UK Gambling Law Changes Bring Income Increase in no Time
January 14, 2020 Ken JohnsonUK 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 When you think about it, till these changes, you were asked to return any prize withdrawn in case found underaged by the casino operator.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:
- EEA (European Economic Area) Countries
- Alderney
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Gibraltar
- Isle of Man
- Isle of Man
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.
What is the new UK strategy for reducing gambling harm?
This is a 3 years plan, aiming to tackle gambling problems while they rise, not when they are a fact. Supporting poles to that strategy are education, treatment and support. The campaign will collaborate with regulators, institutions and even health bodies to give a 100% for tackling that issue. The intent is a national data archive, filled in by the help of a national research centre.
Is slowing my withdrawal down legal?
With the UK gambling law changes, once you request a withdrawal, the casino website is not allowed to ask for any further data of any kind. Even when they pledge that the information is needed for your transaction to be approved. Some operators do such things to slow down the pay-out, which is also illegal in the UK. Some actions may be granted by the current laws, so always read the terms and conditions carefully, together with the accompanying law text.
Will Brexit affect UK gambling laws in any way?
In a way yes, after all, UK gambling regulations follow the European form. With the Brexit in motion, the financial service sector is facing a large number of fines. Both, UK licenses operators offering gambling getaways for foreign countries and the other way around, need specific documentation. UKGC pressures gaming businesses to comply with the ongoing legislations. Main participant here is the ID verification. Continuous audits are inevitable part of the process.
What should a proper gaming provider has?
All betting websites on UK territory are regulated by the Gambling Commission. That is why, since 1st September, the prior sites must have a Gambling Commission license. The deadline for applications was April 2019. Good news is that over 2,500 existing gambling operators already applied and ensured legal businesses. Every online casino should promote responsible gambling, abiding by the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice. However, once you have doubts, you can always question the legitimacy of the betting platform. What is more, on each site you should see information about responsible gambling and how to get help.
Will I go to jail for cheating in a bet?
New gambling rules state, that betting cheats together with sportspeople who do the same, will be facing a 2-year jail sentence. Measures are tightening up, so make sure you play by the rules. This way you will guarantee a long-lasting gaming experience.