Poker is one of the most popular and exciting card games in the world. Millions of players enjoy playing poker online, either for fun or for real money. However, if you are a UK player who has registered with Gamstop, you may find it hard to access online poker sites. Gamstop is a self-exclusion scheme that prevents you from gambling online with any UK licensed operator. It is designed to help players who have a gambling problem or want to take a break from gambling. However, Gamstop can also be a hassle for players who want to play poker online without any restrictions. Fortunately, there are ways to unblock online poker sites not on Gamstop and enjoy your favorite game again. In this article, we will explain how to find and join the best poker sites not on Gamstop, what are the advantages and disadvantages of playing at these sites, and what are the alternatives to Gamstop if you want to self-exclude from gambling. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this topic.
How to find and join the best poker sites not on Gamstop
Finding and joining the best poker sites not on Gamstop is not as hard as it may seem. There are many online poker rooms that accept UK players and are not registered with Gamstop. These sites are licensed and regulated by other jurisdictions, such as Malta, Curacao, Panama, etc. These jurisdictions have more lenient online gambling laws and do not require operators to join Gamstop or any other self-exclusion scheme. To find and join the best poker sites not on Gamstop, you can follow these simple steps:
- Browse our list of the best poker sites not on Gamstop. We have reviewed and ranked over 50 online poker rooms that are not blocked by Gamstop and offer a great gaming experience for UK players. You can compare different sites based on their features, such as bonuses, games, software, payment methods, customer support.
- Choose a poker site that suits your preferences and expectations. You can read our detailed reviews of each site to learn more about their pros and cons, or you can visit their websites directly to see what they offer.
- Register a new account with the poker site of your choice. You will need to provide some basic personal information, such as your name, email address, phone number, etc. You may also need to verify your identity and address by providing some documents, such as your ID card, passport, utility bill, etc.
- Claim your welcome bonus if applicable. Some poker sites not on Gamstop offer generous bonuses and promotions for new players, such as free chips, free spins, match bonuses, cashback, etc. You may need to enter a bonus code or contact the customer support team to activate your bonus.
- Make your first deposit using your preferred payment method. Most poker sites not on Gamstop support various payment methods, such as credit cards, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, etc. You can choose the one that is most convenient and secure for you.
- Enjoy playing online poker without any restrictions. Once you have funded your account, you can start playing your favorite poker games with real money without worrying about Gamstop or any other self-exclusion scheme.
Advantages and disadvantages of playing at poker sites not on Gamstop
Playing at poker sites not on Gamstop has both advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of before you join them. Here are some of the main pros and cons of playing at these sites:
Advantages
- You can play online poker without any restrictions imposed by Gamstop or any other self-exclusion scheme. You can access any online poker room that accepts UK players and is not registered with Gamstop.
- You can enjoy a wider variety of poker games and tournaments than at UK licensed sites. Poker sites not on Gamstop offer more game options and features than at UK licensed sites. Poker sites not on Gamstop offer more game options, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, Draw, Razz, and more. They also host regular tournaments, freerolls, sit and go’s, and cash games with various stakes and formats.
- You can benefit from more generous bonuses and promotions than at UK licensed sites. Poker sites not on Gamstop are more generous and flexible when it comes to rewarding their players. They offer bigger and better bonuses, such as welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, cashback bonuses, loyalty programs, VIP clubs, and more. They also have lower wagering requirements and fewer restrictions on how you can use your bonus funds.
- You can use more convenient and diverse payment methods than at UK licensed sites. Poker sites not on Gamstop support various payment methods that are not available or restricted at UK licensed sites. These include cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and more. These payment methods are faster, cheaper, and more secure than traditional methods, such as credit cards or bank transfers.
Disadvantages
- You are not protected by the UK Gambling Commission or Gamstop if you have a gambling problem or a dispute with the poker site. Poker sites not on Gamstop are not regulated by the UK Gambling Commission or Gamstop, which means that they do not have to follow the same rules and standards as UK licensed sites. This means that you are not protected by the UKGC’s strict regulations on responsible gambling, fair gaming, customer protection, dispute resolution, etc. If you have a gambling problem or a dispute with the poker site, you may not be able to get any help or compensation from the UKGC or Gamstop.
- You may face some legal issues or tax implications if you play at poker sites not on Gamstop. Poker sites not on Gamstop are not legal in the UK, which means that you are technically breaking the law if you play at them. This may expose you to some legal risks or penalties if you are caught by the authorities. Moreover, you may have to pay taxes on your winnings if you play at poker sites not on Gamstop. The UK does not tax gambling winnings from UK licensed sites, but it does tax gambling winnings from foreign sites. You may have to declare your winnings to HMRC and pay the appropriate tax rate depending on your income level.
