Slots Without Gamstop
11 Feb
It's a fact that today, in the United Kingdom, any adult can easily find casinos not on Gamstop, or not licensed in the UK, with just a few clicks of their mouse. And yet the UK has some of the most stringent and far-reaching regulatory requirements in the world. So how can these two seemingly contradictory facts exist simultaneously?
Slots Not on GamStop – Are There Any? You are probably wondering whether there are any good slot machines to play now that GamStop became a must in all UK-registered online casinos. For those who have self-excluded themselves and those who now seek to go around GamStop self-exclusion and find slot machines to spin, we have good news.
The UK generally allows its citizens free access to the internet, including non-UK casino sites, so there are no technological barriers in place to prevent them accessing such sites. The licensed online landscape in the UK features some of the biggest and most established gambling brands in the world, so why then are so many UK gamblers choosing to go elsewhere for their kicks?
- If you joined Gamstop.co.uk due to gambling addiction, this information is provided so that you can self-exclude from gambling sites that do not use Gamstop. However if like many you were unlawfully added to Gamstop, and have no way out of your unlawful self-exclusion, then the following casinos may be an option for you.
- This is not the case on slot sites without Gamstop, as many game providers do not want to offer games to UK players without a UKGC licence. Game studios you can expect at most online slots sites not registrered with Gamstop include.
- Non Gamstop sites usually can offer the players a more significant bonus such as 100 up to 1000 or 400 up to 2000, which is intriguing for people who enter the site. Without Gamstop there are several options to play slot machines, table games, as well as taking part in free spins and claiming a welcome bonus.
Surprisingly, the answer may actually lie with the steps taken by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), the regulatory body established to help protect UK gamblers.
The UKGC has introduced many measures to work towards making online gambling safer and more controlled, but arguably some of those measures are encouraging some UK gamblers to move their play to casinos where they are likely to face fewer restrictions on their play, with fewer responsible gaming tools available.
These measures can include restrictions and limitations on the way users play the games available at UK casino sites, such as limited bonuses, restricted stakes, and even slower reel speeds for slots games.
These restrictions are not present at casinos not on Gamstop, and there's one other big draw for select online casino gamblers – and worryingly, especially those with a history of gambling problems: non UK casino sites are not signed up to the Gamstop scheme.
UK Casinos and the Gamstop Mechanism
It's a word you may see again and again with reference to UK casino sites, so what exactly is Gamstop?
Gamstop is a UK industry-wide scheme that aims to help problem gamblers take a break. Anyone who voluntarily signs up for a Gamstop self-exclusion is automatically barred from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites for a time period of their choosing – up to and including a permanent ban.
It's a useful system that has helped a great many people take steps to regulate their play, and adherence to the scheme is a requisite of any UK casino site. These sites are able to share player data in order to ensure any Gamstop ban is upheld, so even if a user has not made an account at a certain site before, they will still be banned from playing there when they do if their Gamstop exclusion is still active.
Casinos not on Gamstop – which is every online casino site not licensed by the UKGC – have no access to this data and cannot apply Gamstop exclusions. What's more, these non UK sites not on Gamstop usually offer fewer built-in responsible gaming tools, creating a naturally more risky environment for vulnerable players.
This might not be a problem, but as we've already seen, finding and joining non Gamstop casino sites is an extremely easy process for UK players – even those currently serving a Gamstop ban.
Casinos not on Gamstop Accepting UK players – Technology facilitates the risk?
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Thus we have a situation where measures taken to protect vulnerable players may actually be putting them in harm's way (or at least, allowing them to place themselves at greater risk).
While casinos not on Gamstop are not permitted to advertise or market to UK customers, they are not prohibited from accepting them as players. And while gamblers in the UK will not see adverts or commercials for these sites, anyone with a simple knowledge of search engines can easily find a wide range of non-Gamstop casinos from which to choose.
UK spend at casinos not on Gamstop is growing year on year, with a recent PWC report showing that around £2.8bn was spent in 2020 – double the £1.4bn spent just two years prior. And perhaps most concerningly, the report also flags a high percentage of player indifference to playing at non UK casino sites, with many players actually citing the UKGC's safety measures as reasons to play at non-UKGC sites.
