UK Gambling laws are there to regulate casinos and protect gamblers. Gambling regulation are a fairly new phenomenon in the UK. With the introduction of the Gambling Act of 2005, it became legal for citizen to gamble.
This guide will answer questions such as what kinds of gambling are legal and illegal in the UK? The basic law is that you need to be 18 to gamble.
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History of UK Gambling Laws
Gambling in the UK has a rich history. Over the years citizens of Great Britain have enjoyed casino games such as bingo, sports betting and the national lottery. Casino games have gained popularity throughout the 20th century, and when the era of the internet emerged, online gambling accounted for 35 percent of all betting activity. This introduced a whole new wave of players who could access games from within the country as well as overseas.
With the introduction of gambling laws, only operators and individuals that have a licence from the UK Gambling Commission are permitted to offer gambling services and advertise. Prior to the introduction of the commission, various outdated legislatures were in charge of gambling laws.
Gambling Act of 2005
According to the European Union’s pro-gambling standing, the Gambling Act of 2005 is the United Kingdom’s legislative authorities’ efforts to regulate gambling. This Act is there to prevent a number of illegal gambling practises.
These include underage gambling, crime related to gambling as well as make sure that citizen gamble in a safe environment. Additionally, the Act ensures that casinos follow gambling rules issued by the government. The authority also regulates and issues out licenses for both land-based and online casinos.
UK Gambling Commission
The UK Gambling Commission is responsible for making laws relating to gambling in the country. This body regulates all gambling. Additionally, the body oversees all spheres of gambling as well as casino games such as slot machines, bingo, sports betting and lotteries.
The Commission was established under the Gambling Act of 2015. UKGC regulates gambling software and all types of overseas gambling offerings. Speed betting is the only type of betting that the UKGC does not regulate. This form of gambling is the responsibility of the Financial Conduct Authority.
New UK Gambling Laws
At the present moment, gambling laws in the UK are put in place to regulate the industry. They also control or mitigate illegal gambling. Moreover, it is a way to make the industry safer for citizens while protecting operators.
The most important area that the Commission focuses on is the protection of minors. Legally, no person under the age of 18 can gamble at both brick-and-mortar casinos as well as online casinos. In terms of online gambling platforms, operators have the legal right to request an ID or other supporting documents from players to confirm the age.
The new licensing and advertising bill states that any gambling operator that provides casino services to players in Britain need to obtain a UK gaming license. Any unlicensed company will be held liable and fined £5,000 or face 51 days imprisonment.
To get a gambling license, operators simply need to apply for one through the Gambling Commission. Operators can apply for a license to offer casino games of their choice. Every type needs to have its own license.
Moving to advertising, the bill states that any operator that does not have a licence will not advertise. The casino cannot promote any of their products via the web, on television, through sponsorship or physical installations in Britain.
Types of Regulated Gambling in the UK
Gambling laws differ depending on the type of gambling and where it is offered. Below our experts look at the different gambling offerings that are safe. We also look at the rules of the game:
Casinos
All casinos that offer online or land-based gambling services in the UK need to be regulated and licensed. Land-based casino games rules differ from those at internet casinos. Additionally, the casinos will state the kind of games that they offer.
Arcades
When it comes to Arcades, the UK categorizes them into three. Namely, UFECs, they do not serve any alcohol and they are open to families. Secondly, there are AGCs, these are arcades which are strictly open to adults.
And then lastly, FECs these type of arcades are permitted to serve alcohol and they are also open to families. All of the arcades need to obtain a license from the UKGC in order to operate locally. They also need to have a local permit to offer their services.
Betting
All types of betting are permitted in the UK, however, the provider needs to have the relevant license. Permitted betting includes pool betting as well as fixed-odds betting. The operators need to abide by gambling laws and offer a fair and safe environment.
Gaming Machines
The laws are pretty straight-forward and clear when it comes to slot machines. Operators need to have a licence issued by the UKGC if they want to offer machines such as betting terminals, fruit and slots machines operate.
Moreover, the licence has particular terms and conditions that protect gamblers. According to the law, the operators need to clearly display the return to player percentage (RTP) as well as the odds of each game.
UK Gambling Rules FAQs
Gambling laws in the UK are designed to ensure that gamblers are kept safe. Additionally, they make sure that citizens get a fair game from both land-based and online gambling sites. As a gambler in the country, it is imperative that you stay informed about new laws as well as trends. Our team answers the most asked questions below:
Yes, the UKGC regulates all gambling activities in the country. However, it should be noted that there are different types of laws that govern different types of gambling.
The Gambling Commission will always try to mediate disputes because they have limited resources and scope. You can only take legal action if your case presents great risks.
Yes, gambling is legal in the UK. The operators are regulated by the Gambling Commission, which was established the Gambling Act 2005.
Gambling was not legal until the 20th century in the UK. The government allowed casinos to operate in 1960 and the first casino was launched in 1961.
You need to apply for a license via the Gambling Commission and pay a registration fee. There is an online application available for operators who want to apply for the license.
No, players do not have to pay any tax on winnings if they are not professional gamblers. It doesn’t matter how much money you have won. However, operators need to pay 15 percent tax on all profits made from services in the UK.