Entertainment

Casinos outside GamStop: Freedom, risks, and the UK gamblers’ perspective

Published

1 month ago

November 7, 2024

Non-GamStop casinos are popular amongst UK residents, particularly those who have an active self-exclusion with GamStop and no longer have access to gambling sites.

With significantly more freedom than casinos on GamStop, it’s no surprise that people use

non-GamStop casinos. However, they are accompanied by some increased risks that you don’t get with UKGC-regulated casinos. So, with this in mind, let’s delve into what attracts people to casinos outside of GamStop as well as the risks associated with them, and where you can find these types of casinos.

What attracts people in the UK to casinos outside of GamStop

Freedom

Typically, these casino sites not on GamStop offer more freedom to their players in a variety of ways. The biggest being from the GamStop self-exclusion programme. GamStop offers people who have developed unhealthy gambling habits the chance to exclude themselves from gambling sites – this could be for a few months or a few years. However, casinos outside of GamStop override this and you are free to play even if you have an active self-exclusion.

More benefits

Along with the freedom to gamble whenever you want, non-GamStop casinos are usually more generous with their players. They have bigger welcome bonuses and better offerings, easygoing wagering requirements, more payment options, and lenient ID verification. It’s important to state here that not all non-GamStop casinos are the same, but most have similar benefits.

A better gaming experience

Non-GamStop casinos often provide a better gaming experience as they have a wider selection of games available, with more flexible betting limits. As games are usually available worldwide, you get the benefit of an increased number of players and 24/7 access. This creates a more immersive gambling experience. Added to this, the limited restrictions also ensure interruption free gaming.

Risks of using non-GamStop casinos

The freedom that non-GamStop casinos provide is undoubtedly appealing to UK gamblers, however there are some risks to using non-GamStop casinos. Knowing the risks is essential to ensure safety when using online casinos.

No UKGC oversight

Non-GamStop casinos are unregulated by the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission), which can make it tricky to raise disputes. Similarly, if you feel like you have been a victim of unfair gaming, receiving compensation is highly unlikely because the gambling website isn’t regulated.

This goes hand in hand with a lack of customer support. Many casinos outside of GamStop have very poor, if any, customer service, which can make it even more difficult to raise concerns or make a complaint.

Reduced security

Data protection in non-GamStop casinos is typically much weaker than GamStop casinos, and they may not have the same level of encryption as those regulated by the UKGC. The risk of cyber threats or your personal or financial information being compromised is much higher. You can reduce this risk by checking for SSL certificates or other indications of proper cyber security when choosing a non-GamStop casino to use.

Scams

Encountering fraudulent gambling sites when using casinos not on GamStop is not uncommon. Unregulated gambling sites have a much higher potential for scams and there is a bigger risk of being caught out if you’re not careful, but there are ways to avoid being scammed, starting with choosing a licenced site.

Finding casinos outside of GamStop

With the enticing benefits that come with non-GamStop casinos – more freedom, better gameplay, reduced restriction, and less stringent verification processes – casinos not on GamStop have increased in popularity amongst UK gamblers. Particularly as regulations continue to get tighter in the UK with a ban on credit cards and tighter betting limits in recent years.

However most gamblers are aware of the risks that the lack of security and regulation can have and why it’s so important to do your research on non-GamStop casinos prior to using one. The best options are licensed and offer player safety whilst retaining the advantages of high stakes, fast payouts, generous bonuses, and complete freedom.

Whether you’re looking to find a way around your self-exclusion or simply want a better gambling experience, non-GamStop casinos are an ideal choice. However it’s important to be aware of the risks – lack of protection, weaker security, and potential for scams – and choose your gambling destination carefully.

Entertainment

Choir brings Christmas cheer to Pembroke Castle

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

COLOURFUL choristers filled Pembroke Castle with festive spirit during its Christmas Fayre on Saturday, November 30.

Dressed in an array of Christmas jumpers, ties, and Santa hats, the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir delighted visitors with a programme of 12 songs, complemented by leading several beloved carols.

