For instance, maybe you’ll login to Bet on Red online; on Betonred Casino you have the chance to try dozens of games of every description. They’re not the only way to go if you want to try a digital gaming platform, but they’re one of the most trusted by Trustpilot.
Before you dive into this exciting new world, though, you may want to learn more about what’s legal in the burgeoning United Kingdom gaming scene. We’ll talk about that in detail now.
A Brief Overview of UK Gambling Laws
Let’s imagine a scenario for a moment. You’re living in London, and you’ve heard about a platform like BrunoCasino where you can play online and win real money. You’re not sure about its legality, though.
It makes sense you would want to know that everything is above board before you hand over your credit card number, bank account routing number, and similar information. Here’s what you should know about the laws governing this kind of behavior in the UK:
- Gaming is legal and regulated in this country
- The Gambling Commission of Great Britain is who regulates this industry
- It has a hand in the lottery, casino play, sports betting, and virtually every other format
In other words, you’re not taking part in any sort of clandestine activity if you log into one of these UK-based wagering platforms and place a bet. It’s an acceptable activity that’s no longer considered taboo.
Just because it’s legal, though, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise caution if this sort of activity interests you.
Types of Wagering That Are Covered
The types of wagering that are covered are any that appear as options on one of the many online platforms you can peruse at your leisure. Those include:
- Various card games
- Slot machine play
- Games involving dice
Anything that appears as an option on one of these digitized wagering platforms should be legal, or else it would not appear there. However, you will also notice many locations around the UK, especially in major cities, where you can place an in-person bet as well.
Those include shops where you can buy a lottery ticket, as these games are also subject to regulation. You can also include sports betting in this legal category.
This is perhaps the way to play that has become the most popular in recent years. It has gotten to the point where many football clubs are sponsored by gaming sites.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission
All of this is under the auspices of the all-mighty Gambling Commission. This entity has the final say on what you can legally bet on in this country. Here’s what to know about it:
- It was founded in 2007
- It regulates, advises, and licenses gaming operations in Great Britain
- It has a way for you to complain on the website if you believe a gaming entity is doing something illegal or unethical
This organization has many rules and regulations that most websites for wagering or brick-and-mortar casinos in the United Kingdom have to abide by. In particular, there are certain technologies that the Commission insists should be in use for online apps or websites to ensure fairness. These include random number generators and multiple forms of fraud prevention and detection.
Some Key Requirements for Licensed Operators
If you’re going to get in on the action as an entity offering wagering in Great Britain, you must comply with the following broad requirements:
- Your business must be fully licensed by the UKGC
- There must be robust procedures in place to address problem gambling, such as addiction and dependence behaviors
- You must update your site, app, or in-person betting location to comply with any new laws or regulations that are passed
This is a time of unprecedented growth in this particular economic sector. The widespread embrace of this sort of activity has led to more betting options than ever before.
It is incumbent upon both the UKGC and all platforms where you can place a wager to stay up to date with any new requirements that come out as the market continues to be flooded with new operators trying to get in on the action.
Responsible Gaming and Player Protections
If you are going to play and you’re based in Great Britain, you must comply with the following:
- You can’t legally participate in a football pool till you’re at least 16
- You can’t participate in the national lottery or buy scratch off tickets till you’re 18
If you stop by the UKGC website, you will quickly notice a wide variety of tools and guides that are there ostensibly to help anyone who has a gambling problem. However, there are also player protections in place that are considered crucial.
We mentioned random number generators earlier. That’s probably the most vital one. This technology acts as a safeguard so players know the games are not rigged so that they favor the house.
The use of cryptocurrency and accompanying blockchain technology is also helpful for anyone who wants to try this as their new hobby. Using crypto coins when you play means your transactions can be tracked via a public ledger. That makes fraud virtually impossible.
Penalties for Violations
Anyone who attempts to operate a gambling entity in Great Britain without adhering to the Commission’s rules can be subject to:
- Fines
- Suspension or revocation of their license
- Jail time in extreme cases of fraud or criminality
A company or individual who tries to defraud players or to do something equally underhanded is liable to be caught and punished.
Tips for Staying Safe and Legal
To stay safe while playing, you can make sure the entity you’re betting with is duly licensed by the Commission to operate in the United Kingdom. You can also look on sites like Trustpilot to see what other players have to say about this particular platform or application.
While making this your new hobby might appeal, make sure you are only giving your information to entities that seem credible. There are always unscrupulous individuals and companies that will try to take advantage of a fad.
If you find a site or app where you can bet safely, you can make that your go-to as you explore the many games that are available.