In the last five years the UK gambling industry has become more heavily regulated with the (UKGC) UK Gambling Commission promoting responsible gambling and measures designed to do this. The number one topic has been affordability checks. While this has been intended to protect players playing beyond their means, its also sparked a debate that the checks are too strict and also intrusive. As a result many players have been exploring casinos non UK that operate outside of the UK and hold licences from alternative authorities which don’t require affordability checks.
What Are Affordability Checks?
Affordability checks are imposed by the UK Gambling Commission and paramount to hold a licence within the UK. The checks are designed to see whether a player can afford to deposit without being victim to financial harm. When players reach deposit thresholds introduced by the gambling commission they would be asked to provide personal information which includes; bank statements, proof of income and other documents to show what they can afford.
The target is to ensure that customers are not spending more than they afford but many consumers feel these checks are slow and restricting their play. The whole process can be extremely frustrating as handing over personal information can be time consuming as well as questionable why you should need to hand over documents to place a bet.
The Growing Appeal of Non UK Casinos
Non UK casinos which are often based in countries like Malta or Gibraltar offer a gambling experience which is less stricter than ones imposed by the UKGC including affordability checks. These casino sites give players much greater freedom which has contributed to their ever growing appeal. Here are some of the key reasons why players are drawn to Non UK casinos that do not require affordability checks:
1. No Financial Checks
The most significant appeal of non-UK casinos is the absence of affordability checks. This would include sending sensitive financial documents, players can enjoy their gaming experience without feeling like they are being monitored. This sense of privacy is especially valued by players who feel that affordability checks are too intrusive.
Non UK casinos allow gamblers to manage their own bankroll without interference, which is extremely appealing to those who feel they’re responsible with their spending and therefore dislike the burden of proving their financial capacity.
2. Faster Enjoyable Experience
Affordability checks can often stop the gaming process. Players who reach certain deposit thresholds on UK licensed sites will face long delays while their financial documents are verified, which can take days or even put a hold on play for longer periods of time. This disrupts the flow of gameplay which is frustrating for those who want quick and easy access to their accounts.
Non UK casinos offer a more relaxed experience, with quick deposits/withdrawals and no waiting periods due to affordability checks. Players can deposit, enjoy gambling and withdraw their funds without the intrusive steps that come with UKGC-regulated casinos.
3. Higher Deposit and Withdrawal Limits
Another major advantage of non UK casinos is their higher deposit and withdrawal limits. UKGC casinos are subject to much stricter regulations, which can restrict the amount players can deposit or withdraw over a period of time. In contrast non UK casinos offer more flexible limits, allowing high staking gamblers and also recreational gamblers to manage their funds more freely.
This appeals to customers who are looking for much less limits, especially those who enjoy betting larger amounts or want quicker access to their winnings without having to deal with low withdrawal caps.
4. Generous Bonuses and Promotions
Many casinos non UK offer lucrative bonuses and more appealing promotions than their UK counterparts. The strict regulations around bonuses imposed by the UKGC such as restrictions on bonus sizes and wagering requirements, non UK casinos can provide players with bigger welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback offers, and loyalty rewards to give gamblers.
Players who choose non UK casinos enjoy better terms when it comes to claiming bonuses, which means they often get more value for their money. These casinos offer no caps on deposit bonuses and high-roller rewards, catering to a wider variety of players.
5. More Game Options
Non UK casinos often have a wider choice of games due to fewer restrictions on the types of games they can offer. UKGC-licensed sites are limited in terms of slot features; they do not offer slots where you can buy the bonus, whereas non UK licensed casinos do offer these games. This allows gamblers to access a greater variety of slots, live dealer and table games, often without the same restrictions on gameplay speed or features.
For gamblers seeking a more relaxed betting experience, non UK casinos can provide a wider range of options, from traditional table games to cutting edge slots with exciting features such as the best progressive jackpot slots online.