Last Updated on May 31, 2024
Non UK Licensed Casinos
Find The Best Unlicensed Gambling Sites Outside The UK
If you’re a British player looking for the best UK online casinos, there are several things you should think about before deciding whether to go with a homegrown operator or a non-UK licensed casino.
On the one hand, all of the top online casinos in the UK are a well-known quantity. They’re all regulated by the UKGC – an organisation with a great reputation for upholding values like security, fairness and player protection – and they all feature games from quality providers like Playtech, NetEnt and more.
On the other, acquiring UKGC licensing arguably comes at a cost to the player. The UKGC not only places regulations on the size and type of bonus that can be offered to customers, but their casinos must also comply with Gamstop – a tool designed to tackle problem gambling through self-exclusion.
Best non-UK licensed casinos for UK players
Okay now for the important part. You’re a UK player looking for the best possible online casinos away from home. Well here they are:
What Are UK Online Casinos Not On Gamstop?
If the UKGC is responsible for ensuring that all online casinos within its jurisdiction comply with Gamban, it stands to reason that all casinos without a UK license are free to choose whether they participate in the scheme or not – and unsurprisingly, the majority of them choose not to.
The reason for this is once a player has self-excluded with a nonstop casino site, they will not be able to play at any UKGC-licensed operator for the duration of their ban. They will, however, still be able to play at a non UK licensed casino, providing the site is legally allowed to offer services to UK players.
As such, more and more overseas operators that are not licensed by the UKGC and not participating in the Gamstop scheme are offering themselves as a safe haven for players who have previously self-excluded, but feel ready to return to the world of online gambling at a site that won’t restrict them.
Non UK Licensed Online Casinos Key Points
- Non UK licensed casinos are not obliged to comply with Gamstop or UKGC regulations
- Although licensed overseas, they are often legally allowed to host UK-based players
- On top of that, they are free to accept players who have self-excluded under Gamstop
- They should not to be confused with casinos that don’t hold ANY gambling license
Online Casinos That Accept UK Players
- Royal Oak Casino
- The Red Lion Casino
- Jimmy Winner CasinoMr Slots Club
- Harry’s Casino
- Players Club VIP Casino
UK Online Casinos Vs UK Online Casinos Not On Gamstop
Now that we’ve established what UKGC-licensed online casinos and non UK licensed casinos that offers their services to UK-based players are, it’s time to look at some of the important differences between the two and how this can help players to decide which option is right for them.
Licensing
First of all, it’s important to note that while the UKGC is a hugely respected regulatory body, it isn’t the only organisation responsible for handing out igaming licenses. Indeed, most reputable casinos without a UK license are regulated elsewhere, with Curacao and Cyprus being two alternatives.
Features
While UKGC-licensed casinos do offer a number of great player protection tools such as deposit limits, reality checks and even full-on self-exclusion via the Gamstop scheme, non-stop casinos certainly hold an edge when it comes to things like bonuses and game selection.
Technology
A new non-stop casino tend to more up to date than their UKGC-licensed counterparts, meaning their software is slicker and they often provide modern payment methods such as cryptocurrency. The best online casino in the UK, meanwhile, are more accepting of e-wallets like PayPal and NETELLER.
Accessibility
Given blackjack’s popularity in bricks and mortar casinos, it should come as no great surprise that the game is also available as live blackjack not on Gamstop. All live blackjack not on Gamstop titles are broadcast 24/7 from custom-built studios, bringing players closer to the action and creating an extra level of immersion by enabling live chat with players and dealers.
Bonuses
One of the main disadvantages of playing at a UKGC-licensed site is the restrictions they impose on the type and size of bonuses that can be offered to players. At a non UK licensed online casino, these restrictions don’t apply, so you’ll often find bonuses that can be worth thousands rather hundreds.
What Kind Of UK Casinos Have No License?
As we mentioned earlier, it is important not to confuse a non UK licensed casino with a casino that doesn’t hold any form of license whatsoever. While the former will be certified by a an offshore regulator such as Curacao Egaming, the latter will be acting on their own with no checks or balances.
Naturally, any site that cannot display a recognized gambling license cannot prove the fairness and integrity of its operation and can therefore not be trusted. They can offer no guarantees over the security of players’ funds and personal information and – should any form of dispute arise – players will not have a clearly-defined regulatory body they can turn to for advice, mediation and resolution.
