Since its founding in 2007, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission has taken giant strides towards curbing problem gambling in the country. To achieve this, it introduced two significant tools – Gamban and Gamstop. Both function by limiting punters’ access to online betting sites for an agreed period, ranging from 6 months to five years.
In addition to these resources, the Commission established stringent rules restricting operators’ offerings to UK bettors. While these implementations serve good purposes, they take away the thrill of sports betting and casino gaming.
As such, players try to learn how to bypass Gamban, Gamstop, and other restrictions by turning to independent platforms. We’ve explored what these platforms offer and how to use their services safely.
What Do Non-Gamban Sites Have to Offer?
When picking these independent sites, you must consider your needs and preferences first. If you’re a sports enthusiast with a knack for making accurate predictions, opt for sports betting sites.
On the other hand, if playing games suits you best, there are online casinos to cater to your needs. Some standalone sites even combine bookmakers and online casinos, offering players more diversity. Here’s an in-depth overview of what you’d find on both platforms:
Betting Sites
Sports betting sites not covered by self-exclusion schemes introduce a variety of services that cater to different betting approaches. With a broad spectrum of sports markets, bettors can place wagers on popular favourites like football and basketball and niche options like cricket or darts. Their offerings include virtual and electronic sports, giving punters more than conventional wagering options. Their variety also extends to politics and television shows.
On these platforms, you can place different types of wagers, ranging from traditional moneyline bets to intricate parlays and prop bets. So, if you’re a newbie or risk averse, you can easily wager on markets with better-winning chances and lower payouts. Likewise, seasoned and high-stakes bettors can place bets with the potential to payout massive sums if successful.
The inclusion of live or in-play betting elevates the thrill of these platforms. As matches unfold in real-time, punters can wager, modify their bets, and capitalise on game-changing moments. Some platforms include live streaming and game trackers, allowing you to monitor a game’s progress and take advantage of the most profitable odds. Other features these platforms might consist of are cash-out functions and bet builders.
Competitive odds are another hallmark of such sports betting sites. These platforms strive to offer favourable lines, allowing you to make the most of your winning bets. They are also known for their massive bonuses for new and existing customers. You'll find different incentives you can claim, from welcome bonuses that boost initial deposits to ongoing promotions like free bets, cashback rewards, and odds boosts.
Slots/Casino Sites
The defining characteristic of non-Gamban casinos is their diverse game offerings. These platforms feature an extensive game collection, ranging from classic table games like blackjack and roulette to options like keno and bingo. They have live-streamed table games where real dealers interact with players in real-time, bridging the gap between land-based and online casinos.
However, it's the slots that stand out the most. Since these are the most popular casino games, it’s unsurprising that they make up most of a casino’s game collection. Independent platforms partner with multiple software developers to offer hundreds of them. Players can take their pick from games with exciting themes to those with rewarding bonus features. Plus, the Gambling Commission doesn’t restrict them, including elements like autoplay, Quickspin, and bonus buy options.
Some platforms have mobile applications for iOS and Android, allowing players to enjoy these games and features on smartphones and tablets. The variety extends beyond the game selection to the range of available wagering options. Non-Gamban casinos have flexible betting limits, catering to casual players and high rollers.
Such operators present massive promotions to make your experience more exciting. New players are usually welcomed with sign-up deals, which could be no-deposit bonuses you can claim without making a financial commitment on the platform. There are also free spins for enjoying a few risk-free rounds on certain slot games and matched-deposit bonuses, where you get a percentage of your deposit amount as a reward.
Which are the Supported Payment Methods?
One key element that contributes to their appeal is the supported payment methods. These operators understand the importance of providing convenient and secure options for financial transactions, ensuring that players can seamlessly manage their deposits and withdrawals.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are one of standalone sites' primary and most widely accepted payment methods. Players can use well-known card brands like Visa and MasterCard to fund their accounts and cash their winnings. The significant advantage of these options is the ability to control your gambling funds. Since they’re not directly linked to your bank account, you can easily manage how much you deposit at online casinos and bookmakers.
Crypto
With the constant evolution of the digital landscape, cryptocurrencies have become a more accepted alternative to conventional payment methods. Most independent platforms embrace new trends and include these options for deposits and withdrawals, especially Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. With this, players can enjoy fast transactions, anonymity, and other benefits attached to making crypto payments.
Credit score Protection and other Features
One of the advantages of using methods like credit cards and cryptocurrencies for gambling transactions is the protection of your credit score. Unlike bank transfers and debit cards, payments you make via these methods don’t reflect in your bank statements. So they don’t indirectly affect your creditworthiness. The best independent platforms also protect their websites with SSL encryption, which you can quickly identify by the lock icon at the beginning of their web address.
However, remember that the internet is filled with scam casinos and bookmakers outside the UK. Therefore, you must be careful when choosing these platforms. Use the best how-to guides to learn essential details you must look out for before picking a gambling site. Even if the operator is licensed, ensure its conditions and privacy policies are reasonable. Check its customer support service, bonuses, game selection, sports markets, and margins to be sure they suit your preferences. Also, read other bettors’ reviews to learn more about how the operator treats its customers.
