Law on online betting in the UK
UK online betting law says: Online betting and gambling are generally allowed with restrictions. The local government applies very strict laws to online betting and gambling companies. Through these tough legislations, the UK government has managed to build consumer confidence about operators operating in the online betting and gambling business. So unlike other countries, the laws on online betting and gaming activity are quite clear in the UK
What is the minimum age to play gambling?
The minimum age to play online gambling in the UK is 18 years old. This applies to most forms of online gambling (casinos, sports betting, poker, etc.). The only exceptions are the national lottery, scratch games and football tabs. For the latter the minimum age to participate is 16 years old.
Is sports betting legal in the UK?
Sports betting is legal in the UK. The betting industry has long been regulated and controlled by Gambling Commission, a government body that oversees betting and gambling activities across the country.
Sports betting can take place in casinos, bookies and also online, with operators requiring a valid license from the Gambling Commission to operate legally. The Gambling Act of 2005 has established rules for betting operations, including requirements to protect consumers, prevent irresponsible gambling and oversee the integrity of operators offering these services.
Restrictions on operators
There are also some other important restrictions, this time for companies offering gambling. Operators having online activity are limited. This is because the gambling authority in the UK is quite strict in issuing licenses that give companies the right to operate online. So only a few companies that meet the highest standards can operate in the online betting and gambling industry.
Another reason for the few operators in the market is the rather high taxes. The UK charges a 15% payout tax on any casino or online betting site operating in its territory.
What are the best sports betting apps and websites?
In the UK there are a number of online platforms where you can bet on your favorite team. Below we have summarized the most popular and safest for players:
- Bet365 Sportsbook
- 10bet Sportsbook
- MansionBet
- Bwin Sports
- Betway Sportsbook
- 888sport
- Betsson Sportsbook
What are the best online casinos in the United Kingdom?
Online casinos are also preferred by many players. Some of the most prestigious names in the online casino industry operate in the UK. The 10 most reliable and certainly legal platforms operating in the UK are:
- Grand Mondial Casino
- Blackjack Ballroom Casino
- RegentPlay
- Genesis Casino
- Follow the full list from the portal Games of Chance Online
How do I make sure I'm playing legally?
To find out which online casinos or other sites are legal in the UK, just look for the UKGC logo (United Kingdom Gambling Commission).
If on the page where you are playing you find the certification with the above logo, you can rest assured as the company operates legally. And not only! A UKGC license is one of the most prestigious on the market and is the main indicator of a very high standard of honesty and safety.
The commission through the laws it decides has the duty to ensure:
- Gambling in the UK is not a criminal offense.
- Gambling is fair and accessible.
- Children and people most at risk of gambling risks are protected.
Practically, all you need to play online gambling in the UK is to be over 18 years old and have an active internet connection. Thanks to the act passed in 2005, on gambling, there is a fairly accurate documentation and explained in simple words about what is allowed and what is not. So to some extent, things are much simpler for customers than for online betting companies in the UK.
Legal online options in the UK are numerous, including: sports betting, online casino, national lottery, bingo, poker, etc.
What happens if I get caught breaking the law?
Customers do not pay tax on their winnings at online casinos or betting sites. They also do not need to be licensed. But if you are caught breaking the law, which means playing illegally, the penalties are severe. They can be of the financial type, such as fines from £ 1000 to £ 5000, but also imprisonment for up to 1 year.
The latest news
UK online betting law has undergone new changes as regards gambling operators and betting companies. Seeing the risk and dizzying costs the government is planning a campaign to reduce the maximum a player can play in the casino as well as the maximum to place an online bet.
Meanwhile, betting companies have also published the profits for the last year, generated by online gambling. Due to the pandemic of covid, the online option has been quite popular with players in the UK. This has also translated into high revenue for companies. Heavyweights Entain reported a 28% increase in revenue. Meanwhile the other giant BetMGM has also seen significant growth in its shares.
The only company that has not seen growth has been William Hill and for this result, the factors are still unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I place online sports betting in the UK?
There are some pretty popular platforms and apps where you can try your luck. Among them: Bet365 Sportsbook, Bwin Sports, Betway Sportsbook, 888sport etc.
What is the minimum age to play gambling in the UK?
In the UK, the minimum age for gambling, both online and in person, is between 16 and 18.
Do offshore companies operate in the UK?
The answer is yes, however you should be careful when trying your luck at an offshore operator. This is because there is no legal framework to protect you in case you lose your money or fall prey to fraud. Furthermore, these entities are considered illegal by the authorities responsible for gambling and gambling in the UK.
Are online casinos legal in the UK?
Yes! There are legitimate and controlled online casinos where you can try your luck. Some of the most well-known names operating in the UK are:
Grand Mondial Casino
Blackjack Ballroom Casino
RegentPlay
Genesis Casino
Follow the full list from the portal Games of Chance Online
Best Online Sportsbooks in UK
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants from permitted countries such as: Canada, UK, Sweden, Kosovo, Macedonia, Finland
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. No players from Albania are allowed.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
Only for new registrants
The terms and conditions of use of the bonus are determined by the company and can be changed at any time. Always check the bonus rules before playing with the bonus.