As William Hill CEO Ulrik Bengtsson says, “a person on a legal betting site is only a few clicks away from a black market option”. Technology such as Gamstop is being used to try and protect UK gamblers, but technology is also the key to easily unlocking the world of non Gamstop casino play. And cracking down on internet freedom in the UK is not a preferred route forwards for anyone.
Can players on Non Gamstop Casinos really take care of themselves?
So if technology is not the solution, can we trust players to act in their own best interests? After all, Gamstop is a voluntary scheme that users must initiate themselves, and other responsible gaming tools, such as weekly deposit limits, cooldown periods or specific game bans, are almost always entirely player-controlled.
Yet addiction is rarely a problem which can be successfully dealt with by the individual alone. Help should be provided, we can all agree, but what form that help needs to take for it to work most effectively – without penalising others and without driving problem gamblers to less regulated sites – is still to be determined.
Are UK Casinos not on Gamstop really the problem?
Casinos not on Gamstop are not going away. These are often operated by companies based in jurisdictions around the world like Panama, Costa Rica or Curacao, and can be licensed there or by any number of international regulators. To expect them to simply disappear would be naïve in the extreme.
Likewise, a proportion of the UK public enjoys gambling, and a minority of those gamblers will be vulnerable to gambling addiction. Measures such as Gamstop place tools in the players' hands to help themselves, but while the responsibility lies with the individual there will always be those who fall through the cracks.
The solution adopted by the UKGC, however, is an uncomfortable fit for the industry: by introducing what are effectively 'spoilers' to the UKGC-licensed gambling sites, such as enforced delays between slots spins, or restricted deposit bonuses, they are making the player experience worse. And in cases such as this where there is a ready alternative, in the form of casinos not on Gamstop, many players will obviously take it.
The Future: Self-Sanity or a less rigid law?
In January 2021, the UK recorded over 100,000 internet searches relating to non Gamstop casino sites, so this is not an issue which is going away.
The current system, whereby casinos not on Gamstop remain easily accessible for all UK gamblers, providing an experience which for many is actually preferable to that of licensed UK sites, runs counter to the intention.
So what is the way forward: greater personal responsibility, or increased regulatory reach? Neither is a perfect solution, and both have inherent problems. It's difficult to predict in which direction the industry will head, but whatever the way forward there must be room for individual freedom and personal choice: two things highly valued by anyone in a free society, but perhaps valued by gamblers most of all.
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Slots Not on GamStop – Are There Any?
You are probably wondering whether there are any good slot machines to play now that GamStop became a must in all UK-registered online casinos. For those who have self-excluded themselves and those who now seek to go around GamStop self-exclusion and find slot machines to spin, we have good news. But first of all, let’s go through a few important things.
Megaways Slots Not On Gamstop Best Casinos
What Is GamStop Actually?
Since you are here, you probably know what GamStop is. If not, GamStop is a self-exclusion program that is completely free and created for players who are dealing with excessive gambling or gambling addiction. It allows them to self-exclude themselves from playing at online casinos. Self-exclusion program is mandatory for all UK based online casinos that hold UKGC license.
This means that when you join the GamStop self-exclusion scheme, you won’t be able to gamble anymore at any of the UK online casinos. Even though there are still some of the UK casinos that are not on GamStop, they will soon be (April 2020) as that is the requirement that the UK Gambling Commission has issued.
Should You Disregard Your Self-exclusion?
The players can self-exclude for one month, six months, or 5 years. Once this is done, there’s no going back as GamStop does not allow players to leave the program before the exclusion period expires. If you have become a part of GamStop program because you’re battling with gambling addiction, then you should by no means try to disregard the GamStop program and try to play again.
On the other hand, we know that there are many players who have self-excluded themselves impulsively or due to some bad betting decisions, and similar. In those cases, these players can find a way to play again regardless of them joining the GamStop program. Again, if you are not in this group of players, please, for your own good, do not attempt to get around the self-exclusion.
There are plenty of programs and organizations that you can reach out to for help and support. Some of those are BeGamble Aware or GamCare. You can easily get the support and advice you need regarding the gambling issues that will greatly help you in winning that battle.
How to Play Slots When Involved in GamStop Program?
