Best Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP in 2026
Poker sites not on GAMSTOP host online cash games and tournaments with players from across the world.
It’s legal to use non GAMSTOP poker sites, and it’s also true that they often have high traffic and major MTTs. Many online poker players will choose to join non GAMSTOP poker site to broaden their access to tournaments, cash games, and sites with strong loyalty programs.
Non GAMSTOP Poker Sites for UK Players
In This Guide
- Non GAMSTOP Poker Sites for UK Players
- Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP Compared
- What is GAMSTOP?
- Are Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP Legal?
- Why Some Players Choose Online Poker Not on GAMSTOP
- Features of Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP
- Selecting a UK Poker Site not on GAMSTOP
- Bonuses at Non-GAMSTOP Poker Sites
- Types of Games at Non-GAMSTOP Poker Sites
- Pros and Cons of Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP
- Payment Methods at Online Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP
- Finding Poker Sites Not Blocked by GAMSTOP
- Handy Advice for Playing at Non-GAMSTOP Poker Sites
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
- References
Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP Compared
Poker sites not on GAMSTOP still have bonuses, just like other poker rooms. Here’s an at-a-glance comparison table of key features, so you can make a better-informed choice about which platform to choose.
| Non-GAMSTOP Poker Site | Welcome Bonus | Rakeback | Poker Game Types | Tournament Buy-Ins / Cash Game Stakes |
| CoinPoker | 150% up to $2,000 | 15% + CoinRewards | Hold’em, PLO, PLO5, PLO6, Short Deck |
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| ACR | 100% up to $2,000 | 27% flat or phased via Elite Benefits | Hold’em, PLO, PLO 5 |
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| BCPoker | 10% up to $200 | 10%-50% | Hold’em, PLO, Short Deck |
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| Black Chip Poker | 100% up to $2,000 | 27% flat or phased via Elite Benefits | Hold’em, PLO, PLO 5 |
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| Ya Poker | 100% up to $2,000 | 27% flat or phased via Elite Benefits | Hold’em, PLO, PLO 5 |
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What is GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP is a free-to-use self-exclusion tool that all UK-regulated casinos, poker sites, and bookies must use. It allows players to freeze access to any betting or gambling account across multiple bookmakers and casinos in one go.
Players can’t play at poker sites on GAMSTOP if they’ve registered there to self-exclude from online gambling platforms.
We support responsible gambling. But some players choose to use non-GAMSTOP poker sites for several reasons. For instance, they have generous bonus offers. And players can sign up anonymously.
In other words, players can get more privacy and potentially bigger bonuses.
Most non-GAMSTOP sites are crypto-first platforms, so players can withdraw funds quickly with few roadblocks.
Are Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP Legal?
Yes, it’s perfectly legal to play at poker sites not on GAMSTOP.
Traditional UK poker sites must be regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, but offshore non-GAMSTOP poker rooms don’t face similar restrictions (and may be regulated by other authorities).
Players are free to sign up with whichever platform they choose.
Non-GAMSTOP Poker Laws
Players who join a properly licensed offshore poker site aren’t breaking any laws.
GAMSTOP is not a law, it’s a voluntary self-exclusion scheme. But the UK Gambling Commission requires its licensed sites to use it. This means that, if a player is signed up to GAMSTOP, they can’t use any UKGC site until their self-exclusion period is over.
Sites with licenses from places like Curacao, Malta, or Gibraltar don’t have to enforce GAMSTOP bans. And playing on those sites is perfectly legal, as there’s no law preventing UK residents from signing up, depositing, playing, and withdrawing.
Why Some Players Choose Online Poker Not on GAMSTOP
Some players find that using non GAMSTOP poker sites gives them more choice, which means more control and flexibility when it comes to their online poker experiences.
UK poker sites not on GAMSTOP sometimes have bonuses of up to $2,000, strong traffic of 4,000-12,000+ players, and a very large variety of poker games and formats.
This can mean higher stakes, larger MTT prize pools, signature tournaments, more banking options (including crypto), and fewer KYC checks.
