- Casinos registered in Gamstop:
We highly recommend playing at UK licensed casinos that are registered in Gamstop if you suffer or have suffered in the past any sort of gambling addiction.
In this case, you will be able to block yourself from all registered gambling sites, and you won’t be able to bet until your agreement expires. Players can choose to be self-excluded for a period of six months, one year or even five years.
This program will be activated only during the time you choose. So, players need to remember to update their blocked status if it expires.
- Non-UK casinos not blocked by Gamstop:
We recommend choosing non-UK licensed casinos if you have nothing to worry about.
These casinos are for those players who just want to play casino and have a great time. Non-UK licensed casinos follow less restrictive requirements, compared to UK licensed casinos.
As a result, non-UK casinos have more freedom to operate, and offer a greater variety of bonuses and games.
Non-UK vs UK: Benefits and disadvantages
This is probably a lot of information. That’s why we have created a great summary for you!
Scroll down and check the pros and cons of non-UK and UK casinos:
NON- UK Licensed Casinos
Advantages:
- Lots of casino bonuses and free spins
- Fast sign up process and quick start
- Higher maximum betting limit, or no limit
- They accept UK players
- Not restricted by the Gambling Commission
- Holding a licensed in Malta, Gibraltar, Curacao, Isle of Man…
- Offshore casinos are not included in Gamstop
Disadvantages:
- Not supervised by the Gambling Comission
- The UKGC is not responsible for licenses issued out of UK
- Not registered in Gamstop
- Dangerous casinos for people with gambling addiction
- Player need to check if they can play and withdraw in their currency (£)
UK Licensed Casinos registered in Gamstop
Advantages:
- Great option for people with gambling problems
- Self-exclusion from UK casino sites for 6 months, 1 year or even 5 years
- Casinos are supervised by the Gambling Commission
- Casinos hold a license issued by the UKGC
- Player can report any suspicious activity or problem to the UKGC
Disadvantages:
- Not able to play casino until your agreement expires
- Strict betting limits
- Less offer of bonuses and free spins
- Offshore casinos are not registered in Gamstop
How to choose your casino
Here, you are going to learn some tips to choose your non-UK online casino:
- Check if they have nice casino bonuses such as welcome bonuses, first-deposit bonuses or bonuses without deposit
- Check wagering requirements
- Check payment methods and if you can play and withdraw in your own currency
- Read carefully its Terms & Conditions
- Check in their website if they are holding a License
- Register and start playing!
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