Musical Director Juliet Rossiter conducted the choir, ensuring their performance ran smoothly. Accompanying them for the second time was the Rev William Lambert, the choir’s new accompanist who has quickly become a valued addition.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, two members of Cor Meibion De Cymru joined the choir on stage for a rousing rendition of American Trilogy, marking a memorable conclusion to their set.

As 2024 draws to a close, the choir plans to bring joy to three local residential homes before taking a well-earned break. Practices will resume in January, and new members are warmly encouraged to join.

Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays at 7:00pm at St Teilo’s Church Hall, Pembroke Dock. Interested singers can contact Choir Secretary Dave Powell on 07572 080401.

PICTURED: Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir on stage at Pembroke Castle’s Christmas Fayre. (Picture: P&DMVC)

Entertainment

James – Music to your ears

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE composer, writer and director, James Williams, has worked on every Torch Theatre festive show for the past 25 years. His first show at the Torch in Milford Haven was Christmas Cat and the Pudding Pirates back in 1998 and since then James has been lucky enough to work with several artistic directors and actors along the way.

This Christmas, James, an Associate Director of the Torch, has composed music for the Torch Theatre’s festive pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk as well as Little Red Riding Hood for the Sherman Theatre, written A Christmas Wish for Simply Theatre, Geneva and written and directed Snow White and the Seven Elves for Bluestone Wales.

“Composing for the Torch Theatre this year has been an absolute joy, with a lot of silliness. The script is just fantastic, and the songs are catchy, full of earworms that will stick in your head. We have some incredible singers, and the music is just banging, challenging, popping and a lot of fun with audience participation where people will feel part of the action. The ‘five a day song’ is definitely one you’ll remember,” chuckled James.

But having composed for so many festive pantos here in Pembrokeshire, from where does James get his inspiration?

“It all starts with the script, and I make sure that the songs are relevant to the actions on stage. I try to imagine what it would be like to be in that world and if I can get the character clear in my head, it all comes easily. It’s the words that are harder I find and it can be quite challenging,” explained James who moved to the Carew area from Cardiff just before lockdown.

Over the years, James has worked for several other companies including NTW, WNO, Hijinx, Triongl, Give It A Name and Theatre Royal Plymouth. He’s the composer of the musical The Jolly Folly of Polly the Scottish Trolley Dolly and The Sheep Chronicles in collaboration with playwright Lesley Ross. He is director of the award-winning circus show Flown for Pirates of the Carabina and has directed the MAMT Showcase for RWCMD since the course inception in 2011.

With only five more years of enjoyment before James reaches a huge milestone of composing for the Christmas shows here at the Torch Theatre, Jack and the Beanstalk remains one of his favourites.

Jack and the Beanstalk can be seen at the Torch Theatre from Fri 13 – Sun 29 Dec 2024 with matinee and evening performances. Ticket prices: £23.50 | £19.50 Cons | £75.00 Family. Relaxed Environment Performance on Saturday 14 December at 2pm. BSL Performance – Tuesday 17 December at 6pm.

To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Entertainment

A Sprinkling of The Royal Ballet’s fairy dust at the Torch

Published

3 days ago

December 6, 2024

Luke Sinclair

Are you a ballet fan? Are you enchanted by the story of Cinderella? Then look no
further than The Royal Ballet: Cinderella, broadcast live here at the Torch Theatre,
Milford Haven this December. The evergreen story of magic, charm, love, courage
and kindness will transport you into an ethereal world where a sprinkling of fairy dust
makes dreams come true.
This enchanting ballet by the Royal Ballet’s Founder Choreographer Fredrick Ashton
is a theatrical experience for all the family this Christmas and one that everyone
loves. Stuck at home and put to work by her spoiled Step-Sisters, Cinderella’s life is
dreary and dull. Everything changes when she helps a mysterious woman out…With
a little bit of magic, she is transported into an ethereal new world – one where fairies
bring the gifts of the seasons, where pumpkins turn into carriages, and where true
love awaits.
Awarded five stars by The Financial Times and The Stage, the production has also
received rave reviews by the Express, The Times and the Evening Standard and is a
festive treat not to be missed.
The Royal Ballet: Cinderella will be broadcast live at the Torch Theatre on
Tuesday 10 December at 7.15pm. Tickets are: Full: £20. Concession: £18 and U26:
£9.
To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646
695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.