Someone watches TV for pastime; some people do sports or take up hobbies. People from the UK are rather fond of online gambling, and betting and casino have long been two of their preferred recreational activities. The entire British gambling community is tight, well organised and the gambling market is regulated and quite advanced in comparison to some other parts of Europe and the world. If you’re based in the UK and you’re just getting into gambling, here are some of the basics you should know before placing your first bets.
Gambling in the United Kingdom is Legal, Regulated and Tax-Free
British gambling laws are some of the best composed and most transparent gambling regulations in the world. The first laws were established during the reign of King Richard I in the 12th century. Over time, the legality of gambling activities oscillated but is now stable and well-taken care of. The archaic laws from the 60s were updated with the 2005 Gambling Act which legalised online gambling inside the UK and introduced proper licensing for gambling sites that weren’t necessarily based in the country but interacted with UK citizens. The Gambling Act describes the technical standards required for remote gambling software, slots and bingo. To play slot machines or other casino games, bettors must be at least 18 years old. The British gambling industry is controlled by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, a specialised regulatory body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. This authority is in charge of issuing licenses, fighting against illegal gambling and securing far play in all UK casinos venues.
UK Casinos Offer Convenient Banking Options, Fair Play and Bonuses
Joining a UK-friendly gambling establishment comes with a lot of perks for the British player. You get to place real money bets on British Pounds, which means you are free from additional conversion expenses. It’s easier to gamble in your local currency. Aside from supporting local British money, new UK casinos also tend to provide accommodating banking services that are popular in the UK, including debit and credit cards, reliable e-wallet services and systems such as Pay by Phone, which allow mobile payments and benefits players who gamble on the go. The games and services offered by casino brands are audited and verified by trustworthy third-party companies that vouch for their fairness, such as eCOGRA.
The British Support Responsible Gaming
You should also know that the British gaming community nurtures responsible gambling and tries to provide the necessary counselling and help to players who get carried away and lose self-control when it comes to placing bets. Even if you want to learn more about responsible gambling you can do so by getting in contact with the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board. This organisation cooperates with the Gambling Commission, offers educational publications and a free helpline. Education and research of problem gambling are also supported by the Responsible Gaming Trust. All these dedicated organisations and the community as a whole contribute to a healthy gambling environment in the UK that welcomes new players every day.
