Published on 8 Nov 2022 9:26 pm (UK Time)
GamStop players won’t be able to access sportsbooks licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). However, many other reputable independent operators accept punters blocked in the UK. Even so, it is essential to learn how to identify legitimate sportsbooks, especially if you are pondering playing on offshore sites. In the next sections, we cover some of the fundamental attributes of legit sports betting sites that aren’t part of the GamStop scheme.
Use a Top 5 or Top 10 List
There are thousands of dependable sports betting sites available worldwide, and finding them is as effortless as typing a search phrase on Google. However, the search engine will provide thousands, even millions, of results, and it’s simply impractical to go through each casino website searching for the best. Fortunately, many sites are dedicated to reviewing gambling sites and take on this time-consuming process to provide a shortlist of the most reputable sportsbooks. For example, GoldenBet has an excellent reputation with UK players that are on GamStop and you can find this brand in many lists. As such, we recommend using the top five and top ten lists from reputable sportsbook review sites, known to provide accurate, impartial information. This will save you time as you can quickly compare the top offers.
Review Security Options
Security is crucial when betting with real money online. As a GamStop player, you no longer have the protection of the UKGC, and not all offshore sportsbooks are legitimate. Some sites leave you exposed to hackers and cyber threats. Others sell your information to third parties, bombarding your online experiences, email address and phone with notifications, pop-ups, and promotions. Even worse, illegitimate sportsbooks can withhold payouts for no reason without refunding your deposit. As such, GamStop players should choose trusted operators with adequate player protection measures. Make sure the site is secured using advanced SSL Certificates and 24/7 malware and Trojan scans. Also, you should review the operator’s history for past security breaches or any red flags like withheld payouts and unresolved player issues.
The Sports Betting Markets
The markets are why punters wager on sports matches and tournaments, and most are lovers of the games they bet on. Legit sportsbooks offer thousands of markets across major sports disciplines and competitions worldwide. Players can bet on football, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, lacrosse, golf, rugby, hockey, racing, horse racing, athletics, swimming, cycling, boxing, futsal, and many other professional sports disciplines. Some sites offer as many as 50 unique types of sports. You can also find virtual sports betting, eSports, and fantasy football, among other contemporary markets. Top-rated sportsbooks offer all these options and accommodate pre-match fixed-odd betting, as well as live betting, multi-bet, cashout, and bet accumulators.
Stick to Licensed Sportsbooks
The UKGC is one of many credible commissions in the global gambling scene. It is tasked with regulating online casinos and sportsbooks in the UK. Other jurisdictions have independent commissions and associations like EGBA which manage the market in Europe, just as reputable, although the UKGC is probably the most reliable agency and upholds strict standards. Still, GamStop players can bet on sportsbooks licensed in Curacao, Malta, Alderney, Gibraltar, Canada, the USA, Australia, and Macau. All legitimate sportsbooks have a valid gambling license from a well-known commission, so you should avoid any offer from operators that don’t have any verifiable gambling license.
Other Desirable Attributes
There are various other aspects of reviewing when looking for legitimate sports betting sites that aren’t part of GamStop. These factors are more about desirability than legitimacy but are still vital when playing on sportsbooks licensed outside the UK.
- Reliable Support: legitimate sportsbooks offer reliable customer services through multiple channels, including direct emails, 24/7 live chat, phone calls, blogs, forums, fax, etc. More importantly, they have a friendly, fast-responding team you can depend on for answers whenever you need assistance.
- Lucrative Promotions: Bonuses are a huge part of online gambling, and virtually all sportsbooks have unique offers for their players. Note that some bonuses have steep wagering and betting requirements making them undesirable, so you should read all terms and conditions before claiming. The goal is to find generous bonuses and promotions with reasonable requirements.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: The modern age of highly-capable mobile devices brings sports betting to the palms of your hand. Most legitimate sites are fully optimized for smartphones, tablets and iPads. Some even offer a dedicated Android and iOS sports betting app you can use to wager on the go.
- Awards and Recognition – The best sportsbooks will have a growing reputation among players and the sports betting community. They’ll also receive recognition for their contributions and reliability. You can review existing awards and certificates or explore the unique features, such as dedication to responsible gambling and fair play or swift payments.
Summary
Legitimate sports betting sites are abundant online. The challenge is to distinguish them from illegitimate offers. Also, no site is automatically the best for everyone. Players have varying needs and preferences, so you should take your time to review each website and choose a sportsbook that suits your style. You’ll be able to quickly find a reliable non GamStop sportsbook using the above criteria.
