Slot games, with their simple gameplay and promise of big wins, have been a favourite pastime for gamblers for decades. In the UK, their allure has not waned, but the Gambling Commission, which regulates the casino gaming market, has implemented rules to make them less enticing. The authority has prevented operators from offering gaming options with alluring sounds and certain game elements. It has also restricted the betting limit from £2 to £15.
That’s why non Gamstop slots have emerged as an ideal alternative for players. There are no limitations or restrictions on the casinos offering these games, so you have a plethora of exciting options to choose from. We have you covered if you’re wondering where you can find such slots.
This article details the benefits and drawbacks of independent casinos, along with other helpful information that can help you make the most of your gaming sessions.
Unlocking Slots for UK Players
In 2021, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission banned a few features from slot games. It prohibited the autoplay feature, prevented gameplay faster than 2.5 seconds, and ordered gambling firms to slow down slot machines. Furthermore, sounds or images that gave the illusion of a win when the return was equal to or below a stake were removed.
In April 2023, it added a restriction on betting limits, which saw players wager between £2 and £15 per spin. Consequently, casino operators stopped offering certain slot games to players in the United Kingdom. So, while these regulations were established for a good cause, they dampened the overall excitement of playing slots.
Thankfully, there are independent casinos where these rules don’t apply. The UKGC doesn’t license these operators; thus, they’re not bound to follow the regulations implemented on online slots. Playing on these sites has several advantages, which include:
- No limit on minimum spins: There are no limits on how much you can bet when playing slots at these casinos. This allows you to wager as little or as much as the provider permits.
- No sound restrictions: If you’re a player who finds the gameplay more exciting with sounds, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are no sound restrictions on these games. With this, operators can offer titles with different game tracks.
- Crypto and credit card payments: Unlike UKGC-licenced casinos, such platforms let you deposit and withdraw with cryptocurrencies and credit cards. So, you only have to worry about how to choose the most suitable payment methods for online gambling.
- More rewarding welcome offers: You get more significant welcome bonuses ranging from more free spins to higher percentages for matched deposit promotions.
- Better bonuses: Besides a welcome offer, independent casinos have reloaded deals for their existing customers. Some also have unique loyalty programmes where players can unlock better rewards.
What Are Their Drawbacks
Despite their benefits, they have a few drawbacks that you should note. These are as follows:
- Support chat lags: Some independent operators don’t include a live chat feature on their platform. Those that do might take longer than expected to respond to queries.
- Some promotions are unfair: Not all casinos have fair terms and conditions. They might offer you mouth-watering deals but include unreasonable wagering requirements that make it impossible to get your winnings.
- No license: The lack of regulatory oversight is a red flag for many players because there’s a good chance that they’re fraudulent sites.
- Slower releases of new slots: Some operators take a long time to update their gaming library, leaving players with the same collection.
Demo Versions and Free Play
Despite the overhaul of the UK gambling laws, non-Gamstop sites provided players with an avenue to have fun without dealing with too many restrictions. One of the best aspects of these platforms is that they offer demo versions and free play. This means you can spin the reels of several slots without risking real money. It lets you learn more about the game, including its paytable, betting limits, and bonus features. With this, you can easily decide if it interests you enough to wager real money.
The best way to find slots you will enjoy is to peruse the provider’s list. Learn what game developers the operator has partnered with and which of their titles are available for free play. If you already have preferences regarding software providers, you can search for online casinos with their old and new releases. Then, try the free versions of those that catch your attention to see their features.
Keep in mind that freeplay doesn’t earn you real rewards or qualify you for bonuses at online casinos. You must spin the reels for real money to win real prizes or trigger jackpot prizes. This necessitates signing up on the platform and making a deposit.
Social Casino Apps and Platforms
Another way to enjoy slots is to play at social casinos. These platforms have gained popularity as a virtual alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. Unlike real-money gambling sites, social casinos do not involve wagering actual money or offering the opportunity to win cash prizes. These platforms operate on a free-to-play model, allowing users to download casino apps or access websites and enjoy games without depositing funds. Players receive virtual coins or tokens, often free chips, which they can use to place bets.
At social casinos, you play purely for entertainment. Besides slots, you’ll find some of the most popular casino games, ranging from poker to blackjack, roulette, bingo, and more. These titles have engaging graphics, sound effects, and animations to replicate the excitement of real-money gambling. As the name suggests, social casinos emphasise social interactions among players. They often include features that enable players to connect with friends, send and receive gifts, and compete on leaderboards. Some platforms offer multiplayer games, allowing users to play together in real-time.
While social casinos are free to play, they often include in-app purchases. Players can buy additional virtual currency, power-ups, or special items that enhance their gameplay experience. These purchases are optional and are not necessary to enjoy the games.