- You may encounter some technical issues or compatibility problems if you play at poker sites not on Gamstop. Poker sites not on Gamstop may not have the same level of quality and reliability as UK licensed sites. They may have outdated software, poor graphics, slow loading times, frequent glitches, etc. They may also not be compatible with all devices and platforms, such as mobile phones, tablets, Windows, Mac, etc. You may have to download additional software or apps to play at poker sites not on Gamstop.
Alternatives to Gamstop if you want to self-exclude from gambling
If you want to self-exclude from gambling but do not want to join Gamstop or play at poker sites not on Gamstop, there are some alternatives that you can consider. These include:
- Using gambling sites licensed in other jurisdictions. Some online gambling sites are licensed and regulated by other authorities, such as Malta, Curacao, Panama, etc. These sites may not have the same level of protection and regulation as UK licensed sites, but they may offer more flexibility and freedom for players who want to gamble online without Gamstop.
- Restricting gambling activities to retail casinos and sportsbooks. If you want to avoid online gambling altogether, you can opt for retail casinos and sportsbooks instead. These venues are not affected by Gamstop and may offer a different gambling experience than online sites. However, you should be aware of the risks and costs involved in travelling to these venues and gambling with cash.
- Hiding behind the anonymity provided by cryptocurrencies as a banking option. Some online gambling sites accept cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc., as a payment method. These cryptocurrencies are decentralized and anonymous, which means that they do not require any personal or financial information to use them. This may allow you to bypass Gamstop and gamble online without revealing your identity or location. However, you should be careful of the volatility and security issues associated with cryptocurrencies.
- Using operators that do little to no account verification. Some online gambling sites do not require any account verification or KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures to register or play at their site. This may allow you to gamble online without providing any personal or financial information that could be linked to Gamstop. However, you should be wary of the legitimacy and reliability of these sites, as they may not be licensed or regulated by any authority.
Frequently asked questions about poker sites not on Gamstop
Here are some of the most common questions that players have about poker sites not on Gamstop:
Are poker sites not on Gamstop legal?
Poker sites not on Gamstop are legal in the sense that they are licensed and regulated by other jurisdictions than the UK. However, they are not legal in the UK, as they do not hold a UK Gambling Commission license or participate in Gamstop. This means that UK players who play at these sites are technically breaking the law and may face some legal consequences if caught by the authorities.
Are poker sites not on Gamstop safe?
Poker sites not on Gamstop are safe in the sense that they use encryption technology and security measures to protect their players’ personal and financial information. However, they are not safe in the sense that they do not offer the same level of protection and regulation as UK licensed sites. They do not have to follow the UKGC’s strict rules on responsible gambling, fair gaming, customer protection, dispute resolution, etc. They also do not have any affiliation with Gamstop or any other self-exclusion scheme. This means that players who play at these sites are not protected by the UKGC or Gamstop if they have a gambling problem or a dispute with the site.
Can I play at poker sites not on Gamstop with a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that allows you to change your IP address and location when browsing the internet. This may allow you to access poker sites not on Gamstop that are blocked or restricted in your country. However, using a VPN to play at poker sites not on Gamstop is not recommended for several reasons:
- It is illegal and unethical to use a VPN to access gambling sites that are prohibited in your country.
- It may violate the terms and conditions of the poker site and result in your account being suspended or terminated.
- It may cause technical issues or compatibility problems with the poker site’s software or games.
- It may affect your payment methods or transactions with the poker site.
Can I reverse my self-exclusion from Gamstop?
You can reverse your self-exclusion from Gamstop only after your selected exclusion period has ended. You cannot cancel or shorten your exclusion period once you have registered with Gamstop. To reverse your self-exclusion from Gamstop, you will need to contact Gamstop and request them to lift your exclusion. You will also need to go through a cooling-off period of 24 hours before you can access any UK licensed gambling site again.
Conclusion
Poker sites not on Gamstop are online poker rooms that accept UK players but are not registered with Gamstop or any other self-exclusion scheme. These sites offer more freedom and flexibility for players who want to play online poker without any restrictions imposed by Gamstop or the UK Gambling Commission. However, these sites also come with some drawbacks and risks that players should be aware of before joining them.
If you want to play at poker sites not on Gamstop, you should do your research and choose a reputable and reliable site that suits your needs and expectations. You should also be responsible and cautious when gambling online and seek help if you have a gambling problem or a dispute with the site. Alternatively, you can consider other options to self-exclude from gambling, such as using other self-exclusion programs, restricting your gambling activities to retail venues, or using anonymous payment methods.