UK Online Casinos
Perhaps one of the most important questions newcomers to online casinos ask is whether online gambling is actually legal in the United Kingdom. Before the Gambling Act 2005 was introduced, it was difficult for players to ensure that not only would they be protected by legal safeguards, they’d also be free to gamble at online casinos. Before this law was introduced, all players had to go on was old legislation, which barely incorporated remote betting which is the category most, if not all, online casinos fall into.
The Gambling Act 2005 was the first piece of legislation which actually addressed internet gambling and, since it’s been introduced, UK casino players now have more protection than ever before. In order to advertise in the UK, casinos have to be based in special whitelisted jurisdictions, which include Malta, Gibraltar and of course, the UK.
If you’re a UK resident who plays at an online casino, then rest assured that legally, you’re completely free to do so. The Gambling Act 2005 focused on legislating (and consequently legalising) online gambling in the UK, so unlike US players, it is legal to gamble online.
The UK Gambling Act also meant that casinos which wish to accept UK players would have to ensure they protected children and vulnerable people. This clause in the law has meant that casinos such as Betfair and Intercasino now feature stringent policies on underage gambling and offer guidance on what to do if you have a gambling addiction. If you wish to take full advantage of the Gambling Act and ensure you’re fully protected by the law, then you should play at a casino which is based in a whitelisted jurisdiction. Of our featured casinos, the following are designated as legally allowed to advertise in the UK:
- Intercasino
- 32Red Casino
- Betfair Casino
- Casino Tropez
- Europa Casino
- CasinoJoy
- Ladbrokes Casino
- Coral Casino
- JackpotCity Casino
- Spin Palace Casino
Full details about whitelisted online casinos can be found in our UK Casinos section. If you have any questions or concerns regarding online gambling, then we recommend you visit http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk for more details on the Gambling Act 2005.
