UK vs Non-GamStop Casinos – Why Credit Cards are No Longer Accepted

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the chief regulator for the gambling sector in the region. One of its main aims is making sure that people are kept safe when they are gambling and to protect against the rise in problem gambling. As a result, the UKGC has been introducing numerous notable restrictions in the past few years.

One of the most notable changes was a ban on using credit cards for gambling purposes. This article will look into why this decision was made and what alternative options that UK gamblers have.

Why did the UKGC Ban Credit Cards?

In this digital age, gambling has never been more accessible. People have access to a huge variety of different options in this regard. While this is great for those people who can control their spending, it poses a problem for people who have issues with gambling responsibly.

The UKGC has introduced the likes of game timers, caps on max stakes, and it made GamStop registration mandatory for all its licensees in recent years. With an ongoing government review into gambling legislation, more changes are likely on the way.

A ban on the use of credit cards came into effect on x. The reason why this move was made was because problem gamblers were able to send money that they did not necessarily have through the use of credit. With other popular payment methods, people could only spend funds that they have in their account rather than going too far into the red.

Debit Cards and Prepaid Cards

One of the most popular options for adding and withdrawing funds through online casinos is debit cards. Most operators will support payments through popular card issuers like Visa and MasterCard. Prepaid cards such as Paysafecard are also a common source of funds, with these acting in a very similar fashion to debit cards, with people preloading funds on them.

With both of these options, gamblers will only be able to spend what is in their account. Sometimes, debit cards can allow people to go into the red through an overdraft, but there are usually limits on this. Oftentimes you will not be able to make withdrawals to prepaid cards. With debit card payouts, these can sometimes take a few working days before the funds reach your account.

E-Wallets

Perhaps the best option these days for gamblers when dealing with gambling-related transactions are e-wallets. These are digital wallets that allow for the easy storage, sending and receiving of money online. Numerous big names are operating in the sector today and are widely available with online casinos. These include Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal.

These options add an extra layer of safety when making transactions as you do not have to reveal sensitive financial information to the online casino. They are also usually the fastest way to withdraw funds from an online casino account, which his ideal if you need quick access to your funds. Sometimes, you can instantly access your funds after making an e-wallet withdrawal.

Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are a form of digital currency that have become very popular in recent years. Many people see cryptocurrency as being the future of money. There are numerous advantages associated with their use, including better security, more privacy, and faster transaction times. 

The privacy benefits are largely negated when you are dealing with UKGC-licensed sites as you are still required to completely with extensive verification checks of your identity. However, more and more casino platforms are now offering cryptocurrencies as a viable option.

Are Credit Cards Best Left at Non-GamStop Casinos?

The dangers associated with the use of credit cards for gambling purposes are obvious. People can lose the run of themselves and quickly rack up debt that can be hard to get out from under. 

Problem gambling is a serious issue and care is needed when it comes to protecting people. However, more people than not do gamble responsibly and are able to use credit cards to fund transactions without running into any negative issues. However, they will still be blocked from doing so through UKGC sites.

If you are one of those people who gambles responsibly and you still want to use credit cards for funding an online casino account, then there are alternative sites to play at. Non—GamStop casinos are platforms that are outside of the UKGC’s jurisdiction and they do not have to comply with rules such as the credit card ban.

These sites also have many other benefits over UK casino sites. These include larger game libraires, bigger bonuses, as well as fewer restrictions on game features and bet sizes. You can play your favourite games on these sites in a fully legal manner. Once you do your research and choose a reputable online casino, then you will be good to go. Credit card transactions can have their benefits, including allowing you to have better protection when making online payments. 

Conclusion

The UKGC has its heart in the right place, aiming to protect gamblers as much as possible. However, sometimes this infringes on the ability of responsible gamblers to have fun and enjoy their gambling. If you are someone who still wants the flexibility of making credit card transactions with an online casino, then non-GamStop casinos are worth looking into.

They can provide you with a raft of other benefits. These platforms are legal to use and often have massive game libraries and offer a lot more freedom to players. You will also be able to use a credit card to fund your account in a safe and fast manner.