/** * This file represents an example of the code that themes would use to register * the required plugins. * * It is expected that theme authors would copy and paste this code into their * functions.php file, and amend to suit. * * @package TGM-Plugin-Activation * @subpackage Example * @version 2.3.6 * @author Thomas Griffin * @author Gary Jones * @copyright Copyright (c) 2012, Thomas Griffin * @license http://opensource.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.php GPL v2 or later * @link https://github.com/thomasgriffin/TGM-Plugin-Activation */ /** * Include the TGM_Plugin_Activation class. */ require_once dirname( __FILE__ ) . '/class-tgm-plugin-activation.php'; add_action( 'tgmpa_register', 'my_theme_register_required_plugins' ); /** * Register the required plugins for this theme. * * In this example, we register two plugins - one included with the TGMPA library * and one from the .org repo. * * The variable passed to tgmpa_register_plugins() should be an array of plugin * arrays. * * This function is hooked into tgmpa_init, which is fired within the * TGM_Plugin_Activation class constructor. */ function my_theme_register_required_plugins() { /** * Array of plugin arrays. Required keys are name and slug. * If the source is NOT from the .org repo, then source is also required. */ $plugins = array( // This is an example of how to include a plugin pre-packaged with a theme array( 'name' => 'Contact Form 7', // The plugin name 'slug' => 'contact-form-7', // The plugin slug (typically the folder name) 'source' => get_stylesheet_directory() . '/includes/plugins/contact-form-7.zip', // The plugin source 'required' => true, // If false, the plugin is only 'recommended' instead of required 'version' => '', // E.g. 1.0.0. If set, the active plugin must be this version or higher, otherwise a notice is presented 'force_activation' => false, // If true, plugin is activated upon theme activation and cannot be deactivated until theme switch 'force_deactivation' => false, // If true, plugin is deactivated upon theme switch, useful for theme-specific plugins 'external_url' => '', // If set, overrides default API URL and points to an external URL ), array( 'name' => 'Cherry Plugin', // The plugin name. 'slug' => 'cherry-plugin', // The plugin slug (typically the folder name). 'source' => PARENT_DIR . '/includes/plugins/cherry-plugin.zip', // The plugin source. 'required' => true, // If false, the plugin is only 'recommended' instead of required. 'version' => '1.1', // E.g. 1.0.0. If set, the active plugin must be this version or higher, otherwise a notice is presented. 'force_activation' => true, // If true, plugin is activated upon theme activation and cannot be deactivated until theme switch. 'force_deactivation' => false, // If true, plugin is deactivated upon theme switch, useful for theme-specific plugins. 'external_url' => '', // If set, overrides default API URL and points to an external URL. ) ); /** * Array of configuration settings. Amend each line as needed. * If you want the default strings to be available under your own theme domain, * leave the strings uncommented. * Some of the strings are added into a sprintf, so see the comments at the * end of each line for what each argument will be. */ $config = array( 'domain' => CURRENT_THEME, // Text domain - likely want to be the same as your theme. 'default_path' => '', // Default absolute path to pre-packaged plugins 'parent_menu_slug' => 'themes.php', // Default parent menu slug 'parent_url_slug' => 'themes.php', // Default parent URL slug 'menu' => 'install-required-plugins', // Menu slug 'has_notices' => true, // Show admin notices or not 'is_automatic' => true, // Automatically activate plugins after installation or not 'message' => '', // Message to output right before the plugins table 'strings' => array( 'page_title' => theme_locals("page_title"), 'menu_title' => theme_locals("menu_title"), 'installing' => theme_locals("installing"), // %1$s = plugin name 'oops' => theme_locals("oops_2"), 'notice_can_install_required' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_install_required"), theme_locals("notice_can_install_required_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_can_install_recommended' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_install_recommended"), theme_locals("notice_can_install_recommended_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_cannot_install' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_cannot_install"), theme_locals("notice_cannot_install_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_can_activate_required' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_activate_required"), theme_locals("notice_can_activate_required_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_can_activate_recommended' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_activate_recommended"), theme_locals("notice_can_activate_recommended_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_cannot_activate' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_cannot_activate"), theme_locals("notice_cannot_activate_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_ask_to_update' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_ask_to_update"), theme_locals("notice_ask_to_update_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_cannot_update' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_cannot_update"), theme_locals("notice_cannot_update_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'install_link' => _n_noop( theme_locals("install_link"), theme_locals("install_link_2") ), 'activate_link' => _n_noop( theme_locals("activate_link"), theme_locals("activate_link_2") ), 'return' => theme_locals("return"), 'plugin_activated' => theme_locals("plugin_activated"), 'complete' => theme_locals("complete"), // %1$s = dashboard link 'nag_type' => theme_locals("updated") // Determines admin notice type - can only be 'updated' or 'error' ) ); tgmpa( $plugins, $config ); } Why Players Are Turning to Non GamStop Casinos

