Bingo is one of the oldest legal gambling products and is extremely popular in the UK. There are many online bingo halls and games for interested UK punters. However, most of them are covered by GamStop, a self-exclusion scheme all UKGC-licensed casinos are obliged to join.

The UK Gambling Commission oversees gambling activity in the region and requires all casinos to become part of GamStop and GamBan. Fortunately, no law prohibits punters from playing bingo games provided by non-UKGC online casinos accepting players on GamStop.

What Bingo Halls Covered by GamStop

As aforementioned, GamStop is a voluntary self-exclusion program players can join to take a break from gambling. The scheme was designed to help problem gamblers recover from harmful gambling habits. All casinos licensed by the UKGC are required to join GamStop and follow all restrictions. These online bingo halls don't welcome players who have voluntarily registered on GamStop to control their gambling habits. The UKGC keeps tabs on all licensed casinos to ensure they are part of the mandatory self-exclusion scheme. Casino operators that fail to uphold all UKGC restrictions risk getting their gambling license withdrawn. Here are the two categories of bingo halls covered by GamStop:

● UKGC bingo halls (online and land-based)

All land-based bingo halls in the UK are licensed by the UKGC and part of the GamStop self-exclusion. Online bingo hall operators with the UKGC license are also expected to join GamStop. This includes all UKGC casinos with bingo games and dedicated bingo sites.

● UKGC casinos (online and land-based)

All online casino operators and land-based casinos licensed by the UKGC must join GamStop. All games provided in such casinos, including slots, table games, poker, bingo, lottery, etc., are covered by GamStop and unavailable for blocked players.

Are There Bingo Sites For GamStop Customers?

Yes, there are many bingo sites not on GamStop. It means that UK players who are looking for a place where to play bingo can check out many bingo sites without GamStop at NonGamStopBets. The majority of these bingo halls are provided by independent sites and international brands with offshore licenses. The UKGC regulates gambling activity in the UK, so its rules only apply to casinos licensed in the region. Independent operators are licensed outside the UK and hold legitimate gambling licenses. Some of the common casino licensed you will encounter include:

● Curacao Gaming Commission
● Malta Gambling Authority
● Alderney Gambling Control Commission

Non-GamStop bingo sites aren't licensed in the UK and don’t participate in the self-exclusion scheme. They also don't oblige to the strict standards required by the UK Gambling Commission. While this is alluring to GamStop players, not all offers are desirable. It is important to review each casino thoroughly before joining. Some of the things to consider include:

a) License validity

Non-UKGC casinos are licensed by offshore regulators, but some operate without a valid license. You should check if the online bingo holds any alternative licenses mentioned above (Curacao, Alderney, Malta) or one from the US, Canada, or Australia. It is also crucial to choose sites offered by trusted international brands.

b) Player data protection

Player security is vital when playing bingo games online. You should never join casinos with a history of breaches or those known for inadequate player data protection. Highlights of secure online bingo halls and casinos include the latest SSL certificates, 24/7 virus scans, and games certified for fair results. Some casinos have more security layers, including strong KYC and advanced encryption.

c) Bingo variety

There are many bingo variants, ranging from classic 75-ball and 90-ball bingos to contemporary 80-ball and 40-ball options. Online bingo halls provide a wide range of bingo games and rooms, so finding your favourite shouldn’t be a problem. Nevertheless, you should join sites with a decent number of rooms available around the clock. Some popular titles include Bingo Billions, Cyber Bingo, Costa Bingo, and Wick Bingo.

d) Payment methods

Non-GamStop bingo halls support various popular banking methods, ranging from credit cards and debit cards to e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller and ecoPayz. Unfortunately, most don't support pay by phone and PayPal. The key is to find sites with secure payment methods, instant deposits and swift withdrawals.

e) Customer support

Support is essential when you are faced with any challenges. The best bingo halls not covered by GamStop offer multiple communication methods, including live chat and email support. Some even have phone support.

Conclusion

There are many bingo rooms covered by GamStop and equally many without GamStop restrictions. It is upon you to choose where you want to play as no regulation bars you from gambling on offshore sites. Make sure you join credible, reputable online bingo halls and remember to gamble responsibly.