UK Gambling Laws

Welcome to https://www.gamblinglaws.uk/, where you will find current and updated information regarding the legal aspects of gambling online in the United Kingdom. There are certain gambling laws that pertain to UK players, so we encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with such laws and frequent our website often.

A number of different varieties of gambling are offered to the public by the gambling industry in the United Kingdom. They include sports betting, casino games, gaming machines and bingo. These are all readily accessible online and on the high street via operators with the required licences. These licenses are issued by the Gambling Commission and local authorities. However, when it comes to online gambling supplies, some operators get their license from a jurisdiction offshore.

It is recommended that players check the website of the particular operator to find out where each product is licensed. After reviewing the website of the regulator, checking on the licenses will help them to determine whether they are satisfied that they would be sufficiently protected if they play. It is important to note that some licensing regimes have different standards from those of the UK.

Is Online Gambling Legal In The United Kingdom?

Yes, all gambling sites that accept UK players are legally licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling commission. The Commission serves as the regulatory body for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, as stipulated in the Gambling Act 2005. The Act radically updated the gambling laws and this includes the introduction of an innovative structure to safeguard children and adults who are vulnerable. For the very first time, the Act also brings the rapidly growing online gaming subdivision within British regulations. In essence, the Act now specifically regulates Internet gambling.

UK Gambling Act Of 2005

This is basically an Act of the Parliament that primarily applies to Scotland, Wales and England. The Act is designed to exercise control over all types of gambling. This takes the power to license gambling away from the Magistrates' Courts and transfers it to local authorities. These local authorities include the Scottish licensing boards and unitary authorities. Additionally, the Act was instrumental in the creation of the Gambling Commission.

The objectives of the Act are outlined below:

• It stops gambling from becoming a source of disorder or crime, being linked to disorder or crime or being utilized in support of criminal activities.
• It demands transparency so that gambling is carried out fairly and openly.
• It safeguards vulnerable individuals, including children, against exploitation or harm associated with gambling.

There were several provisions of the bill that were quite controversial; especially where it would have enabled the setting up of 8 "super casinos." A compromise was reached and the number was drastically reduced to 1. There was quite an extended process of bidding and Manchester was selected as the sole planned location. However, shortly after Prime Minister Gordon Brown came into office, the development was cancelled.

The Act is extensive and includes setting parameters for 'illegal' lotteries. For example, there should no longer be a clause with the phrase "no purchase necessary" on semi-legal competitions and on-product promotions. Now purchase could be a necessity, as long as it is at the regular selling price.

In conjunction with specifications and regulations that have been developed by the Gambling Commission, the Act defines, and even redefines, groupings of gaming machines and locations in which they can be placed.

Since December 1, 2014, the Gambling (Licensing & Advertising) Bill of 2014 has contributed a number of updates to the Act. These include a stipulation that all offshore gambling brands must submit an application for a license through the Gambling Commission. This will require a submission to a 15 percent POC or point of consumption tax on gross profits.

UK Gambling and Advertising Act Of 2014

This Act was brought about by regulatory changes to make sure that every remote gambling operator whose services are accessed by British consumers will be under consistent regulation. Particularly, the new regulatory changes will be applicable to all who provide online gambling facilities to individuals in Britain. It will not only apply to the less than 15 percent that were licensed prior to the implementation of the Act.

This creates a consistency that makes it simpler for consumers to be aware of their rights. It also ensures that operators directly report suspicious activities to the Gambling Commission. All of these actions are designed to provide a greater level of transparency to consumers and also safeguard against match fixing. In addition, it simplifies the process for advertisers to identify whether an operator has permission to advertise in the United Kingdom.

UK Gambling Commission

This is the regulatory body for most gambling activities in Great Britain. The Commission came about under the Gambling Act of 2005. Full powers were assumed in 2007 when the Gaming Board for Great Britain relinquished responsibility to the Commission. The UK Gambling Commission now regulates bingo, betting, arcades, lotteries and slot machines. However, they do not serve as a regulatory body for spread betting; the Financial Conduct Authority regulates this type of gambling.

The Gambling Commission has responsibility for remote gambling as well. This includes telephone betting, online betting and betting on other communication devices that use equipment based in Great Britain territory. The National Lottery Commission became a component of the Gambling Commission in October 2013. The National Lottery Commission is the regulatory body for the National Lottery.

The Commission issues licenses, it can revoke licenses and levy fines and it is mandated to conduct investigating and prosecute illegal gambling. Additionally, it has the responsibility of advising local and national government on issues related to gambling.

When it comes to online gambling, licenses are only issued to operators who have remote gambling equipment within the territory of the United Kingdom. Operators who are based offshore and would like to advertise their services within UK territory must acquire a license from white listed gambling jurisdictions or the Gambling Commission.

We only recommend one main gambling site from the UK. While there are certainly others, Betonline is by far the biggest and most trusted name for online gambling in the UK. If you are going to play, you might as well bet with the biggest and most reputable sites. Betonline offers sports betting, online casino, live dealer games, bingo and a full online poker room. So no matter what you fancy, you can find it here. Betonline is 100% legally licensed and regulated.

Site Name	Bonus Offer	Rating	Software	USA
	-		In House

Legal Gambling Age in The UK

Generally speaking, 18 years old is the minimum legal age to be able to gamble in the UK. This law applies to betting shops, adult gaming centres, casinos, bingo halls, online gambling and racetracks. The National Lottery, football pools and other lotteries are exceptions to this law. Individuals who are 16 years and older are allowed to participate in these games. They are also permitted to take part in certain prizes and low stakes gambling or non-commercial gambling.

There are a number of gaming machines like teddy grabbers, coin pushers and some fruit machines found in amusement arcades and family entertainment centres that are open to anyone and there is no minimum legal age requirement. It is important to note that if an individual who is older than 16 years old and younger than 18 participates in gambling that is not allowed under the outlined exemptions, he or she would be guilty of a criminal offence.

It is worth emphasizing that gambling products offered offshore could be subject to other rules and checking the position is advisable.