The rise of non-GamStop casinos has attracted many UK players looking for more freedom, bigger bonuses, and fewer restrictions. However, one of the biggest concerns when choosing a casino not on GamStop is reliability. Since these platforms operate outside the UKGC’s jurisdiction, players must verify that they are licensed, secure, and fair before signing up.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover:
What a valid non-GamStop casino license looks like The most trusted licensing authorities for offshore casinos How to check a casino’s license and verify its legitimacy Red flags that indicate a potential scam site Other factors to consider for a safe gambling experience
Let’s dive in and explore how to find a secure, licensed, and reliable non-GamStop casino.
1. Understanding Non-GamStop Casino Licensing
What Does It Mean to Be “Licensed” Outside the UK?
Casinos not on GamStop are not regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which means they cannot legally operate in the UK. Instead, they hold licenses from international regulatory authorities.
A casino’s license is crucial because it ensures:
The platform follows fair gaming practices Player funds and transactions are secure The casino operates under legal supervision Players have a way to file complaints if necessary
However, not all licenses are equal. Some regulators have strict standards, while others are more lenient.
2. The Most Trusted Licensing Authorities for Non-GamStop Casinos
Here are the top regulatory bodies that oversee offshore casinos:
Curacao eGaming License
Most common non-GamStop license Licensed casinos follow anti-fraud and fairness standards Requires basic financial regulations and player protection policies Offers an official complaints process
How to verify:
Go to the Curacao eGaming website and enter the casino’s license number. If it is valid, the casino will appear in the registry.
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
One of the strictest and most reliable gaming licenses Ensures high player protection standards Requires casinos to separate player funds from operational funds Imposes strict anti-money laundering (AML) laws
How to verify:
Visit the MGA website and search for the casino’s license number. If it is registered, it is a legitimate platform.
Anjouan Gambling License
A newer but rising gaming authority Focuses on crypto-friendly casinos Ensures fair play and dispute resolution Less strict than MGA but more regulated than unlicensed sites
How to verify:
Check the Anjouan registry for the casino’s license number.
Kahnawake Gaming Commission (Canada)
A well-respected licensing body Requires fair gaming and secure transactions Enforces responsible gambling policies Casinos must provide customer complaint handling
How to verify:
Visit the Kahnawake Gaming Commission website and look up the casino’s license information.
3. How to Check If a Casino’s License Is Legitimate
Many scam casinos claim to be licensed but provide fake details. Here’s how to verify a license in three steps:
Step 1: Check the Casino’s Footer
Legitimate casinos display their license details at the bottom of their website. Look for: The regulatory authority’s name A license number A link to the license verification page
Red Flag: If a casino non-GamStop online casinos does not display licensing details, it is likely unregulated and should be avoided.
Step 2: Visit the Licensing Authority’s Website
After noting the license number, go to the official website of the licensing authority and: Enter the license number in their registry Check if the casino’s name matches the registered operator
Red Flag: If you cannot find the license number, it is likely fake.
Step 3: Read Player Reviews and Reports
Even licensed casinos can have bad reputations. Before signing up, check: Player reviews on Trustpilot, Casino Guru, or Reddit Complaint history – Have players had issues withdrawing funds? Blacklist reports – Some casinos hold valid licenses but engage in unfair practices.
Red Flag: If a casino has a license but multiple reports of refusing payouts, it may not be trustworthy.
4. Red Flags That Indicate a Scam Casino
When looking for a reliable non-GamStop casino, watch out for these warning signs:
Fake or Missing License Information
The casino claims to be licensed but doesn’t provide a license number The provided license does not exist in the regulator’s database
No Responsible Gambling Policies Legitimate casinos offer self-exclusion tools and deposit limits Scam casinos encourage excessive gambling
No Secure Payment Options Licensed casinos use safe payment processors (Visa, MasterCard, crypto, Skrill) Scams often demand bank transfers only (harder to dispute transactions)
No Clear Withdrawal Policy Fake casinos often have hidden terms preventing withdrawals Reliable casinos list clear withdrawal timeframes (e.g., 24-48 hours)
Too-Good-To-Be-True Bonuses Some rogue casinos offer huge bonuses with unrealistic wagering requirements If a casino promises instant cashouts with no terms, it’s a red flag
5. Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Reliable Non-GamStop Casino
Besides licensing, here are additional ways to ensure you’re playing at a safe casino:
SSL Encryption – Check for a padlock symbol (
) in the URL bar. This ensures the site uses secure transactions.
Fair Gaming Certification – Look for RNG testing from companies like eCOGRA or iTech Labs, ensuring fair game results.
Fast & Transparent Withdrawals – A good casino processes withdrawals within 24-72 hours and has clear payment policies.
Active Customer Support – A legit casino offers 24/7 live chat or email support. Test response times before depositing.
Mobile Compatibility – Check if the casino has a fully optimized mobile site or app for better gameplay.
6. Final Verdict: How to Safely Play on Licensed Non-GamStop Casinos
Many non-GamStop casinos are safe and reliable, but it’s essential to verify their licenses and security measures before depositing money.
Quick Checklist for Verifying a Non-GamStop Casino’s Reliability:
Check license details (Curacao, MGA, Anjouan, or Kahnawake) Verify the license number on the official regulatory site Read player reviews and scam reports Look for secure payment options (crypto, e-wallets, Visa/MasterCard) Ensure the casino has fair T&Cs and reasonable withdrawal limits
By following these steps, you can enjoy gambling at non-GamStop casinos safely and responsibly. 
Looking for trusted non-GamStop casinos? Start your search with licensed platforms today!