Every year, the online gambling market in Europe shows growth in terms of game volume and value of the sector. On average, however, European gaming growth is 10% and the UK (in addition to Italy) is one of the most active stages overall. And it is precisely in our country that we tend to talk more insistently about the role that the UKGC as a control body for gambling. But at the same time, several players are also starting to look towards non GamStop betting sites like Bubbles Bet. That is, offshore or non-UK gambling sites with an international license. In fact, recent market reports record their success.
But what are the differences between these two industries united by the offer of services dedicated to online betting?
What Are the Non GamStop Betting Sites?
There are a world of opportunities outside the national borders. This is demonstrated by offshore sites that operate in an authorised manner thanks to their international licenses. But the question that British players often ask themselves is only one: are these non GamStop bookies really safe?
To understand this, we need to take a step back and first explain what the characteristics of these two worlds are:
- UK Bookmakers & Casinos: gambling in the UK is controlled by the Customs and Monopolies Agency. This body is responsible for granting authorisations to companies that are considered compliant with specific requirements. All legal casinos in the UK have an UKGC license, which they proudly display in the footer of their home page.
- Non GamStop: these are offshore, non-UK gambling sites with an international license. They refer to rules and controls managed by another reference body too. This does not mean that they are illegal platforms, but that they accept British players without having started the process of requesting UKGC license.
The Differences: From Games to Bonuses
At first glance, a UK site and a Non GamStop one might seem the same. In reality, there are differences. But they must be looked for in depth. You must focus your attention on the betting limits and bonuses that are offered to members.
First of all, non GamStop bookmakers do not have limits on payments, so there are no maximum caps or minimum bets. On the contrary, on non GamStop betting platforms there are minimum and maximum bet limits. There is a much higher level of freedom, even on the type of promotions that are introduced by offshore casinos, with offers that are objectively more competitive than Italian platforms. But why?
It’s simple: offshore bookmakers who do not want to operate with an UKGC license do so to stay away from the strict restrictions that govern gambling in the UK. And this makes them freer. As a result, they are able to count on regulations that are much more lenient. At the same time, however, they are still being aimed at player safety.
The Variety of Games & Bonuses at Non GamStop Bookmakers
If these two realities are almost similar in terms of security, the discussion changes a lot when it comes to games. On offshore betting sites we will always find a greater offer with game proposals, slots and tables. With this comes more variations and constant updates.
And since we have already mentioned them, we feel it is right to point out that bonuses not only often offer a series of additional advantages (for the number of spins offered and money). They are also easier to unlock. Their wagering requirements, terms and conditions of use are in fact made simpler precisely to attract players.
Conclusion
But then which betting site is more convenient to play on? It is practically impossible to give an objective answer, because the choice is really very personal. As we have seen, UKGC bookmakers and casinos rely on very high levels of control and protection of players to create a safe and transparent gaming environment; offering self-exclusion tools to prevent pathological gambling. This therefore requires a series of limitations for the operations carried out by the player. On the other hand, we have much more freedom. This is because Non GamStop sites refer to the regulation of other countries. And those regulations can be notoriously lighter than the Italian one.
The advice is to always carefully evaluate the variety of games, compare offers and loyalty programs of a site before deciding which one to choose. And obviously you should never give up looking for a platform with certifications and authorisations.