As such, when selecting a non UKGC casino, it’s important to stick to our recommended sites, all of which hold reputable licenses and have been tested on things like security and reliability of payments.
Red flags for unlicensed non-UK casinos
There are a few warning signs to keep in mind when browsing non-UK casinos:
- No obvious licence — All regulated casinos display their licensing information clearly on every page of the site. If you can’t find a logo, authority name or licence number, ask customer support. If their answers are vague or they don’t respond, then avoid that casino.
- Unbelievable bonus terms—If any casino has an offer that’s too good to be true (for example, guaranteed high winnings with no risk) then make sure you investigate their T&Cs and historical reviews. Rogue casinos want you to place a deposit but won’t let you withdraw again. Our recommended casinos have been thoroughly vetted however, so you can play there with confidence.
- Payment terms—You can sometimes spot an unlicensed casino by the payment details in the terms and conditions. It may specify that, actually, the casino can choose to keep all your money at any point or something similar. Avoid any casinos using this kind of language.
Foreign Casinos that Accept UK Players
EU Casinos that Accept UK Players
Europe is by far the biggest market for foreign casinos accepting UK players. They offer irresistible bonuses and tend to supply the largest games collections since most of the big developers are based in Europe—NetEnt and Playtech being two prime examples.
Non-EU Casinos that Accept UK Players
Asian online casinos have been making quiet waves recently. While the industry is much younger there, it is gaining a head of steam and, as long as you have your VPN working, could become the next big destination for UK players.
USA Casinos that accept UK Players
What’s brilliant about US casinos is that they offer a totally different array of games to UK players. Sure there are some entries from NetEnt, Microgaming and other big brands, but there are hundreds of indie US developers we never hear of in the UK! Just be warned that their bonuses are typically lower than here in Europe.
Best Overseas Casinos Licences
There are endless possibilities for non-UK casino licences, but several notable names stand above the rest.
Malta
Issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, this licence is considered the gold standard in the industry. It is recognised worldwide and gives players confidence the brand is trustworthy. However, obtaining the MGA licence is also expensive, slow and difficult. It is recommended that only large, already-profitable casinos attempt to gain approval from the MGA.
Curacao
Unlike the bulky and expensive Malta licence, it is easy and inexpensive for brands to be endorsed by Curacao. As a player, it’s a reliable badge of trust where you know you can play safely. Because of its price point, you’ll find lots of small and indie casinos operating under the Curacao flag.
Gibraltar
With its tax rate of 1% of revenue, it’s not hard to see why so many casinos set up their business in Gibraltar. It is one of the most popular non-UK licences for British players and Gibraltar casinos tend to provide generous bonuses and terms.
Kahnawake
Probably the most hidden gem in the world of online casinos, Kahnawake casinos may be rare, but UK players love them! The Kahnawake Mohawk Territory is located in Quebec, Canada, and more than 250 casinos use their licence. Gaming income is taxed at 0%, so these casinos funnel all their revenue back into improving player experiences.
Isle of Man
As non-UK licensed casinos go, there are none more popular than the Isle of Man! The territory’s generous tax policy may have ignited interest early on, but the regulator’s extraordinary reputation for quality is what keeps new casinos registering all the time—and it’s what keeps players trusting that logo so much.
Gaming and Accessibility Options
While it’s natural to gravitate towards UK casinos, there are numerous advantages to choosing casinos in Europe, Asia or America.
No Verification Accounts
Many European casinos will allow players to leave ID verification until the withdrawal stage. This means they can create an account and get playing without any delays. Some UK casinos take up to a week to process applications—by which time, the player could already be withdrawing their winnings from a European competitor!
Mobile Compatibility
Outside of the UK there is massive emphasis on mobile play, especially in the states. Entire casinos, down to the payment screen and every individual game, are made mobile-first. This native experience makes playing on smartphones even better than in the UK.
Payment options
Bitcoin casinos are limited in the UK while credit card payments are outright banned. In Europe there are many Bitcoin-only casinos while the majority accept cryptocurrencies and credit cards for payment. We expect any pioneering payment methods to become popular in Europe long before they reach the UK.