Why Players Are Turning to Non GamStop Casinos

If you've been stuck waiting out a self-exclusion period or just tired of the same capped bonuses and limited game lists, you've probably already looked into non gamstop casinos. These platforms operate outside the UK's jurisdiction, licensed by international regulators like Curacao or Malta, and they don't enforce the national self-exclusion scheme. That means you can register, deposit, and play without the UK system blocking you - even if you're currently on the GamStop list.

But let's be clear: this isn't about dodging responsibility. Many of these casinos still offer deposit limits, reality checks, and their own self-exclusion tools. It's just that the controls are managed in-house, not by a centralised national programme. For players who want more freedom - bigger bonuses, higher stakes, a wider game library - the trade-off is worth understanding.

What You Actually Get With Non GamStop Casinos

The biggest difference hits you right away: the bonuses. UK-licensed sites are heavily restricted on what they can offer. International casinos aren't. Welcome packages often land at 200% or more, free spins are common, and cashback deals run weekly. The game selection is also noticeably larger - hundreds of slots, multiple blackjack variations, live dealer game shows, and crash games that UK sites rarely carry.

Payment methods matter too. You'll find crypto options (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin) sitting alongside cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Crypto deposits process fast, with low fees and no identity checks required for small amounts.

How the Major Differences Stack Up

Feature Non GamStop Casinos UK-Regulated Casinos
Self-exclusion system Managed per casino Centralised GamStop
Welcome bonus size Larger, fewer restrictions Capped, strict wagering
Game variety 500+ games typical Fewer, heavily regulated
KYC process Minimal at signup Full ID required early
Betting limits Higher Lower, safety-focused

Safety First - What to Check Before You Join

Not every casino that bypasses GamStop is trustworthy. The first filter is always the licence. If a site holds a recognised international licence (Curacao eGaming is the most common), it must use certified random number generators, secure payment systems, and clear terms. If it doesn't show a licence anywhere, walk away.

Here's a quick checklist for picking a safe platform:

  • Licence displayed clearly on the homepage
  • SSL encryption (look for the padlock in the URL bar)
  • Transparent bonus terms - wagering requirements stated plainly
  • Responsible gambling tools available (deposit limits, timeout, self-exclusion)
  • Customer support that actually responds (test it before depositing)

Don't Forget the Fine Print on Bonuses

Big bonuses come with strings. Before you click "claim", check these key terms:

  1. Wagering requirements - how many times you must play through the bonus before withdrawing winnings
  2. Eligible games - slots usually count 100%, but table games may count far less or nothing
  3. Maximum withdrawal - some bonuses cap how much you can actually cash out
  4. Time limit - usually 7-30 days to meet the wagering
  5. Payment method restrictions - crypto deposits sometimes exclude you from bonus eligibility

The Practical Takeaway

Non GamStop casinos aren't a loophole - they're a different category of gambling with different trade-offs. You get bigger bonuses, more games, and higher limits, but you also lose the centralised safety net of UK regulation. The smart move is to choose only licensed sites, read every bonus term twice, and use the responsible gambling tools each casino provides. Don't rely on a single external system to protect you - manage your own limits across every account you hold.