In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict Did you know that the best UK poker sites not on GamStop are legal and, in many cases, offer more choice than their GamStop-affiliated counterparts?
This guide explains what non GamStop poker sites are and how to find safe and trustworthy poker sites that are regulated and licensed outside the UK. We also discuss some benefits of playing online poker not on GamStop, such as higher bet limits, greater privacy, and the ability to avoid self-exclusion limits.
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What is a Non-GamStop Poker Site?
Non-GamStop poker sites are simply platforms that host online rooms that fall outside the jurisdiction of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). As a result, they do not participate in the GamStop self-exclusion programme, which prevents players who have signed up to the programme from playing at other UKGC gambling platforms.
It is perfectly possible – and legal – to play at non-GamStop poker casinos. To stay safe, you should make sure that you only sign up at poker sites that hold a license from another reputable gambling body. We will name the internationally recognised authorities you should look out for later in this guide.
Why Play at UK Poker Sites Not on GamStop?
There are several perfectly valid reasons why you may want to play poker at a non-GamStop site. Let’s look at a few of them now.
Is it Safe to Play Poker not on GamStop?
The short answer is yes – if you play at non-GamStop poker sites that are licensed by another reputable gambling body.
The following regulatory bodies are internationally recognised as providing strong oversight over online gambling operators. This means that UK poker sites holding a licence from them have provably fair systems and strict protections in place to keep you and your money safe.
How To Choose Trusted Online Poker Sites Not on GamStop
UK poker sites not on GamStop aren’t inferior to those that are. The only noticeable difference is that you can’t use GamStop’s cover-all self-exclusion service. However, if you want to play poker not on GamStop sites, this isn’t a problem. These are the key metrics to consider:
- Licensing and Regulations: Only ever play at poker sites that hold a licence from at least one of the gambling authorities listed above. This is for your own protection, since the licence ensures the operator has to have strict standards in place when it comes to security and fairness. Check the non-GamStop poker site’s licence at the regulatory body’s website.
- Banking and Payment Methods: there are two things we look for when it comes to the financial side of poker sites not on GamStop. Firstly, we look through the list of payment options to ensure you have plenty of reputable processors, including Visa, MasterCard, eWallets, and cryptocurrencies. Secondly, operators should process deposits instantly and withdrawals as quickly as possible (within two days, ideally). Finally, we make sure your money is held in ring-fenced bank accounts.
- Promotions: all players should be entitled to something extra. From newbies to regulars, the best poker sites not on GamStop always offer plenty of added value. In our view, the mark of a high-quality poker site is one that has generous welcome bonuses, reload offers, free bets, and loyalty rewards. We also make sure the terms and conditions for all promotions are fair.
- Innovative Features: the UK gambling market is competitive, so any casino poker site that wants to make a mark must do something different. Every leading company that provides poker sites not on GamStop has at least one unique selling point. It could be mini-games, anonymous tables, fast-fold poker variations, or something else. Whatever it is, the best poker apps have innovative and unique features.
Types of Bonuses at Non-GamStop Poker Casinos
We’ve just explained how promotions are an integral part of the industry. Any casino poker operator that assumes they’re a luxury is missing the point. Modern players like you expect something extra for your time and commitment. There are hundreds of sites out there, so you deserve to be rewarded. The top non-GamStop poker sites all run different promotions, but, in general, they fall into these categories:
Welcome Offer
The offer you get as a new customer sets the tone for a poker site’s entire promotional system. The more bonus credits and free-play tokens you can get, the better. However, excellent top-end value needs to be matched by fair wagering conditions. We make sure sign-up rewards and first deposit bonuses have low playthrough targets. Also, ensure you’ve got enough time to hit your targets and that there aren’t any unnecessary gaming restrictions while you’ve got active bonuses.
No Deposit Bonus
No deposit bonuses are the ideal way to get something for (almost) nothing. You don’t need to make any deposits to unlock these bonuses. For example, you can get up to 5% cashback by playing games at a non GamStop poker site. No deposit bonuses are also used for sign-up offers and loyalty rewards and can include free credits. As we’ve said, you don’t need to deposit to unlock the bonus, but you will have to wager money to convert your free credits into withdrawable cash.
Reload Bonus
You’ll make deposits when you play poker online. Most of the time, you’ll be happy to see the funds arrive safely in your account. Of course, with the best casinos not on GamStop in the UK, you know the banking options are top-notch. With that being the case, we think you should get something extra if you go to the trouble of making a deposit. Reload bonuses reward you for adding funds to your account.
Loyalty Bonus
In our opinion, commitment and contributions shouldn’t go unnoticed. Fortunately for you, executives at the best poker rooms not on GamStop think the same. The points you earn by making real-money bets can be used to unlock special bonuses, such as free-play tokens and cashback. The best loyalty programs are part of a VIP system that gives you better rewards as your status improves.
Poker Games at Non-GamStop Casinos
What’s a poker site without any games? It’s not a poker site we want anything to do with. The casino sites we recommend have been thoroughly tested in every sense. We’ve tested out all the top poker games to ensure they work on all devices, including mobile, and are enjoyable. Third-party agencies have also tested them to ensure the software is fair. So, from all angles, you can play the following games at the best poker sites not blocked by GamStop, safe in the knowledge they’re legit.
Texas Hold’em
The world’s most popular poker variant is available in various formats at the UK’s top gambling sites. In addition to traditional Hold’em cash games and tournaments where you play against other people, you can enjoy this five-card variant in a casino setting. For example, you can bet on Texas Hold’em hands in a one-on-one showdown with the dealer. Other popular variants are Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Casino Hold’em and Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker.
Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker is a casino classic that requires you to make a hand with, unsurprisingly, three cards. These games are straight showdowns against the dealer. It’s your three cards vs. theirs. You win if it goes to a showdown and the dealer doesn’t have a qualifying hand. If the dealer qualifies, the pot goes to the best-ranked hand.
American Poker
American Poker is a video poker variant where the aim is to turn five cards into a winning hand. You place a bet, and that gets you five cards. You can hold or exchange as many of these cards as you wish. Once you’ve made your decision, hit the deal button again, and any cards you’ve not held get swapped for new ones. You win if you’ve got at least two pairs. The best hand you can make is a royal flush.
Caribbean Poker
Caribbean Poker is a stud variant where you receive five starting cards once you’ve placed a bet. After assessing the value of your hand, you can choose to fold (and forfeit your bet) or play. Electing to play requires a second bet twice the size of your original.
If you play and go to a showdown, it’s a best-hand-wins scenario. The dealer qualifies if they have an ace and king. If you go to a showdown and they don’t qualify, you win even money on your initial bet, and your second bet is returned. If the dealer qualifies and you have the best hand, you win even money on both bets.
Other Casino Poker Variants
The poker variants we’ve just described are the basis for pretty much any other game you’ll find at the top sites. As a player, you simply have to remember that your job is to make a ranked poker hand with the cards you’re given. If that hand beats the dealer’s hand, you win. Some of our favourite casino poker variants are:
- Single Poker
- Side Bet City
- 6+ Poker
- Ride ‘em Poker
- TVBet Poker
- Freeway Poker
- Poker Slam
- Joker Poker
- Triple Edge Poker
Alternative Games at Online Poker Sites Not on GamStop
Poker is a great game, but it’s not the only one in town. The leading online poker sites not on GamStop have thousands of casino games, including these perennial hits:
Slots
Slots are great for two reasons: 1) they have neat features, and 2) the potential returns are better than any other casino game. Hot slots like Gonzo’s Quest and Turn Your Fortune have free spin bonuses, mini-games, and level-up features. Online slots also let you win mega jackpots from a comparatively small stake.
Roulette
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games out there, and online, it comes in various forms. As well as European, American, and French roulette tables, you can play games with progressive jackpots, bonus bets, and enhanced payouts.
Blackjack
You probably want to know where you can play online poker not on GamStop sites because you love card games. Blackjack is a card game that, like poker, has a skill component. That’s why we recommend blackjack casinos offering classic and modern types, including Vegas Rules, Xchange, and Lightning.
Scratchcards
The fastest games in any online casino are scratchcards. You buy a ticket, tap to scratch, and if you’ve matched enough symbols, you win a prize. The beauty of modern scratchcards is that many of them have progressive jackpots and bonus prizes.
Payment Methods at Non-GamStop Poker Sites
You need secure ways to make deposits and withdrawals if you want to play casino poker for cash prizes. Below are the main ways you can pay at poker sites not on GamStop:
Traditional Payment Methods
Traditional banking options such as Visa and MasterCard are popular because they’re recognisable. Everyone knows they’re safe, and they allow you to deposit/receive funds directly from your bank account. These methods sometimes incur a deposit or withdrawal fee, but processing times are pretty swift with the average debit card cashout taking three days.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are decentralised payment systems powered by blockchain technology. This means the proverbial middleman has been removed from the payment process. The benefit of this is faster transactions. What’s more, because cryptocurrencies are independent of any central banks, they can be used anywhere in the world. Therefore, if you want to make instant deposits and withdrawals, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies are the best options.
eWallets
eWallets such as Skrill and Neteller are a product of the internet. That makes them an ideal way to make online transfers. Sending money from your eWallet to an online poker account takes seconds. Reverse that, and eWallet withdrawals can be processed within a few hours. Moreover, you don’t typically pay fees for eWallet deposits or withdrawals.
Benefits of Poker Sites Not Blocked by GamStop
Why should you use poker sites not on GamStop? We’ve already given you the reasons we recommend non-GamStop poker sites, but, if you’re still not convinced, here are a few more:
- It’s legal and safe to use UK poker sites not on GamStop
- Poker sites not on GamStop offer innovative payment options, such as cryptos
- You can still use poker rooms not on GamStop if you’re self-excluded from other sites
- Non-GamStop poker rooms have to fight harder for your attention, so they offer bigger bonuses
- The best poker sites not on GamStop typically have 1,000+ games and a sportsbook
FAQs
Is it legal to play poker not on GamStop sites?
Are non-GamStop poker sites safe?
Can you self-exclude when playing online poker not on GamStop?
Do GamStop poker sites accept mobile payments?
Are non-GamStop poker sites better than those on GamStop?
How We Test and Review Poker Websites
150+ Gambling Platforms Reviewed
1,100+ Games Software Tested
200+ Monthly Hours of Research
375+ Promotions Verified
Playing online poker is becoming more popular by the day and you need to choose a reputable site that best matches your needs.
We here at Techopedia have an in-house review process that’s analyzed by our poker experts that covers each and every aspect of the most popular online poker sites in the world.
In particular we look at:
- Rakeback and other bonuses
- Game selection
- Player pool size
- Reputation and safety
- Payment methods
To find out more, take a look at our detailed guide on how we test gambling platforms and poker sites featured on Techopedia.
