The UK has enjoyed a productive and lengthy relationship with online gambling. As the activity begins to spread to more markets across the globe, the UK remains one of the leaders in the industry and an authority on online gambling and the regulations around it.
With a longer history of online gambling than many of the new and emerging markets combined, it is only natural that the UK has witnessed more changes in regulations over the near two decades since online gambling received full regulation from the UK government and UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) in 2005.
However, efforts to make online gambling safer and prevent UK citizens from harm have been stepped up in the past year, leaving a section of the online gambling community in uproar at the restrictions put in place. While the government and UKGC only have the interest of UK citizens at heart, the new pilot projects have left online casino players and those placing bets on sports online looking for other unrestricted options for casino play and sports betting.
What new regulations are currently in place?
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Online Slots Limit: Since February 2024, limits were placed on the maximum amounts that could be wagered on online slots games. For 18-24-year-olds, a maximum of £2 can be staked. For those 25 and above, this increases to £5.
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“Frictionless” Background Checks: Financial checks to assess vulnerability to gambling harm were introduced in September 2024 and the results will be assessed in the coming months. Checks will be conducted on individuals depositing £500 or more each month, which will be reduced to £150 from 28th February 2025.
What are the consequences so far?
As a result of the limits on online slots and “invisible” financial checks on individuals depositing more than the threshold, disgruntled online gambling customers have begun seeking out alternative options. With regulations implemented on all online gambling operators that are licensed by the UKGC, players have been exploring non-UK casinos to avoid the restrictions imposed by the government and UKGC.
Currently, a vast majority of international online casinos are accessible to UK-based players. And with the online casino industry rapidly expanding, there are more of these options appearing on the internet. The digital movement has opened the door for activities such as online gambling to have a concrete presence in the entertainment market. The issue however for the regulation makers in the UK is how to potentially police this situation.
Caught between a reel and a hard place
The main dilemma for the UKGC is protecting its citizens from potential harm, while also remaining competitive in an increasingly lucrative iGaming market. Luckily, the UK does not have an issue attracting customers in the UK, with gambling part of the fabric of British culture going back to the days of Henry Ogden becoming the first bookmaker in the late 1700’s. Online slots prove particularly popular with UK players due to the variety and interactive game play now available on modern-day slots games.
However, while there will always be discontent players, the priority for the UKGC has to remain the wellbeing of citizens. And while the UK has set an example for other countries to enter the online casino market, regulators are also attempting to set a trend on preventing gambling harm. More light will be shed on the overall situation once the results of the financial check pilot project are revealed in the coming months but right now, change is afoot in the UK online gambling industry and depending on your position, it could be for the better or the worse.
