What are the differences between bookmakers licenced in the UK and elsewhere?

The online gambling sector has been growing rapidly, offering players a wide variety of options to enjoy their favourite casino games anywhere and at any time.

Some of these options include offshore (non-Gamstop) and UKGC-licensed bookmakers that operate under different regulatory standards and cater to different player preferences.

 

Self-exclusion via Gamstop

One of the biggest differences between non-Gamstop and UKGC-regulated bookmakers is the latter's participation in the Gamstop self-exclusion program.

This program is a free online self-exclusion service that allows players to voluntarily exclude themselves from accessing online gambling sites.

That means if a player has opted to put themself under Gamstop restrictions, they are unable to access any UKGC-licensed sites for either 6 months, one year, or five years. After the minimum exclusion period, players can contact Gamstop to remove the exclusion.

However, while this program is very useful, it can also restrict players who are ready to start betting before their exclusion period ends.

This can be frustrating for players, as all UKGC bookmakers are legally required to enforce these restrictions, preventing players from switching to different platforms.

 

Overseas bookmakers: Freedom and flexibility

In contrast to the restrictive nature of UKGC-licenced sportsbooks, non-Gamstop bookmakers offer a more flexible and less stringent gambling experience for players.

These gambling platforms are licensed and regulated abroad and don’t have to conform to UKGC regulations.

Additionally, they usually have more privacy-centric KYC procedures that still prioritise player safety but are not as stringent as the UKGC platforms that require lengthy identity verification requirements.

The streamlined approach means that players can start betting, without going through time-consuming checks that can range anywhere between hours and sometimes days.

 

Broader range of betting options

Another feature that has attracted many players to non-Gamstop bookmakers is their wide range of betting options.

These platforms normally offer a broader selection of casino gaming options like roulette and blackjack as well as different sports betting options that offer different odds that cater to a global audience.

Whether players prefer to bet on traditional sports such as tennis and football or wager on emerging markets like esports and virtual sports, these bookmakers will have something for everyone.

Moreover, non-Gamstop bookmakers usually come with more generous bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs that are appealing to seasoned gamblers.

Contrarily, since UKGC bookmakers must stick to strict rules regarding promotional offers, they don’t have the same freedom to create enticing deals that give players more value for their money.

 

Fewer restrictions on stakes and winnings

Compared to UKGC bookmakers, their non-Gamstop counterparts normally have fewer limits on potential winnings and stake sizes.

UKGC bookmakers are required to place limits on bets and deposits, which are generally implemented as daily, weekly, or monthly caps.

Even though these caps have been put in place as safeguards that are intended to protect players, they have been hindering many players who prefer high-stakes betting and those who want the chance to win larger payouts on certain games.

Non-Gamstop bookmakers have been useful as many of them let players set limits they are comfortable with, thus offering them the opportunity to place bigger bets and, potentially, earn bigger rewards. Many experienced bettors like having this freedom as it allows them to take advantage of favourable odds to maximise their returns on some bets.

 

International appeal

Non-Gamstop bookmakers appeal to a global market and not just UK players.

This means they cater to different time zones, allowing players to access games at any time.

Since online casinos cater to a global audience, they typically offer customer support in multiple languages, accept various currencies from different countries, and offer flexible payment methods.

Additionally, their global reach allows them to provide players with different odds on a wide selection of casino games or sports betting.

For example, they can offer odds on niche games like Japanese rock, paper, scissors, or American football matches, catering to international players with specialized interests.

 

Faster payouts and varied payment methods

Non-Gamstop bookmakers stand out from their UKGC counterparts due to the wider range of payment options they provide players.

This includes credit and debit cards like Visa, e-wallets like PayPal, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as traditional methods like bank transfers and mobile payment methods.

Compared to traditional gambling platforms that use slower banking methods like bank transfers, these bookmakers are using modern solutions like e-wallets and cryptocurrencies.

These payment options provide faster transaction speeds, allowing players to deposit funds into their casino accounts instantly, and withdraw their winnings faster.

Since these solutions often process transactions instantly or in a few hours, this means players don’t have to wait for days to have access to their money.

Additionally, many of these online gambling platforms prioritise payment methods that offer anonymity and quick transactions.

This approach has been valued by players who cherish the enhanced security and privacy that allow them to bet anonymously.