Your Guide to Online Casino Regulation

Casino Regulation

It’s hard to ignore just how lucky those gambling in the United Kingdom are. While the odds of winning aren’t any better than abroad, players in the UK can count on their government and gambling laws to be on their side. Compared to other countries, the United Kingdom is far more liberal. Whether you enjoy an occasional spin of a slot machine or make your living by playing poker, you can count on licensed and regulated play.

How Gambling Regulation Works

Since the Gambling Act was first introduced in 2005, all betting activities including internet gaming fall under the jurisdiction of the UK Gambling Commission. This means that the UK Gambling Commission regulates all gambling and casino activities, including lotteries and raffles.

The UK Gambling Commission’s sphere of influence is greater than you might expect. Rather than limiting themselves to online casinos that are physically based in Britain, the Commission requires any casino that transacts with or advertises to players in the UK to hold a license. In short, if a casino accepts British players for gambling or better activities, it needs a license no matter where its servers are located.

Licensing Requirements

All online casinos need to meet certain standards in order to comply with the UK licensing regulations, which ensure that all real money gambling and sports betting stays safe and fair for the players. Here are the features a casino operator must have in place to meet the legal requirements in their jurisdictions, as investigated by the UK Gambling Commission:

  • Stakeholders and owners assessed to meet standards of integrity and competence (e.g. no criminal record)
  • Finances, including taxes, are verified and in order
  • Terms of license are complied with on an ongoing basis
  • Casino provides outreach to players experiencing problem gambling

Fans of online gaming should note that in the above mention of taxes, these are taxes paid on the winnings not by the casino user, but by the casino itself. In order to receive or renew a license, the online gaming site must adhere to all of the above standards in their gambling offerings.

How Regulation Benefits Players

Regulations aim to keep sites safe, fair, and accountable to those gambling online. When you think about it, how do you really know that a deck isn’t heavily stacked against you or that a roulette wheel spins randomly? The good news is that to remain fair to the players, online gaming sites rely on random number generators to mirror real life outcomes. When gambling, you need to know that every card you receive, every spin you make, and every roll of the dice is fair.

Playing in fear of being taken for a ride by a rogue casino sucks the fun right out of gambling. Although holding a license is the real money casino’s legal responsibility, players should be thankful that these licensing measures are in place.

When playing at a licensed online gaming site, you’ll be more relaxed knowing that the games are fair and the payout rates are as advertised. You’ll also have the comfort of knowing your funds are safe and won’t disappear overnight. The best part is there are dozens of brilliant licensed casinos, each offering hundreds of spectacular casino games online around the clock.

Going the Extra Mile

Casino Regulation

Aside from the strictly legal requirements, most high quality casinos take extra measures to ensure that players stay safe and secure while enjoying gambling or sports betting. Here are a few of the perks you can look forward to when betting at a top internet gaming and gambling hub:

  • Free play for low-risk testing
  • Fully randomised games and shuffling
  • Responsive customer service
  • Live chat help team
  • Supportive software and mobile versions
  • External auditing

All of the leading online gaming sites in the UK and abroad offer additional safety checks including self-regulation. eCORGA is the most popular self-regulation agency for online casinos, and is highly effective in protecting players and ensuring games are fair. The organisation audits games, software, betting, and payout schedules for fairness and publishes their results monthly. Count on their list of approved casinos or look for their logo proudly displayed on member betting sites. They can also mediate gambling disputes between players and their members.

A Final Point

When betting on an internet gaming site, players are supported rather than inhibited by regulations. In a fair and secure atmosphere, gambling enthusiasts are free to enjoy the game without fear of being duped by a rogue casino.

Keeping games safe can be an expensive proposition for operators, but one that’s worth the price in keeping players happy. Remember, it’s in your best interest to double check an online casino’s license before signing up, no matter how big the bonus. It’s better safe than sorry when it comes to betting online for real money, and the rewards for finding a great casino can’t be underestimated.

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