UK bettors are always on the lookout for new and exciting sportsbooks. Sometimes, these betting sites are licensed outside of the UK. However, because they are not locally licensed, how can you trust them before registering and depositing with them?
In this article, we discuss some of the most popular online sportsbooks that do not have a UK license. This does not mean that they are shady or illegally operating. It just means that they have a license from a different country, but they are completely above board. In addition, we will also discuss the pros and cons of playing at these sites.
What are the advantages of betting sites without a UK licence?
There are a number of exciting benefits that come with betting on sportsbooks that ate not licensed in the UK. They are not licensed under the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and so, they do not need to adhere to strict gambling laws designed for UK licensed betting sites. There is more flexibility when it comes to the type of benefits they can give to bettors, which is always a welcome advantage of betting. Below, we discuss more pros of betting with sites that are not licensed in the UK
Quick and easy start
UK betting sites are obliged to conduct KYC (know your customer) processes. This process requires bettors to provide ID verification such as your ID number and your proof of address. With overseas sportsbook operating under other licenses, you can bet and withdraw with no need to provide your ID, thus protecting your identity. All you need to provide is a valid email address.
Excluded from GamStop Scheme
UK betting sites have to participate in GamStop, which is a self-exclusion scheme. A sportsbook outside the UK, however, is not obliged to take part. This means punters can continue to bet with them, even if they are on Gamstop.
Credit cards are not blocked
All online casinos and sportsbooks licensed in the UK are not allowed to use credit cards. This limits payment options for punters. To circumvent this, punters can choose to bet with betting sites licensed outside of the United Kingdom. They will have the choice of credit cards, debit cards and even e-wallets.
What are the disadvantages of betting sites without a UK licence?
It is clear that non-UK sportsbooks have a number of great advantages, but what are the drawbacks? First of all, not all options are trustworthy and protective of bettors’ rights. In addition, some may have restrictions that simply don’t fit in with your betting needs. Let’s take a look at some of the disadvantages of betting sites licensed outside of the United Kingdom below.
No UK-centric customer support
Overseas betting sites focus on their local markets when it comes to customer support. UK punters may find it difficult to communicate with the customer support agents if there is a problem. In addition, since these are international sites, their solutions to FAQs are usually universal and not designed for the UK customer.
They are not obliged to follow protective UK guidelines
The UKGC has developed advices that are meant to protect UK punters. They include guidelines on self-exclusion as well as identifying problematic sites with dishonest tendencies. However, betting sites with a non-UK licence do not need to follow these guidelines and recommendations.
Steeper wagering requirements
While offshore betting sites might offer amazing bonus offers, VIP perks and regular cashback offers, they usually require very high wagering requirements. In the UK, sportsbooks have to follow GamStop requirements when it comes to minimum wagering requirements.
It is clear that there are many benefits of choosing non-UK betting sites. They give punters the flexibility they need to make bets and set their own parameters of interacting with the products. However, it can get frustrating for UK punters as they may not get very good customer support to help solve UK specific problems. In addition, they can be subject to very high wagering requirements in exchange for bonus offers.
If you decide to use a non-UK licenced betting site, it is very important to check if they are licensed in another country. In addition, read reviews about them to make sure that they are legit.
Last Updated on January 4, 2024 by editor