UK Sports Betting Options for Individuals Impacted by GamStop

GamStop stands as the leading self-exclusion initiative, encompassing all UKGC-regulated online casinos and sportsbooks. It’s a mandatory tool, ensuring users can’t bypass it when registering on British platforms. By detecting compulsive behaviors, GamStop effectively limits access to gaming and betting sites for individuals adversely affected by gambling.

However, not all program participants are ready to limit access to their favourite entertainment. Therefore, they search for ways to get around the ban and continue placing bets. In this case, they have a range of alternative options, so let’s explore what to consider to continue punting without limitations and with additional benefits in your virtual pocket.

Offshore Betting Sites

These platforms operate outside the UK borders and are licensed within other jurisdictions. Therefore, they are not covered by the GamStop program and don’t require mandatory self-exclusion. In this case, users can enjoy more flexibility and betting opportunities. Offshore bookmakers usually cover a broader range of sports markets and offer juicier bonuses to their members.

Such websites are available globally, so UK punters can easily access them. It’s worth noting that joining foreign platforms is not restricted by the country’s gambling regulator if the chosen online bookmaker operates under appropriate licensing. The number of betting operators is growing, so punters won’t have any challenges when choosing one. Remember to check the website licensing and availability of security mechanisms and bet on the anticipated event with a few clicks.

Non-GamStop Licensed Bookmakers

Some users are afraid of joining online sportsbooks outside the UK jurisdiction, fearing they are insecure and operate without licensing. However, this is a false opinion since the only difference is that they operate under the control of bodies like Curaçao eGaming and Malta Gaming Authority. A reputable list of betting sites that are not on Gamstop offers numerous advantages, including the following:

• More flexible deposit and withdrawal limits
• Wider acceptance of different payment methods
• Implementation of the best security mechanisms
• Exclusive promotions for new and regular players

Of course, the lack of self-exclusion is the main benefit for those who want to avoid GamStop. Punters don’t risk being restricted from bookmaker sites, so they gladly choose sportsbooks not covered by software. Luckily, there are numerous online bookmakers available for UK bettors, so everyone can find something suitable with the best conditions.

Cryptocurrency Betting Platforms

Blockchain-based platforms are another alternative for those desiring to avoid GamStop. Cryptocurrencies allow users to bet anonymously without the need to reveal their identities. Moreover, the system is considered more secure, as user personal and banking details are protected with two-factor authentication, cryptographic hashing, SPV, etc.

Those valuing privacy often choose crypto bookmaker sites. Moreover, they have multiple benefits, like lucrative bonuses and increased deposit and withdrawal limits. Bitcoin, Litecoin, and their alternatives can be divided into microparticles, which allow minimum deposits. Such an approach is widespread among low-budget punters who are not in the mood to invest a lot to place their bets. However, users must remember that cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, which brings additional risks to their usage in online sportsbooks.

Betting Shops and Land-Based Bookmakers

Most punters choose online sportsbooks due to their broad accessibility and convenience of usage. It’s enough to have a device and a stable Internet connection to make your sports bet with a few clicks. However, there are numerous land-based betting shops operating across the UK. Offline bookmakers are not covered by GamStop, so self-excluded individuals or those desiring to avoid the program can still visit them. The authentic spirit of betting shops attracts many punters and provides numerous opportunities.

While for many, land-based betting shops are pretty outdated, they have some advantages over their virtual competitors. First, punters don’t have to wait for their winnings, as they can take the cash prize immediately after their bet works. In this case, fairness is confirmed – the bookmaker hardly has any chance to avoid the payout. At the same time, some online sportsbooks may appear fraudulent and search for reasons not to proceed with a withdrawal, so it’s crucial to search for time-tested sites.

Live communication with like-minded people is another benefit of offline bookmakers. Punters can enjoy talking to other sports fans and exchanging recommendations on their future predictions. The social aspect is also valuable, which is why land-based betting shops are not likely to lose their popularity.

The Final Word

Even though GamStop self-exclusion has proven efficient in terms of coping with problem betting and gambling, many risk hunters prefer to avoid it. The program can limit access to sportsbooks when noticing the first signs of compulsive behaviours, so punters are forced to search for alternative ways to make their predictions. The good news from sports is that they can take advantage of offshore bookmakers, crypto platforms, and non-GamStop sites. In addition, land-based betting shops are still available to punters: even though they are not as accessible and convenient as their online competitors, they are the way to avoid self-exclusion in the UK.