Who Controls Gambling In The UK?

Reports show over 87% of gamblers in the UK feel completely confident to play at a regulated casino. But who controls gambling in the UK, and what should you keep an eye on to stay safe? Let’s explore everything about regulations in the UK gambling industry. 

The UKGC Controls All Forms of Gambling in the UK

The Act of 2005 fostered the UK Gambling Commission’s formation, a public board sponsored by the British Government and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports. It replaced the Gaming Board for Great Britain, which had been established in 1968.

The UKGC was created to oversee that all the gambling activities in the country were legal. It was also to supervise online and land-based gambling sites. 

By this time, the lottery was also legally considered gambling activity and hence included in the list. Hence, UKGC also regulates the National Lottery.

What is the UKGC’s mission?

Today, the Commission holds a high power and mandate to verify that all gambling providers comply with the requirements and codes stated in the Gambling Act. 

The body also investigates whether offences have been committed and to what extent. Afterwards, it pursues legal action against the irregularities. They can also grant, refuse and revoke the licence.

After further assessments, the UK Commission was found to be one of the strictest in the industry. It is one of the most reputable and trusted gambling regulators.

Why Was the 2005 Gambling Act a Must?

Enforced in September 2007, the act aimed to improve and develop more complex regulations. In 2005, land-based casinos were already famous and established.

The industry needed a law to ensure that every aspect of gambling was legalised so that players are safe and protected against fraud, addiction and other harms associated with gambling. 

The Gambling Act of 2005 had three primary objectives:

1. Ensure that no gambling activities are associated with crime
2. Enhance justice and fairness in the gaming environment
3. Protect the youth and other vulnerable people from getting any negative impacts from this activity

That was the starting point. After 2005, the industry started to develop, and the law introduced online casinos and sports betting websites. However, online casinos had not been foreseen or projected during the inception and development of the Gambling Acts. These laws need to be revised to accommodate online gaming platforms.

2014: The First Adjustments

In 2014, another Gambling Act was introduced and majorly covered licensing and advertising.

Before this act, top online casinos and operators outside Great Britain could legally advertise to UK gamblers as long as they were in the EEA in the specified jurisdictions. The Gambling Act of 2014 brought more restrictions and rules to licensing and advertising.

These were the main conditions of the 2014 Gambling Act:

• For any provider to operate or advertise their services in the UK, they had to hold a UK Gambling Commission licence
• UK gamblers were charged with a gambling duty of 15% gross profits

2018: New Measures for Casino Operators

After a series of consultations with the industry stakeholders, it was decided that it was time for new additions to the law. 

In this new act, the UK Gambling Commission created more requirements for online casinos, including: 

• All casinos were required to equip their website with better tools and software to monitor their gambling practices
• Gambling sites must allow players quick access to their accounts
• Display the players’ gambling and transactional histories for specific periods
• Online casinos must ensure players can see their net deposits and earnings
• Players should be able to impose limits on their spending to avoid overindulgence in gambling activities

In addition to these, casinos must ensure responsible gambling tools. They refer to ways of controlling one’s gambling activity. A gambling site must fulfil these requirements before operating under the UKGC. Moreover, failure to meet and maintain the required security standards may result in the licence being revoked. 

What is The Future of Gambling in the UK?

As one of the biggest markets in Britain, gambling recorded many profits over the years. In 2018, the profit of this industry grew from £8.4 billion to £14.4 billion. 

In less than a decade, the numbers had doubled, which means that vast deals of people gamble in the UK.

The industry also happens to be one of Britain’s largest employers, employing over 100,000 people directly and indirectly. 

You can now access the best UK online casinos at the convenience of your home. Most have now incorporated mobile apps and optimised their platforms to access their websites at mobile casino sites.

Nowadays, you can comfortably gamble on the move. Even better, there is a lot of optimism about the future of gambling in the UK, just like in other parts of the world.

The debate on whether or not the stock market gambling may also impact how the betting industry will develop shortly.

What Trends Will Remain in the Gambling Industry?

As the casino industry is predicted to exceed £149 billion by 2030, there are no wonder players have to be more careful as to the casino operators they choose. 

Even though the online casino market is bound to develop, some trends will remain consistent. Mobile casino games are among the most important trends that will maintain a constant position.

As many gamblers prefer wagering on the go, the number of online casinos that will transition their website to a more mobile-friendly version will increase. Also, mobile casino apps are likely to be launched more frequently.

Does the UK Gambling Have an Influence Worldwide?

The UK has dramatically impacted the world’s gambling industry as it houses the most reputable gambling regulatory authority, the UKGC. 

Most gamblers trust the body as it has the best policies for bettors and roots for the best conditions for gamblers worldwide.

KingCasinoBonus Key Takeaways to Reflect Upon

Technology has positively influenced the gambling industry and will continue to do so in future. Today, you can already witness the increase of crypto and blockchain gambling sites. 

As such, wagering is expected to get safer and even more accessible.

Other features incorporated into the gambling scene include Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality wagering to make your experience more enjoyable in the future.