Popular gambling sites are generally highly restrictive, particularly those regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Upon signing up, players must undergo a lengthy customer verification process, which includes Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.
Once signed up, players may also find that the platform is limited in terms of games, bonuses, and payout speed.
Due to the above reasons, players are turning to what can be described as “less restrictive online casinos”, such as offshore or non-GamStop iGaming platforms. In this article, we’ll explore further why less restrictive casinos are becoming more popular.
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GamStop restrictions
One reason why gamers favour less restrictive gambling sites is due to GamStop restrictions experienced on UK-based sites.
GamStop is a self-exclusion service that UK gamblers can sign up for to control their gambling habits. Once you sign up for GamStop, you will not be able to access any gambling site that is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
You can choose how long your exclusion period lasts – either six months, one year, or five years – however, you cannot end your exclusion early.
This causes problems for those who feel they no longer need GamStop and can go back to enjoying online gambling responsibly, which is where non-GamStop casinos come in.
Gambling sites not on GamStop, like the ones listed here by Johanna Gullberg, allow gamers who have signed up for the exclusion scheme to still partake in online gambling activities.
They generally offer a wider game selection and an easier sign-up process than GamStop-abiding sites.
They are offshore sites in the sense that they are based outside the UK and are not regulated by the UKGC. This means they don’t have to follow UKGC rules or adhere to the GamStop scheme.
Game diversity
Sites that aren’t regulated by the UKGC can also provide players with greater game diversity.
Offshore gaming sites typically base themselves in countries where gaming regulations are minimal, allowing them to support a wider selection of games without having to meet stringent compliance standards.
The games found on offshore sites are not scrutinised by the UKGC in the same way that games on UK-based platforms are. This regulatory flexibility enables offshore sites to offer games that would not otherwise be permitted in the UK.
👀 The lack of regulatory restrictions also encourages iGaming developers to partner with offshore sites rather than gambling platforms based in heavily restricted countries.
These developers do not need to obtain licensing for their games when selling them to offshore sites, nor do their games need to be heavily checked and tested before gamers can play them.
Due to this, you’re more likely to find cutting-edge and unique gambling experiences on offshore sites.
Offshore sites also cater to a wider global audience rather than just a UK audience. This means they are more likely to include a broader selection of games to appeal to a diverse player base.
Overall, offshore sites provide users with exclusive gaming titles, which is why many favour less restrictive gambling sites.
Easy sign-up processes
Generally, less restrictive gambling sites have easier sign-up processes and don’t ask for as much personal information.
As part of UKGC regulations, UK gambling sites must have Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures in place. This is a lengthy process where players must submit information and documentation to prove their identity. Once submitted, players must then wait for approval.
Without these processes in place, less restrictive gambling sites allow players to get to the games sooner. Most of the time, all you need to do is create an account name and a password. Once created, you can jump straight into playing the offshore site’s wide selection of games.
Anonymous gaming
The lack of KYC procedures means that players can use less restrictive gambling sites to play anonymously. Some people simply don’t like sharing their details online as they feel it poses a security risk.
Non-KYC gambling sites allow players to keep their personal information – such as their full name, date of birth, location, etc. – to themselves.
👉 Whilst regulated casinos have high-security measures in place, there is always the risk of a data breach occurring and players’ personal information falling into the wrong hands.
Anonymous gambling removes this risk entirely. Personal details cannot be stolen and players’ locations cannot be tracked.
More people are switching to less restrictive gambling sites for cyber security reasons. This is unsurprising, given that an estimated 2 million Brits had their identity stolen and used to open financial accounts in 2023.
By not providing their personal or financial information to the site, online gamblers can protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.
Payment options
Less restrictive gambling sites usually offer a wider range of payment options. Crypto gambling sites, for example, allow players to bet using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies instead of fiat currencies like the British pound.
There are several benefits to gambling sites that offer alternative payment methods such as crypto:
- Lower transaction costs
- Faster transaction times
- Players retain more of their winnings
- Prompt receipt of winnings
- Option for anonymous gambling
- No need to share sensitive or financial information
There are currently 3.3 million people who hold crypto assets in the UK.
There is also a growing need for platforms – online casinos in particular – that accept crypto as a form of payment in the UK. Already, we’re seeing players switch to less restrictive sites in order to use their crypto assets.
Bigger bonuses, higher withdrawal limits
Less restrictive casinos generally operate in countries with more favourable tax rates and low operational costs. The money saved can go into offering players bigger sign-up bonuses, which attracts more players and increases their revenue.
🤑 The more money saved and made, the more benefits these sites can offer their players.
These sites also don’t need to comply with any bonus or promotional restrictions. They can offer as many no-deposit bonuses, high-match bonuses, loyalty programs, and free spins as they wish without adhering to UKGC restrictions.
Overall, this ensures that less-restrictive gambling sites are generally more enjoyable and rewarding for the player.
Additionally, high rollers often favour unrestricted casinos due to their limitless withdrawals. Some casinos set a withdrawal limit to improve cash flow and encourage continued play – this is generally not the case with offshore and non-GamStop casinos.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is that players prefer less restrictive casinos because they’re exactly that: less restrictive! Regulated casinos limit the number of games that can be played, the range of acceptable payment options, and the bonuses offered.
They also come with lengthy sign-up processes that require players to verify their identity, preventing anonymous play.
In response to these limitations, online casino players favour less restrictive casinos as they offer easy sign-ups, anonymous gambling, lucrative bonuses, and many other benefits!
