16/08/2024

Why UK Gamblers Are Floating To Unregulated Sites

British players have never been without gambling activities in the last decade, as this entertainment is more accessible than ever before. The quick industry digitalisation significantly impacts customer demand and increases user interest in slots and other bright games. On the other hand, the sector is heavily regulated in the UK and Northern Ireland, creating many inconveniences for players.

The latest amendments in gambling legislation concern stricter limitations for risk seekers, and it’s evident that many users are unhappy with this solution. Such changes motivate adrenaline lovers to search for something other than casinos based in Northern Ireland. What is the background for such a decision, and why do users switch to this option more and more often?

Tightened Gambling Regulations Are the Main Reason

Players tend to search for better conditions in online casinos, and, of course, they hardly enjoy restrictions and limitations. The newest UK gambling reform implies particular amendments that initially aim to motivate users to gamble responsibly and enhance customer protection. Instead, risk hunters from Northern Ireland prefer to avoid bans and limits and opt for overseas gambling sites licensed outside the country. What are the primary regulatory points affecting their decision?

Lowered Stake Limits for Players

The UK Gambling Commission has recently announced that the maximum stake per bet or round in casino games should be no more than £2. This rule concerns adult players aged 18-24. At the same time, gamblers over 25 will have a £5 limit. Adrenaline lovers, especially high rollers, are disappointed with such a decision even though it aims to prevent overspending in casinos. On the contrary, overseas platforms give more freedom, often sought by passionate gamblers.

Financial Checks Conducted by Gambling Companies

Budget assessments are another change in the UK gambling industry that will affect the industry's future and is not positively perceived by players. The thing is, legal online casinos should check whether their members can afford to gamble. Therefore, users will have to provide their financial statements when depositing on the chosen website. Currently, the minimum sum for making the assessment is £500 but will be reduced to £150 the following year. Not all gamblers are ready to provide their banking details to the online casino, which is another reason why British players opt for foreign platforms.

Benefits and Pitfalls of GamStop Self-Exclusion

This program allows users to be restricted from gambling and betting platforms for the chosen period after noticing the first signs of casino-related problems. GamStop is a viable solution
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for coping with gaming addiction, but many users prefer to get around this tool. It only covers UK-based platforms, while offshore sites are not subject to these requirements. Gambling enthusiasts select non-GamStop casinos: despite the absence of self-exclusion, they offer more flexible deposit limits, higher bonuses, and more extensive game portfolios.

Ban on Several Payment Options

The UK Gambling Commission controls all aspects of the iGaming industry, and fair and transparent payments are among its main priorities. The authorities put restrictions on particular payment methods, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies. The first option increases the risk of overspending: users have the chance to borrow some money, which may negatively affect their gambling behaviours. This is a significant challenge for the entire state since the addiction rate in Northern Ireland reached 2.3%. At the same time, cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous and untraceable, which goes against UKGC standards.

Why UK Gambling Enthusiasts Prefer Overseas Casinos

Non-GamStop platforms are gaining popularity among British players, especially youngsters. Undeniably, restrictions are launched to boost the overall community’s well-being, but is it important when a person simply wants to have some fun? Residents of Northern Ireland are passionate about online casinos and use maximum opportunities to have fun.

Higher Bonuses

What a gambling session without juicy promotions! The UK Gambling Commission considers high promotions one of the main reasons for overspending in online casinos and limits the maximum bonus size. Instead, rewards are truly limitless on offshore gaming sites, and Irish users have many more chances to boost their bankrolls and play at the operator’s expense.

No Game Restrictions

The latest amendments set by the UKGC also concern a ban on speedy games. The spin should take no less than five seconds, which often eliminates all the thrill and adrenaline of gambling. Other regulators don’t impose such strict requirements, and Northern Ireland players prefer to use this chance and explore more content without limitations.

Flexible Deposit Limitations

This point is especially beneficial for players, as every user can decide their replenishment amount themselves. The minimum bet in offshore online casinos can start at $1 (or even less for crypto users), while the maximum can reach thousands of pounds. Investing a couple of dollars is quite a good way to save some cash, isn’t it?

Final Insight

It cannot be said that directories full of UKGC sites are not in demand among Northern Ireland residents, but they definitely lose their popularity considering the upcoming implementation of the new gambling reform. Players are frustrated with more limitations and restrictions and search for alternative ways of engaging in this risky entertainment. Instead, Irish players who would like to enjoy more flexibility and more attractive promotions often join non-GamStop platforms.

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