Features of Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP
Non GAMSTOP poker sites can offer you many of the same features as the UK’s GAMSTOP poker rooms.
From a range of stakes and games to bonuses, here are the main factors to look for:
- The right stakes – The best poker sites not on GAMSTOP should offer a big range of stakes for at least Hold’em and PLO. From microstakes of £0.01/£0.02 (or, more commonly, $0.01/$0.02) all the way up to the nosebleeds, both in cash games and tournaments.
- Range of games – Most players stick to Hold’em and Omaha, but mixed games and Short Deck Poker offer different challenges and are growing in popularity.
- Bonuses – Non GAMSTOP poker isn’t limited by the restrictions of the UKGC, which helps explain why they can offer fairly large bonuses. Deposit matches, freerolls and rakeback are among the most common bonuses.
- Customer support – Responsive live chat, full rules and tournament explainers, and high-quality customer support is an absolute must these days.
Selecting a UK Poker Site not on GAMSTOP
There are many factors you should consider when picking a poker site to use, including banking options, rake, and licensing. Our experts have put together some of the most important things to look for, and provided insight on how you should balance all these things.
Remember, no two poker players are the same, and everyone expects something slightly different from their perfect poker site.
Here are the main features to focus on:
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
One of the most important things in online poker is being able to cash out and enjoy your winnings easily. Always check that your preferred method is available, and that fees or exchange rates are acceptable.
With non GAMSTOP poker sites being based outside the UK, games are played in USD, so these sites will automatically turn your deposit into dollars. Getting $27 rather than $26 for your £20 deposit can really add up over time, so make sure you’re getting a solid rate.
Game & Stakes Variety
Most of you reading this will be looking to play No Limit Hold’em, but some players prefer PLO, Short Deck, and other poker variants. Having access to a range of games is a sign that the poker site has a healthy player base.
You should also look at the range of games on offer at the stake level you want to play at. Most non GAMSTOP poker sites have plenty of tables at the micro level, but some of them are more limited when it comes to high stakes.
Look at Traffic Levels
Always check the traffic on the platform at your normal play times, which is probably going to be evenings and weekends in BST/GMT. This will help avoid issues like waiting around for a seat, or playing the same handful of players over and over again.
At strong sites, you’d expect to see at least 1,000 players – and upwards of 10,000 at peak times at the most popular non GAMSTOP poker rooms.
Compare Rake and Rakeback
High rake can seriously impact your bankroll and eat into your profits. While rakeback options are nice, they don’t always make up for a higher rake. Compare the percentages and options, especially if you’re going to be grinding low-stakes tables.
In particular, check out the rake cap. This is the maximum amount a non GAMSTOP poker room will take from each cash game pot. The lower, the better.
Tournament Schedule
Online poker is a global experience, but its player base can tilt heavily toward the US and Asia. That means tournaments are often scheduled for their time zones rather than the UK’s.
If you want to satellite your way to main events or just try some freerolls, make sure you aren’t having to pull all-nighters every time. Focus on sites that have UK-friendly start times, which are most commonly evenings and weekends in either GMT or BST, depending on the time of year.
Check Licensing
Finally, you need to make sure you’re safe and secure. Only use platforms that are licensed by reputable authorities, such as the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority, Curacao Gaming Control, or Malta Gaming Authority.
Bonuses at Non-GAMSTOP Poker Sites
You’ll find a number of bonuses available at the best poker sites not on GAMSTOP.
Here are some of the most common bonuses users can get when playing poker that’s not on GAMSTOP:
Welcome Bonus
This is the first and biggest offer you’ll receive when you sign up for poker sites not on GAMSTOP. Most welcome bonuses are match bonuses, where the poker room agrees to match your deposit size by between 100% and 200%, up to around $2,000 (around £1,500).
Players need to generate rake from playing real money games to release the bonus cash. For instance, at CoinPoker, players have to rake three times the amount of bonus cash to redeem it. It’s released in 10% chunks, so you don’t actually have to run through the full amount if you don’t want to.
