Entertainment

Will Non-GamStop Casinos Become Mainstream?

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2024

When we talk about non-GamStop casinos, these gambling platforms do not follow the UK’s self-exclusion program, also known as GamStop. This program was created in the UK and allows players to restrict their gambling access with self-exclusion. The good news is that there are casinos without any self-exclusion limitations. These casinos are often based outside the UK and offer more freedom to players. They will hold casino licenses from other jurisdictions, which gives them more independence.

Through non-GamStop platforms, players benefit from more bonuses, a bigger selection of casino games, and more flexibility. It is difficult to predict if non-GamStop casinos will become mainstream. It will depend on regulatory environments, technological innovations, and players’ preferences. This article will take a closer look at these.

Can Non-GamStop Casinos Become a Mainstream Online Gambling Option?

There is no doubt that non-GamStop casinos have the potential to become mainstream. The points below discuss various factors that can influence the growth of non-GamStop casinos.

Regulatory environment

This plays a big factor in whether non-GamStop casinos can make it to the mainstream. There are some regions and jurisdictions such as the UK rules and regulations are strict, and there are only casinos that feature GamStop available. It can be very tricky for Non-GamStop sites to gain any foothold in certain regions of the world because of this. For non-GamStop casinos to become part of the mainstream, they will require a more lenient regulation, which will include a more relaxed atmosphere. In regions that cater to this type of atmosphere, non-GamStop casinos can start to thrive and become bigger.

Player preference

The biggest factor in non-GamStop casinos becoming part of the mainstream is, of course, player preference. Many gamblers prefer the freedom and flexibility that non-GamStop casinos offer. Players also benefit from the wide range of games available through non-GamStop sites. Players who prefer non-GamStop casinos also enjoy larger betting options that come with these platforms.

Marketing strategies

If non-GamStop casinos use all the marketing avenues open to them, such as social media platforms, influencer marketing, and affiliate partnerships, non-GamStop sites will have a chance of going mainstream. The better the communication, the more awareness there will be for non-GamStop casinos. All of this will assist in creating a mainstream appeal for these types of online casinos.

Considering Potential Challenges of Playing at Non-GamStop Casinos

There are some challenges which come with using non-GamStop casinos, these include the following:

• Limited responsible gambling tools

With fewer tools to assist players with their gambling habits, this can lead to a higher chance for an individual to become addicted to gambling. Non-GamStop casinos may not offer the same amount of features that help with this type of situation. This will then put pressure on each gambler to gain self-control and take responsibility for their gambling habits.

• Lack of regulation

While organisations such as CMA in the UK protect customers, non-GamStop sites may operate in regions with fewer rules, and therefore, there is less protection for players. A lack of regulation can expose players to unfair practices like non-payment of winnings, theft of personal data, and unfair gaming practices.

• An increased chance of problem gambling

Where there is a lack of regulation and responsible gambling measures, Non-GamStop casinos have the potential to cause issues for vulnerable gamblers. Players can be more susceptible to over-gambling, which can lead to financial loss and mental health issues.

• No consumer protection

Gamblers who use non-GamStop casinos may have limited access to disputes with the operator. With little or no consumer protection in place for individuals, it will be a challenge to resolve any complaints of unfair treatment.

As with everything in life, opting for a non-GamStop casino has challenges. The points above illustrate the challenges of using non-GamStop platforms. The most important consideration is always to prioritise safety and responsible gambling when online.

Future Predictions For The Gambling Market

There is sure to be an even larger increase in players turning to gambling websites in the coming years. Through mobile gambling, which gives every player the freedom to play from anywhere on the planet, there will be huge increases in this form of entertainment. With dedicated mobile apps, operators will be able to reach a huge audience of players. There is certain to be more cryptocurrency gambling with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Doge, Ripple, and others. This will bring about more security and privacy for gamblers. Cryptocurrency casinos will also offer faster payments, which will be an alternative to traditional banking methods.

We can all expect to see VR and AR technologies introduced into online gambling in the coming years. This will certainly bring about a more immersive gaming experience for every player. It will attract tech-savvy players, revolutionise live dealer games, and become much more mainstream.

Entertainment

New appeal in search for missing Manic Street Preachers musician

Published

2 days ago

January 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family and charity issue fresh appeal for information about guitarist 31 years on

THIRTY-ONE years after the disappearance of Richey Edwards, a new public appeal has been issued urging anyone with information to come forward.

Edwards, guitarist and lyricist with Manic Street Preachers, vanished on January 31, 1995, in a case that has become one of the most enduring mysteries in British music history.

***Missing for over 30 years: Richey Edwards***

The then 27-year-old was last seen at the Embassy Hotel Bayswater in west London, where he had been staying ahead of a promotional trip to the United States. He checked out of room 561 but never reached his destination.