If you are looking for a way to spin the reels of your favourite slot machines while being self-excluded, then continue reading as there is a way, and quite a simple one, too. The key is to register at online casinos that are not on GamStop, that is, casinos that do not hold the UK Gambling Commission license. And now you may wonder whether these casinos are scammy or shady. Let us stop you right there. They are not, at least, most of them are reputable and trustworthy online casinos where you can find plenty of online slots to play.
All Kinds of Slot Machines Available at Non GamStop Casinos
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Don’t think that because an online casino doesn’t hold the UKGC license that it is a bad casino. Quite the contrary, all these casinos have a lot to offer to their players. From slot machines, table casino games to Live Casino, scratch cards, etc. Since slot machines have always been a favourite among players, the collections are often quite big. At non GamStop casinos, you can find hundreds of popular titles, just like in any other UK-licensed casino you used to play at.
Are There Any Popular Slots Available at Non GamStop Casinos?
Yes, you can find all kinds of slot machines at these casinos ranging from classic titles to modern novelty video slots packed with bonus features. Therefore, if you are a fan of evergreen titles such as NetEnt’s Starburst, you will most certainly find this one. You will also not miss the popular Immortal Romance, Blood Suckers, Legacy of Ra, Great Rhino, Gonzo’s Quest, Book of Dead, Twin Spin, Dead or Alive, Reactoonz, Piggy Riches, or the popular Megaways slot machines, for example.
Furthermore, there are plenty of progressive jackpot slot machines available as well. So if you are a fan of these kinds of slots, then you won’t lack any jackpot thrill and fun. Mega Moolah, for example, as one of the most popular and most played progressives is out there. Of course, whether you will find all these titles and the ones you are looking for, depends solely on the online casino that you choose.
Any Slots From Popular Software Providers?
Most certainly, yes. You can find a variety of slot machines at non GamStop online casinos. There are different-themed slots, classic ones, video slots, those with a modern touch; just whichever you wish. These casinos offer rich slots collection for the players that include popular as well as novelty titles by some of the most renowned software providers in the industry such as Novomatic, NetEnt, Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger, Microgaming, Betsoft, Pragmatic Play, and many others. So you can rest sure that you will find your favourite slot machine to play.
Casinos on GamStop VS. Casinos Not on GamStop
Just like we’ve mentioned earlier in the text, the main difference between these online casinos is the license they all hold. Those casinos based in the UK must have the license provided by UKGC, hence they must be a part of the GamStop program. On the other hand, online casinos that are not in the UK hold different licenses. These usually include licenses issued by Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gaming Commission, or Curacao E-Gaming Licensing Authority.
These are all renowned and trustworthy authorities in the industry that make sure that all the casinos under their license are following all the necessary laws and requirements of the market.
Are There Any Slot Sites Not on GamStop?
Yes, there are plenty of online casinos that are not on GamStop where you can play slot machines and enjoy all kinds of titles. These casinos offer rich slot machine collections where you can play anything from classic slots, old-school titles, to novelty video slot machines.
Is Playing Slots at Casinos Not on GamStop Safe?
Yes, online casinos not on GamStop listed here on our website are completely safe and secure. These are casinos that are very popular in the rest of Europe and are all licensed, therefore, trustworthy.
What Slots Can I Play?
The players can enjoy all kinds of slot machines. The popular titles such as Starburst or Dead or Alive on NetEnt are usually always available. You can also find plenty of other titles by renowned game providers such as Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Blueprint Gaming, etc. A lot of these slots can be found in your local bookmakers on the FOBT machines, in bingo halls and online bingo sites, and in popular land based casinos.
What Is GamStop?
GamStop is a free self-exclusion program that allows players to exclude themselves from all online casinos that are registered with GamStop. This is a way to help those players who are dealing with gambling issues. The self-exclusion program can last for one month, 6 months, or 5 years. Once you self-exclude yourself, you cannot go back and leave the program.
Why Is GamStop Important In the UK?
GamStop self-exclusion program is very important for dealing with gambling issues and addiction. With GamStop, the players are able to restrict themselves from playing at online casinos and all completely for free. This way, the gambling addiction problems should decrease.
How to Get Around GamStop?
There are ways to avoid GamStop self-exclusion but you should not do this if you are badly affected by gambling. In this case, seek help with organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous or GamCare. However, for players who have impulsively joined the GamStop program, there is a way to avoid the scheme, that is, by registering at online casinos not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.