Typically, you have around 30 to 60 days to unlock your non-GAMSTOP poker welcome bonus.
Reload Bonus
A reload bonus gives existing players added credits when they top up their balances with a qualifying deposit.
Reload bonuses are almost always smaller than welcome bonuses. A typical deposit bonus would be 50% up to a maximum of roughly $500 (roughly £375).
Rakeback
Rakeback returns a portion of the rake you pay at the tables as bonus cash each week. It’ll usually be about 25%, although some VIP programmes generate higher rakeback as you climb the tiers.
CoinPoker has 15% rakeback and another $1.5M in weekly bonuses through a programme called CoinRewards, which can mean effective rakeback of over 100% at microstakes.
Freerolls and Tournament Tickets
Freerolls are free to play, but there’s still a real-money prize pool in most cases. Because they’re free, and the prizes are modest, the standard is generally low.
On the other hand, tournament tickets give players free entry into real-money tournaments that the rest of the field has paid for. This often means a more substantial prize pool.
Check the lobby for freeroll times and register early, as the numbers are capped. Freerolls are an opportunity to try out poker variants you’re not used to, though most will be Hold’em events.
VIP/Loyalty Programme
Most sites have a VIP programme that rewards players over time. When users play poker not on GAMSTOP and join a VIP club, they start at the bottom and slowly work their way up the tiers.
As players climb the ranks, they may unlock rewards such as better rakeback, more lucrative reload offers, and favourable payment terms.
Types of Games at Non-GAMSTOP Poker Sites
Hold’em and Omaha dominate poker that’s not on GAMSTOP. Some sites occasionally include specialist games, but they’ll attract fewer players and have smaller prize pools.
Here are the key poker variants you’ll find at poker sites not on GAMSTOP:
Texas Hold’em
Hold’em is the easiest poker game to learn, and by far the most played. You receive two hole cards and can use any of these and up to five community cards to make your best five-card poker hand.
No-Limit Hold’em (NLH) is the most common version at the cash tables and in tournament poker, but you’ll also find some pot limit or even fixed limit games.
Omaha
Omaha is more of an action game because you get four hole cards and must use exactly two of these, plus three of the five community cards, to make your poker hand. Pot limit Omaha is the most-played variant, especially in ring games.
Seven Card Stud
This old-school poker game doesn’t have community cards. Instead, you receive a combination of seven cards (four face-up, three face-down), with up to five betting rounds. It’s rare these days to find Seven-Card Stud at poker sites not on GAMSTOP.
Other Non-GAMSTOP Poker Games
Now and then, you might find another game offered online outside of the big two or three. Here’s a quick breakdown of some poker games you might find:
- 6+ Hold’em: It has Hold’em in the name, so it’s similar – but with some huge changes. All 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s are removed from the deck, meaning you’re much more likely to make premium hands. In 6+ (also known as Short Deck), a flush beats a full house.
- Pineapple: Another one that uses Hold’em as a base, but with a significant twist. You’re dealt three cards and have to chuck one away before the turn. This adds an exciting element of strategy and deception, though not many sites offer this format.
- PLO5/PLO6: Standard Omaha gives you double the hole cards you’ll get in a regular Hold’em game. But you can also start with five (PLO5) or six (PLO6) hole cards in these action-packed formats. You need to be hyper-aware of premium hands here, and blockers become very important.
Pros and Cons of Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP
Now that you’ve seen what’s available when poker isn’t blocked by GAMSTOP, let’s briefly discuss the pros and cons of joining one of these sites.
Pros
- Increased privacy with very few ID and financial checks.
- Sometimes have bigger bonuses than UK-based poker sites.
- Crypto payments supported, generating faster payouts.
- High volumes of traffic.
Cons
- Players who self-exclude elsewhere can sign up and play.
- Some platforms might operate with less regulatory oversight.
Payment Methods at Online Poker Sites Not on GAMSTOP
Non-GAMSTOP poker sites go hand-in-hand with crypto, as it’s fast and confidential.
