Online Gambling in the UK
Is gambling illegal in the UK? This is a question that many individuals in the UK ask themselves. If you are also looking for an answer to this question, you will find it here. Online gambling is legal and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission that was established by the UK Gambling Act 2005.
Online sports betting and playing poker, lottery, casino, and bingo games for real money are all under the control of the UK Gambling Commission. Any individual wishing to provide all these games to the residents of the United Kingdom must acquire a valid license from the regulatory authority.
This is good news for you since it means that you have a massive array of safe, secure, regulated and licensed online gambling UK sites to pick from. Unlike some countries in the world, the UK government does not criminalize gambling online. Instead, it nurtures a safe and secure environment with protection for both operators and players.
The betting laws are, in most cases, contradictory and vague in most parts of the globe. But the good thing is that this isn’t the case in the United Kingdom. With the Gambling Act 2005, there is an excellent framework for offering games and wagering online.
The only requirement that you need to meet as a gambler is to be 18 years and above. Additionally, you will need to have a good device and internet connection. If you have the legal gambling age for the UK, then this article is ideal for you. Keep reading to discover more.
Online Gambling Definition
What is gambling online? This is any form of betting conducted on the internet through a mobile, desktop or laptop device. In order to gamble online, your device must have a good internet connection. The different forms of online gambling include lottery, poker, sports betting, and casino games.
The first online betting platform was established in October 1994, and currently, the gambling industry is approximately worth £40 billion worldwide every year. Many countries across the world restrict online gaming, but those with the right age can place bets and play real money games on any regulated and licensed online casino or sportsbook in the United Kingdom. If you have been wondering what does gambling mean, then you have a solution to that.
The Gambling Age in the UK
After understanding the gambling meaning, it is vital to know some of the laws surrounding online gaming and betting in the UK. One of the main laws that you need to keep in mind is the gambling age. All residents from the UK aged 18 years and over can place bets online safely without worrying about other laws. The only thing that they need to be sure of is their security and the trustworthiness of the gambling websites.
Gambling operators in the UK are the ones that need to meet all other additional laws put in place by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. If you are of the correct UK gambling age and a legal resident, then it is perfectly legal to play your favourite games and place bets on the best sports from across Europe and the entire world.
Different Forms and Types of Gambling Games
The UK online gambling industry consists of different forms of gambling. There are many types of games that you can enjoy as a player. With an online casino account, you can access a wide range of games ranging from classic slot machines and poker variants to modern video slots and progressive jackpots. The main types of games available in the United Kingdom gambling market include:
- Bingo Games: Bingo is a popular type of game in the UK. The game of bingo requires players to match the selected numbers to the symbols on their cards. It was allowed by the UK government in 1960 before becoming popular among online players in the early 2000s. Currently, UK players can access a wide variety of bingo games from the comfort of their homes, office, or on the go.
- Casino Games: Casino games are the majority when it comes to online gambling. They are available in different shapes, forms, and types. Today, you can play lots of games including the likes of slot machines, live dealers, scratch cards, daily jackpots, progressive jackpots, video poker, table games, and virtual sports, to mention just a few of them. The games can accommodate different types of players ranging from low and medium to high rollers. So every player is sure to find a perfect match.
- Sports Betting: The UK is home to some of the most popular sports in the world, including football, horse racing, and rugby. To enjoy the thrill and excitement that sports offer, you need to join the best online bookmakers, make a deposit, place an eligible gambling stake, and follow the fixture live.
There are many types of sports betting competitions to choose from. You can also enhance your sports betting experience by watching your favourite events through live streaming. The government of the UK legalised sports betting in 1960.
What is Wagering?
When learning how to gamble online, the trickiest part is to understand the wagering concept. In short, wagering means the number of bets that you must place on a betting website before you can make a withdrawal. Many gambling platforms utilise this term on bonuses and promotions.
In most cases, you will need to wager a number of times, and once you fulfil that, you will be able to withdraw your winnings. Some platforms refer to wagering as turn-over, roll-over, or play-through. So don’t worry when you come across any of these terms since they mean the same thing.