What Are The Advantages Of Playing At A Non UK Licensed Casino?
While you should always keep that important distinction in mind, there are actually plenty of good reasons to choose a non UK licensed casino over a UKGC-regulated one. For starters, if you’ve found yourself stuck on the self-exclusion list for longer than you intended, they’ll still accept you, while if you’re on the hunt for the very best sign-up offers, you’ll find them mainly at sites licensed overseas.
To make it easier for you to decide whether playing at a non UK licensed casino is the right choice for you, we’ve broken down some of the most important areas of comparison in greater detail below…
Types Of Games On Offer
Given that non UK licensed casinos accept players from all over the world, they also support many software providers that British players might not be familiar with. In terms of slots not on gamstop, you’ll find US providers like Gameart, Rival and RTG alongside some of the more common names like NetEnt, Playtech and IGT, while most sites tend to also offer table games, bingo and a dedicated Live Casino. The one provider you’ll typically only find at a UKGC-licensed casino, however, is Microgaming.
Accepted Payment Methods
When it comes to accepted payment methods, there are a number of differences between UKGC-licensed casinos and non UK licensed casinos. The former certainly hold the edge in terms of supporting e-wallets like PayPal, NETELLER and Skrill, but the latter are far more accepting of cryptocurrency payments like Bitcoin, Ether and Litecoin, providing greater anonymity for players. In terms of withdrawal times, the two are comparable, with most transactions clearing within 48 hours.
Bonuses And Loyalty Rewards
Certainly one of the major advantages of being a non UK licensed online casino – and therefore not regulated by the UKGC – is that you have far more freedom in terms of the size and type of bonuses that you can offer to players. In practice, this means that offshore sites that cater for UK-based players often provide welcome packages that offer thousands of pounds in additional value, with reload bonuses similarly being more generous and greater levels of cashback also being available.
Security And Player Protection
Of course, with all UKGC-licensed casinos being a part of the Gamstop scheme, it’s hard to argue that they don’t hold the advantage when it comes to safeguarding against potential problem gambling – however, it should be noted that most non UK licensed casinos do offer self-exclusion if the player requests it from them directly. Aside from that, both UK and non UK licensed casinos offer similar levels of security, with both featuring 128-bit SSL encryption and independently audited software.
Conclusions
To summarize, non UK casinos provide an intriguing and distinctive gaming experience for gamblers searching for something new. These casinos have a diverse selection of games, bonuses, and promotions, making them a popular choice among players worldwide. With a range of payment options and bilingual customer service, gamers may simply deposit and withdraw cash while enjoying an interesting gaming experience. To guarantee a secure and fun gambling experience, conduct research and find a renowned non-UK casino.
Non UK Licensed Casinos FAQs
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What’s the difference between a non UK licensed casino and a non-licensed casino?
Quite simply, the former holds a license issued outside of the UK while the latter holds none at all.
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Are online casinos that aren’t regulated by the UKGC illegal for UK players?
No. Providing they are licensed by a reputable offshore regulator such as Curacao Egaming, many non-UKGC casinos are legally permitted to offer their services to customers from the UK.
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Is it safe to play at a non UK licensed casino?
The safety and security of a non UK licensed casino can typically be determined by the credibility of its regulator. As long as you stick to sites licensed by a reputable igaming body, you should be fine.
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Can I play at non UK licensed casino if I’m currently restricted at a UKGC licensed one?
Yes you can. As non UK licensed casinos aren’t required to enforce Gamstop regulations, they can still accept restricted players. Additionally, you usually won’t need to verify your personal info either.
Kith Brown is a seasoned online gambling expert with over a decade of experience in poker, casino, and sports betting. He earned a 1st Class Honours degree in Sport Journalism in 2006, and his work has been featured in top industry publications such as Poker Player, Bluff Europe, Gambling Online Magazine, and Gambling Insider.
Kith recently completed a four-year stint as a Senior Copywriter and Copy Team Lead at Entain, where he led the production of written content for renowned brands like bwin, PartyCasino, and Sportingbet. His extensive experience writing for and about the biggest names in online gambling gives him a unique perspective on the industry. He looks forward to sharing his insights with readers on NonStopCasinos.com. For questions, comments, or topic suggestions, please reach out to him through the contact form.