The Impact of Non-GAMSTOP Online Casinos on UK Entertainment
Data suggests that around 26% of the UK population gambles online. This means that around 17.5 million people in the country participate in this form of entertainment. Many of these people have accounts at more than one online casino or sportsbook, as estimates suggest that there are around 32 million online gaming accounts in the UK.
Given these figures, it’s clear that playing at online casinos is a mainstream form of entertainment in the UK. Within this form of entertainment, there are options for people. Players can use sites that are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and part of the GAMSTOP scheme. They can also choose to play at offshore sites that are not registered with GAMSTOP.
How Do Sites Not On GAMSTOP Impact The Entertainment Available To Players?
One of the biggest entertainment advantages of casinos not on gamstop is that there are no restrictions on play, even for players who have chosen to self-exclude by registering with GAMSTOP. Obviously, there are advantages to self-exclusion for some people. However, other people want to be able to play more freely. They can do this at sites outside of GAMSTOP. They also still have control over their play as they can use the responsible gambling tools that all reputable offshore casinos have on their websites.
Another area where casinos outside of GAMSTOP are more entertaining is the array of games available. It’s often possible to find a larger number and greater variety of games than at some UK-licensed sites. The variety of games available includes slots, table games, bingo, live casino content, and crash games. Some sites also provide sports betting. It’s important to note players from the UK may experience issues accessing certain games. This problem can be solved by using a VPN when playing.
Many forms of entertainment, such as streaming platforms and cable services, require a payment to be made. Using an online casino is no different. Money must be deposited before playing. Many non-GAMSTOP sites make accessing this entertainment easy by providing an array of secure payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, various digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
Also, non-GAMSTOP sites tend to provide more generous bonuses and promotions that allow players to extend their period of entertainment. However, be aware that the terms and conditions attached to these promotions are often very strict, and it can be difficult to meet the playthrough requirements required before any winnings can be withdrawn.
The Impact Of Non-GAMSTOP Sites On UK Revenue From This Form Of Entertainment
Online casinos do not have to be UK-licensed or part of the GAMSTOP scheme to be legitimate. Reputable sites that are based offshore are usually licensed in other jurisdictions, such as Curaçao, Gibraltar, and Malta. Having this license in place means that the operators are dedicated to safety and fair play. So, the quality of the experience for users of the site is not adversely affected by the casino not being GAMSTOP registered.
However, these sites are not licensed in the UK, so they are not subject to the same taxation that is paid by operators that have a UKGC license. According to research carried out by PwC for the Betting and Gaming Council, in February 2023, the number of people in the UK using non-GAMSTOP has increased in the last two years, from around 220,000 to 460,000. The more people make the decision to use these sites, the more the UK online casino industry loses revenue, and the UK government misses out on taxes.
It’s clear that non-GAMSTOP online casinos are having a positive impact on the entertainment of UK players who use them. However, the impact on revenue for the UK online casino industry and taxation for the government is less positive. As more UK residents choose to play at these sites, these impacts are likely to be more keenly felt.
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