- Crypto: Multiple cryptocurrencies accepted with near-instant payouts and privacy. The fastest option with very small network-related fees.
- Debit cards: Most sites still offer bank card deposits, although they’re not always available for withdrawals. When they are, transactions will take slightly longer than crypto.
- eWallets: Very uncommon in non-GAMSTOP sites, but look for PayPal options or platforms like Neteller or Skrill in the cashier.
- Bank transfers: Best suited to large deposits, but will take longer to process and attract fees.
Finding Poker Sites Not Blocked by GAMSTOP
If you want to explore a wider number of poker rooms, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re finding safe and reliable ones.
Here’s how to spot the top poker sites not on GAMSTOP:
Regulation
Licensing situations can be different between GAMSTOP and non GAMSTOP sites, especially at offshore poker sites. But many of these poker rooms will still opt to use a traditional regulator.
Outside of the UKGC, the key regulators to look out for include:
- Malta Gaming Authority
- Curacao Gaming Authority
- Autonomous Island of Anjouan/Union of Comoros
These are among the most popular and common poker licensing bodies. If a site uses one of these, it means they’ve let a third party give their site an inspection. The license is only granted if they deem the poker room to be fair and transparent.
By definition, non-GAMSTOP poker rooms don’t always follow the most traditional route and often stand against intrusion, so they won’t all have one of these licenses.
Player Feedback
Player feedback should be taken with a pinch of salt, as it’s not always 100% truthful. False reviews are sometimes posted by disgruntled players who’ve just eaten a big loss, or even competitors pretending to be legit players. But there are lots of trustworthy sources out there.
Get involved in online communities and poker forums. Some of these sites even have a Telegram group for members, where players are able to speak directly to staff from the actual poker sites.
Security
There are many key safety measures that indicate you’re playing at one of the best poker sites not on GAMSTOP.
One of the most important ones is randomization. Claims of poker games being rigged can be easily disproved by verifying that the site uses a legitimate RNG program.
You also want to make sure that the poker site is encrypting your data and protecting your personal information.
24/7 Support
Ideally, you want help at hand whenever you need it. At poker sites specifically, this is often only available through email support or an online contact form.
Some of the best poker rooms not on GAMSTOP also have live chat, including some of those in our recommended list. You hope you never need help for a major problem when playing poker. But, if you do, it’s best to get a timely response from a trusted team.
Handy Advice for Playing at Non-GAMSTOP Poker Sites
There are two key pieces of advice when it comes to playing poker for real money: practice solid bankroll management, and play with at least a basic understanding of poker strategy.
Both will extend your enjoyment and prevent you from busting your role (and could help you make a tidy profit).
- Manage your roll: As a rule of thumb, only commit up to 5% of your poker roll at any cash game or tournament. This will help you soak up losing streaks without fear of running out of cash.
- Be responsible: Manage your playing time and how much you deposit, so that you don’t play scared, irritated, or tired. Any of these will impair your judgment and ultimately cost you money.
- Play solid poker: Begin playing ABC poker, playing only solid starting hands in position. As you get more experienced, adjust your play to your opponents, get reads on them, and mix up your play so it’s hard for them to figure you out.
Key Takeaways
Non-GAMSTOP poker sites offer big bonuses, privacy, and consistent traffic at the tables.
It’s perfectly legal to use these sites, and many have a full license. The best ones offer a wide range of games, with a heavy emphasis on accessible stakes and Hold’em tournaments. You can also find mixed games, Omaha, and short deck games at these sites, too.
FAQs
Why don’t all poker sites use GAMSTOP?
Is GAMSTOP a UK-only company?
Are non-GAMSTOP poker sites safe?
Which online poker sites not on GAMSTOP have the best bonuses?
Are poker sites not on GAMSTOP using rigged software?
Will I be taxed on my winnings from non GAMSTOP poker sites?
Do I need a VPN to access UK poker sites not on GAMSTOP?
References
- Cryptocurrency Market (CoinMarketCap)
- How to Cash Out Your Crypto (Bankrate)
