NEWSWhy Some UK Players Are Exploring Alternative Gambling Platforms in 2025
June 5 2025, Published 1:12 a.m. ET
The UK’s online gambling industry has been among the most regulated markets in the world for many years in a row. Rich game libraries, an abundance of trusted payment methods, and incredible accessibility have all contributed to the UK’s current gambling landscape, but the biggest effect on the country’s popularity in the online gambling sphere came from its high standards regarding responsible gambling.
Since online gambling is an evolving industry, many new trends are emerging among the UK’s residents on an almost yearly basis. That’s why 2025 is already being marked by the country’s residents’ growing demand for more varied online casinos.
UK’s GamStop explained
GamStop is a UK gambling self-exclusion scheme that has the player’s best interests in mind. Once registered, players will be prevented from using gambling websites operated by companies licensed in Great Britain. The player chooses the duration of the self-exclusion, which usually ranges from three months up to a year.
This free service is independent of time, money, and self-exclusion limits that different online casinos have in place. All a player has to do is submit one request, which they can do by entering their details.
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Why are more people leaning towards non-GamStop sites?
The rapid rise of non-GamStop platforms has been a focal point of many debates. Regulation and player protection seem to be questionable with these sites, yet the UK’s residents are flocking to them at a growing rate.
There are a growing number of trusted non-GamStop casinos in 2025, meaning players no longer have to be concerned about signing up for these sites instead of local ones. Most non-Gamstop sites still hold a licence, just not from the UKGC. Instead, they are covered by licences from Malta, Curacao, and other offshore iGaming havens. These offshore sites can be accessed from all over the world, whether you’re in the UK or prefer to play from Singapore. Gambling expert Andreea Stanescu has selected some of the best offshore casinos that offer the best selection of games and bonuses.
Changes such as mandatory affordability checks, strict rules regarding online slots, and stringent limits on promotions have pushed some players in the direction of non-GamStop casinos. These platforms offer benefits such as more lenient verification processes, which vary depending on the casino’s license. Most non-GamStop casinos are licensed either by the Curacao e-Gaming Licensing Authority or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
More lenient rules, along with the ever-changing player preferences, are what’s making more players gravitate towards non-GamStop platforms. Some of the benefits unique to non-GamStop sites include:
- More lucrative promotions
- No deposit and betting limits
- A wider selection of games
- More banking alternatives
The last point seems to be drawing people towards non-GamStop sites at an even faster rate. High-stakes and cryptocurrency betting are gaining momentum, with more people choosing to play by using Bitcoin or Ethereum. With many people collecting it as a retirement investment, crypto was one of the most talked-about assets in 2024 – the online gambling ecosystem wasn’t left behind. This has resulted in the creation of many crypto casinos, the vast majority of which can be found on non-GamStop platforms.
Despite concerns from some, the current shift in the UK’s gambling landscape shows that the preference for non-GamStop casinos is increasing. The 2023 Gambling White Paper brought significant changes to the industry, introducing new measures to protect the players and tightening control.
Where to go from here?
If you are anything like an average player in the UK, you’ve probably thought about trying out non-GamStop websites. Whether or not you do it is completely up to you, just like it’s up to you to research all the pros and cons of this decision.
You have to be aware that opting for non-GamStop platforms comes with security risks, especially if you’ve already gone with the self-exclusion option on GamStop casinos. Evidently, these online casinos also come with their fair share of benefits, all of which elevate the gambling experience and impact user satisfaction. Weigh out the pros and cons and do what you feel is right for your financial situation.
