Since Gamstop became mandatory in March 2020, plenty of UK punters have found themselves looking elsewhere for their betting needs.
Non-Gamstop betting sites have filled this gap nicely. They're offshore platforms that don't fall under UK gambling regulations, which means they can offer things that domestic sites can no longer offer.
The primary thing that sets these sites apart is the freedom they offer. They're not tied down by the same rules that UK sites have to follow. Most of them are licensed in places like Malta, Curaçao, or Gibraltar, where the regulations are different.
This all means that you can sign up and start betting straight away without jumping through hoops. The welcome bonuses tend to be much bigger, too.
While UK sites might offer you £20 in free bets, UK betting sites not on GamStop often throw in hundreds of pounds worth of bonuses.
The deposit and withdrawal limits are also much more relaxed. If you're someone who likes to bet bigger amounts, you won't find yourself hitting artificial caps that domestic sites put in place.
One thing you'll notice right away is how much more these sites cover. UK betting sites have become quite conservative with what they offer, but offshore platforms go all out. You'll find obscure leagues, niche sports, and betting markets that you've probably never seen before.
The live streaming is usually better, too. Many of these sites show matches that UK platforms can't get the rights to broadcast. This makes following your bets much more interesting when you can actually watch what's happening.
Recent data shows that nearly 600,000 people have registered with Gamstop since its 2018 launch. That's over half a million people who can't access domestic betting sites. For these punters, offshore sites offer something domestic ones simply can't.
The odds are often more competitive, too. Without the same tax burdens and regulatory costs, these sites can afford to offer better prices on popular markets. That might not sound like much, but it adds up over time if you bet regularly.
Promotions run throughout the year as well. UK sites have become quite stingy with their ongoing offers, but offshore platforms keep the bonuses coming. Free bets, cashback deals, and loyalty rewards are pretty standard.
Getting your money in and out is usually much smoother with these sites. While UK betting sites now ask for all sorts of documentation upfront, offshore ones let you start betting first and sort the paperwork out later when you want to withdraw.
The withdrawal times are faster, too. Most can get your winnings back to you within 24 hours, sometimes even quicker if you use e-wallets or crypto. UK sites often take several days because of all the extra checks they have to do.
Malta-licensed sites are particularly good for this. Industry reports show that Maltese regulators carried out 54 on-site compliance audits in 2021 alone, so you know the good ones are properly supervised.
Cryptocurrency has become huge with offshore betting sites. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies are accepted at most of them now. This gives you complete privacy and instant transfers both ways.
You can use traditional payment methods, too. Credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers are all available, often with better rates and lower fees than what you'd get with UK sites.
Of course, there are trade-offs. These sites don't come under UK consumer protection laws, so if something goes wrong, getting help might be trickier. That said, the reputable ones are licensed by proper gambling authorities and take player protection seriously.
If you've self-excluded through Gamstop for any reason, these sites won't have access to that information. You'll need to manage your own betting limits and restrictions since these platforms operate independently from the UK's self-exclusion system.
Non-Gamstop betting sites give UK punters what domestic platforms used to offer before regulations tightened up. Better bonuses, more markets, quicker payouts, and fewer restrictions make them attractive alternatives.
Just make sure you pick sites with proper licenses and good reputations. The freedom comes with responsibility, but for many punters, that's a fair trade-off.
