UK Gambling Law Changes Bring Income Increase in no Time

UK gambling had evolved in plain sight and the period after 2018 was more than a success story. Gaming law changes, to both off and online regulations, caused a financial boom in 2019. New regulations include more straightforward bonus policies and fairer atmosphere, supported by closer monitoring.

We follow UKGC and H2GC reports in order to provide the latest and most accurate date. In that line of thoughts, online gaming and its popularity among British citizens generated a gross gambling yield of more than GBP 4 bn.

Good News on New Gambling Regulations – UK Stays Alert

The income from gaming is now followed by new regulations which will control it more tightly. In the middle of 2019 new online gambling laws mainly focus on the age of the players. All operators must be extra careful in that direction. Online platforms are obliged to implement such software restrictions, not allowing the gambler to register, if not 18 years old. They even have a window of 72 hours to verify the age before allowing deposits. Till now, the prior and the wagers were easily executed by any player. Since 2019, every gambler is asked to verify age, by providing a date of birth. Platforms also collect names and address. The good news here is that UK citizens find that as a sign of care regarding their safety.

What Changes for Players?

UKGC now demands that each casino verifies the age of every visitor. If you decline that condition, you will not be able to deposit money into your account, test the demo games and wager (your own cash or bonuses). When you think about it, till these changes, you were asked to return any prize withdrawn in case found underaged by the casino operator. Well, we all know that complaints were mainly regarding the additional personal information. Thus, losing wins was a frequent scenario. Basically, the commission and the new laws aim for both, protecting your money and restricting underaged players.

We are well aware, that many of you are concerned about the time, which all that additional information will require to be verified. Some might also turn to unlicensed casino platforms, just because the access to the games will happen faster. Think carefully and pick the proper option. On top of that, every check based on a provided e-mail might take a bit longer. After all, that element is easily forged. The prior is yet to be clarified how to be optimized, but research shows, that people respond well to the new changes.

UKGC has an Opinion on the Online Gambling Law Changes

The Gambling Commission had insisted on restricting advertisements on gambling sites as well as avoiding any misleading terminology, that might make bonuses and promotions sound like gifts (free spins). They are actually dealings with the casino and are subjects of terms, that need to be met. The future is bright on that thematic with a notable change on the horizon – the Gambling Bill, the part regarding Licensing and Advertising. A proposal, requesting all gambling sites to advert within the UK only after gaining a license, issued directly by the Gambling Commission.

For those of you, not familiar with the current situation we can say, that UK sites function only by the whitelisted gambling jurisdiction licenses. After being challenged by some organizations from within the industry (like GBGA), the current changes became a fact. Officially, The Gambling Act 2005 ban foreign casino sites to advertise their services to the local customers. They are obliged to gain a Gambling Commission license in order to do the prior. The law accepts advertisement, but only when done according to the regulations. Here are the whitelisted jurisdictions for the UK:

Not Pleased by a UK Gambling Business – Here is How to Complaint

First things first, contact the provider. After all, it is their service that caused you the discomfort (e.g. ID verification, bonus offers, voiding your bet, T&C etc.). Usually, each online casino has complaint procedure and they provide a step-by-step process. Once the investigation is done and you are not pleased with the results, nothing stops you from contacting an ADR (an alternative dispute resolution) provider. They are independent and check both sides of the case in order to resolve the complaint fairly. In addition, their services are free of charge. Remember no to cheat the system – always go for the gaming business first, then the ADR (it should be mentioned to the casino too). Usually, the gambling business provides an acceptable for them ADR provider and confirms that suggestion in a letter.

Interesting Facts Around the New Gambling Laws in UK

1. Christmas Day – all UK licences that facilities for gambling must not be provided on Christmas day, namely the period of 00.01 hours on 25 December until 00.00 hours on 26 December each year.

2. LoveBrum – the Gambling Commission has a new partnership with that popular Birmingham charity, which helps with regulating the National Lottery. They also aim for maximum returns to good causes. Since 1994 when the organisation was created, they have raised over £40bn for such good causes across Britain.

3. Economic crime plan – it is agreed upon between the Gambling Commission, the Chancellor, the Home Secretary, major financial institutions, accountancy, property and legal organisations. They will mainly fight money laundering and terrorist financing.

Suggestions by the UK Government to Tighten Online Gambling Up

The political scene of the UK calls for tighter gambling regulations and the Members of Parliament (MPs) or also known as the all-party parliamentary group (APPG), had already caused anxiety among casino operators. Earlier in 2019, land-based gambling machines were obliged to decrease the limits per spin, which resulted in a 25% revenues drop. They have suggested, that the same applies for online slots and that it should be £2-per-spin. After all, impulsive bets happen much easier when the player is at home. See more of the latest MPs recommendations:

1. Restrictions on VIP accounts

Let’s start by saying, that the so-called ‘whales’ or big gamblers account for a disproportionate amount of gaming revenue both land-based and online. Many operators think, that VIP clients will bring them more, but all the free spins and other perks show otherwise. How about 1/3 of a casino’s revenues to come from just about 1% of the players? What if the whale is actually a gambling addict?

2. Ban on credit card deposits

It all spirals around one thing – assurance, that players will not lose money they don’t have. A lot of people have credit cards, easy to use and even easier to deposit at an online gambling platform. Well, for the boutique or the supermarket they are perfectly fine, but when it comes to casinos, they become a bit problematic. As you may know, one of the addiction characteristics is the credit, used to gamble.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UK Gambling Laws

We can assist with gambling laws, even more, thanks to the following query on the thematic. Numerous times our readers had expressed their appreciation for such FAQs. It is always a good idea to know the industry you spend your money in and how rules apply. Your rights are also important plus what to do when you notice some irregularities.