Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Mary
Online casinos have become all the hype globally, which is no different in the UK. Many people have turned them into their favourite hobby and go on their preferred website to let off some steam after a long day. However, many people don’t know what is legal in the UK and what isn’t. And lastly, how do you find safe online casinos?
While most online casinos and games are legal in the UK, there are still some restrictions that you will need to know about. You will also need to look out for some things when finding an online casino to ensure you are playing as safely as possible and avoiding the opportunity of gaining any penalties.
Keep reading to learn everything you need about online casino laws in the UK and how to play safely.
Current UK Casino Laws
You now know everything that happened in the UK in the lead-up to the 2005 Gambling Act, but what laws did this act put in place?
Let’s take a closer look:
The 2005 Gambling Act established the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This commission regulates any form of commercial gambling in the UK and is responsible for publishing guidance on gambling, licensing, compliance, enforcement, and research.
The Act also defined six main forms of gambling, and these are the forms that would need to be regulated. However, each comes with its unique laws that they have to follow, all applying to both online and in-person gambling:
- Arcades
- Betting
- Bingo
- Casinos
- Lotteries
- Gaming machines
Sports betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling in the UK, and it is mainly done online now. Some online casinos offer sports betting, whereas others focus on slots and table games. However, any platform that wants to offer sports betting in the UK must have a UKGC license. This is the same for any online casino that offers fixed-odds betting and pool betting.
While many people buy lottery tickets at the nearest corner shop, they can also be done online now. Big national and local lotteries must acquire a license, but this isn’t always true. Some don’t require betting licenses. The UKGC calls these ‘work lotteries’ when you run a small lottery among friends or co-workers.
Online casinos are completely legal, the same for brick-and-mortar casinos. However, like any other gambling organisation, they need to have a license issued by the UKGC and follow a wide list of strict rules. Most rules concern where the casino can base itself and what games can be offered. Each game has its rules, which you can read more about on the UKGC website.
Last but not least is esports. Although it isn’t noted in the 2005 Gambling Act, the government determined it legal. It falls under sports betting, meaning all the rules are the same as those mentioned above.
Breaking the Rules
So, what happens if you break the rules and laws regarding gambling? Unfortunately, you can experience many penalties, from imprisonment to hefty fines.
- Gambling when you’re underage – £1,000 fine;
- Employing underage people at a gambling establishment – 51 weeks imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine;
- Cheating at gambling – 51 weeks imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine;
- Offering gambling without a license – 51 weeks imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine;
- Contravention of regulations relating to advertising – 51 weeks imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine;
- Offering a gambling machine without a license – 51 weeks imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine.
Finding Safe Online Casinos in the UK
Finding trustworthy UK online casinos takes some work. You won’t find a safe gambling site just by blindly stumbling into it.
The UK has one of the world’s most controlled online gambling markets thanks in part to the strict surveillance of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Here are some things you have to consider when seeking out secure UK online casinos:
Licensing and Regulation
Approval from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC): When considering safety, what matters most is whether or not an online casino carries a valid license from this commission. The commission doesn’t play around with regulations, forcing all casinos under its watchful eye to operate within strict standards for fairness, player protection, and responsible gambling practices.
Security Measures
Encryption Technology: Safe casinos use progressive encryption technology (such as SSL) so unauthorized individuals don’t access your details and finances.
Data Protection Policies: Casinos should clearly state how they plan to use your information and how they will protect it.
Fair Play and Transparency
Random Number Generator (RNG) Certification: Properly working RNGs need testing from independent agencies like eCOGRA or iTech Labs before they are deemed suitable for player use.
Clear Bonus Terms: Safe online casinos ensure that every term and condition is completely visible so players know what they’re getting into beforehand.
Responsible Gambling Support
Self-Exclusion Tools: If an online casino offers this feature, it’s likely safe. This means it cares about preventing problem gambling at all costs.
