Gambling sites, including online casinos, bookmakers, and bingo sites, are completely legal in the UK. All types of online gambling are regulated by the Gambling Commision, and operators must hold a licence from the commission to offer their services to UK customers.
Such comprehensive regulation is crucial when gambling services are so easily accessible. Customers can visit sites on their computer, smartphone, or tablet 24 hours a day. Without regulation, unscrupulous gambling companies would be able to take advantage of customers’ instant accessibility and engage in unethical business practices.
However, since the Gambling Commission came into force in 2007, companies that fail to abide by its regulations face the risk of heavy fines, revoked licences, and legal action.
But what gambling activities in the UK are legal and regulated? In this post, we’ll answer this and other key questions related to gambling sites in the UK.
Online Gambling Is Legal And Regulated
Legal And Regulated Gambling Activities In The UK
The Gambling Commission is empowered to regulate online and land-based gambling services. They set strict requirements for all licensed businesses that provide gambling services, and ensure that licensees follow the established rules. Requirements apply to responsible gambling, advertising, and other aspects of operating a business.
Are online betting sites legal? Are online poker sites safe? The answer to both is yes, thanks to the Gambling Commission.
Here’s a list of legal gambling services and activities in the UK:
- Casinos (online and land-based), covering all on-site games (poker, roulette, etc.).
- Betting on sporting events at bookmakers (including fixed-odds and pool betting) and playing lotteries.
- Playing on slots and other betting machines in arcades and bookmakers.
- Playing bingo online and at land-based venues.
Companies found to be falling short of requirements may be subject to fines and other penalties.
Progression Of UK Gambling Laws
UK gambling regulations may be powerful today, but British customers didn’t always have such strong protections against unscrupulous companies and operators.
Let’s take a look at the progression of UK gambling laws.
Gaming Act 1845
The Gaming Act 1845 determined that a wager could not be enforced as a legal contract, though the government decided that would no longer be the case in 2002.
Betting and Gaming Act 1960
Established in 1961, this act allowed betting shops, bingo halls, and casinos to offer services and enabled small-sum gambling. The goal was to eliminate street gambling and create a safer process for both customers and businesses.
Gambling Act 2005
Parliament introduced the Gambling Act 2005 to oversee and control gambling in all forms. It was established with three goals:
- Prevent gambling from being associated with, or a cause of, crime or disorder.
- Make sure that operators provide fair gambling services.
- Protect children and vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm or exploitation.
Companies providing land-based and online gambling services must be aware of the Gambling Act 2005’s stipulations.
Effects of Legal UK Gambling
Legal UK gambling enables consumers to take part in various activities, from visiting a casino with friends to playing slots on their smartphone, safely.
To operate legally in the UK, businesses must apply for a licence from the Gambling Commission. Regulators also require operators to follow strict rules when advertising their services and implementing limits on their sites.
A report by the Gambling Commission found that the number of people identified as problem gamblers in the UK dropped from 0.7% to 0.3% from 2021 to 2022. That’s considered a successful result of tight measures implemented to protect all consumers, but particularly vulnerable ones.
Gambling Commission Is The UK Authority
The Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commision was formed under the Gambling Act 2005 and began operating in 2007. It is responsible for regulating casinos, bingo companies, lotteries, and gaming arcades, including remote gambling.
The only form of wagering that the Gambling Commission doesn’t regulate is spread betting. This refers to a form of gambling in which pay-offs are based on a bet’s accuracy instead of a basic outcome (e.g. backing a winning horse). Spread betting is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority instead.
Specific Laws To Different Types Of Gambling
The Gambling Commission has implemented specific rules for different types of gambling. This determines the licences available, and companies may need to apply for one or more licence depending on the services they provide.
Let’s explore some of the specific licences different types of gambling operators must apply for:
Online Sports Betting
How are betting sites legal? Companies offering sports betting services need one or more licences to operate, including:
- Non-remote betting intermediary licence
- Non-remote general betting limited operating licence
- Remote betting host virtual events licence
- Remote betting intermediary trading rooms only licence
Online and Land-Based Casinos
Both types of casinos can apply for different types of licences, including:
- Remote linked licences gaming machine technical
- Non-remote 2005 Act casino operating licence
Bingo
Bingo operators can apply for different licences, including:
- Non-remote bingo operating licence
- Remote bingo game host operating licence
Lotteries
Lottery operators can apply for different licences, including:
- Remote society lottery licence
- Non-remote external lottery manager operating licence
- Remote external lottery manager operating licence
Amusement Arcades
The Gambling Commission requires that arcades apply for one of the following licences:
- Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre (UFEC)
- Family Entertainment Centre (FEC)
- Adult Gaming Centre (AGC)
Regulations Keep Players Responsible
Conclusion
Today’s stringent gambling laws are essential for regulating operators and ensuring that players can place bets in a responsible manner. Whether you love playing slot games, or wagering on sports events, gambling laws help you do so safely.
What is the safest betting site? That’s a common question, and you have a huge range of sites to choose from. And Gambling Zone is dedicated to helping you pick the safest, most reliable, most impressive online gaming sites.
Browse our in-depth casino reviews for all the information you need on the best gaming sites!