Despite numerous reported sightings over the years, none have ever been confirmed. Edwards was officially declared presumed dead in 2008, though his family continue to mark the anniversary of his disappearance and keep hope alive that answers may still emerge.

Anniversary appeal

The charity Missing People has released a statement in collaboration with Edwards’ sister Rachel, asking the public to remember the case.

In a social media post, the organisation said: “It is 31 years since Richard went missing, please keep his family in your thoughts.”

They also repeated key identifying details from the time he vanished. Edwards was described as white, around 5ft 7in tall, slim, with brown eyes and a shaved head. He had several distinctive tattoos, including a rose with the words ‘Useless Generation’, the phrase ‘I’ll surf this beach’, and a scar on his lower left arm where he had scratched the words ‘4 REAL’.

Unanswered questions

His car was later found near the Severn Bridge services, close to the Welsh border, prompting widespread searches but yielding no firm clues about what happened next.

At the time of his disappearance, the band were on the brink of international success. Edwards’ intense, literate songwriting and striking image had already made him a defining figure in Welsh rock music. More than three decades later, fans still hold vigils, create murals and share tributes across Wales and beyond.

Police say the case remains open.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police Service on 101 or use their online reporting service, quoting reference CONNECT REF 01/764429/24. Missing People also operates a free, confidential helpline on 116 000.

Entertainment

Turner and Constable brought to life on the big screen at the Torch Theatre

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ART lovers in Pembrokeshire will have the chance to experience the lives and rivalries of two of Britain’s greatest painters when a new documentary, EOS: Turner & Constable, arrives at the Torch Theatre this March.

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, the film explores the intertwined stories and enduring legacies of J.M.W. Turner and John Constable alongside Tate Britain’s major new exhibition. Exhibition on Screen has been granted exclusive behind-the-scenes access, bringing their extraordinary art and personal histories vividly to the cinema screen.

Born just a year apart, Turner and Constable helped redefine landscape painting in Britain – and were fierce competitors. Both captured a nation in transition, yet their styles could not have been more different. Turner’s dramatic skies, blazing sunsets and atmospheric scenes from his travels contrasted sharply with Constable’s gentle, nostalgic portrayals of the English countryside and familiar rural life.

Their opposing visions divided critics and audiences alike, famously described at the time as a clash of “fire and water”.

The documentary offers rare, intimate access to sketchbooks, letters and personal artefacts, alongside insights from leading curators and art historians. It also ties in with Tate Britain’s landmark exhibition, running in London from November 2025 to April 2026, which reunites the two masters’ works side-by-side.

This cinematic event gives audiences the chance to see their masterpieces in stunning detail and discover unexpected sides to two artists whose rivalry shaped British art history.

Turner and Constable will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday, March 15 at 4:30pm.

Tickets are £13. For bookings, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Companies awarded funding as part of Made in Wales: Factual Entertainment project

Published

4 days ago

January 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BBC Cymru Wales, BBC Network and Creative Wales have awarded four Wales-based production companies funding to develop ideas for a new Factual Entertainment series

BBC CYMRU WALES, BBC Network, and Creative Wales announced the launch of a new development fund for a Factual Entertainment series at the Wales Media Summit last year.

Production companies with a substantive base in Wales were invited to pitch bold, original ideas that celebrate Welsh creativity while delivering unforgettable entertainment to audiences across the UK.

Boom, Curve Media, South Shore and Tŷ’r Ddraig have successfully been awarded funding to further develop their ideas for a new Factual Entertainment series. Each company will receive £10,000 of funding, with development starting in the coming weeks.

Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning BBC Cymru Wales, said: “We were really impressed by the variety and volume of the submissions we received – companies really responded to our call for ideas for an ambitious, returnable format, that surprises, unites, and captivates. We’re so excited to be working with the four successful companies, and we’re looking forward to seeing how their ideas develop further.”

Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events, said: “Made in Wales is a collaboration to find a major new factual entertainment series that will harness the best of Welsh creativity and resonate across the UK. We are really looking forward to working with brilliant Welsh talent to come up with the next big thing.”

Joedi Langley, Interim Head of Creative Wales, said: “This announcement follows a recently published and updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Creative Wales and BBC, a commitment between the two organisations to work together to support the vibrant, diverse, world-class screen industries in Wales.

“This new development funding will do just that – create new opportunities for Welsh based production companies to develop exciting, original ideas for factual content. Congratulations to the indies, we look forward to seeing what comes next!”

The total funding of £40,000 has been provided by BBC Cymru Wales, BBC Network and the Welsh Government via Creative Wales.