Access to Gambling Help Resources: Safe online casinos will hook you up with assistance if you ever find yourself developing harmful habits while gambling. Look for links towards Gamblers Anonymous or similar organizations.
Customer Support
Accessible Support: You never know when you’ll need help, so it’s essential to have multiple ways of contacting customer support. Make sure live chat, email, and phone contact are available before finishing sign-up.
Payment Methods
Secure and Reliable Banking Options: Choose casinos that offer a variety of payment methods. The most reputable ones are usually credit/debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, and bank transfers. Also, make sure the payment process is simple enough that you won’t be scammed.
Player Reviews and Reputation
Positive Feedback from Players: Look up what others have said about their time at this casino. Whether positive or negative, it’ll give you a good idea of what to expect. Just remember that online reviews can sometimes be inaccurate…
The Steps to Start Playing Safely at Online Casinos
Once you know about the laws associated with gambling, it’s time to start playing at an online casino. Below are the steps on how you can find a casino and start playing on it as safely as possible:
Find the online casino you want to use
You now know that an online casino in the UK needs to be licensed and regulated by the UKGC, so when you’re looking for one to start playing at, you’ll need to ensure they have been. You can find this out by looking at the licenses and permits on the website, or you can Google the answer.
While an online casino may be licensed, that doesn’t always mean it’s the casino you want to use. You’ll need to look at user reviews to find the ideal one. They will tell you everything you want to know, and you should find and use the highest-rated UK online casinos.
Create an account
When you’ve found the online casino you want to use, you’ll most likely need to create an account to start playing. Reliable and licensed casinos will not share your data or personal information with third parties unless you agree to it, and strong security measures are often put in place.
You must fill out any relevant information, such as your name, date of birth, and email address, so they can contact you and send you offers. A sign-up offer is usually included, activated when you make your first deposit.
Make a deposit
After you log into your account, you’ll need to make your first deposit to start playing. To do so, you must access the banking section and choose the payment method you want to use. From there, you’ll only need to fill out your details and select the amount you want to deposit.
Start playing
You’re all set to go when you have a deposit in your account. It will activate any bonuses you’ve been offered for signing up, and you can then find a game to start playing. The best thing to do is browse the game selection and find the one that best suits you. Don’t just select the first one you see. Once you’ve found one, you can choose to play and get started. Just make sure you don’t spend all your money at once!
When you win money, it will also appear in your balance, and if you’ve met any wagering requirements, it will be ready to withdraw.
FAQ
How old do you have to be to gamble in the UK?
You typically have to be over the age of 18 to gamble at any online or brick-and-mortar casinos in the UK. An online casino may ask you to verify your age by providing them with clear photos of your ID. Without it, you may be unable to use any of their resources or play the games. It is an offence for someone underage to gamble or for any organisation to allow someone under 18 to gamble with them.
Do I need a license to use online casinos?
You don’t need a license to use an online casino as a player. However, you will most likely need to provide some form of identification to prove to the casino that you are of the legal age to play at it.
The only licenses required for online gambling are by the casino itself. Any online casino you use must have a license provided by the UKGC. Without it, they will be at risk of facing some serious penalties.
What are the safest payment methods available?
If the online casino is trusted and licensed by the UKGC, then chances are that any of the payment methods are safe. However, some are safer than others, but that isn’t down to the online casino.
Cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin is currently the safest payment method, purely because there is no opportunity for a security breach or for someone to steal your coins. The system is built on a blockchain which allows full transparency, but you can’t get into it if you don’t have the special key for your account.
Digital wallets such as PayPal are also incredibly safe. If there is a security breach, they will often return your money. This is the same for when an organisation takes money out of your account without permission. You can file a dispute and most likely get the funds returned to your balance.
Do foreign online casinos need to be licensed?
Yes. Even if you’re in the UK and using a foreign casino, they will also need to be licensed so you can ensure the highest levels of safety. They won’t be licensed by the UKGC, but they will have their own regulating authority they will need to gain their license. Ensure you check that they have the right certifications before you use a foreign online casino.
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