(Newswire.net — December 11, 2019) — The UK gambling industry is booming and has been growing for years. With thousands of people all over the United Kingdom daily accessing online casinos and sportsbooks, there comes a question regarding the safety and security of the offered entertainment.
Gambling online is instant, fun and very simple, hence many players tend to ignore concerns regarding the credibility of the chosen casino site. The problem occurs when one finds out they have been scammed, their accounts hacked or personal data shared with third parties without previous consent. Scary as it sounds, it’s still comforting to know that the online casino world in the UK belongs to one of the best-protected gambling markets in the world. Read on to find out how UK operators ensure safety to their players.
Online Gambling Licences
There is a whole range of authorised bodies that provide remote gambling licences to online casino operators. Such licences can only be granted once the operators have proven to adhere to strict standards of player protection. Online operators are closely monitored and are overlooked with regards to their operations to ensure legitimate entertainment for thousands of players.
Respected authorities include the Isle of Man Supervision Commission, the Gibraltar Gaming Commission & Authority and the Gaming Commission of Malta and, the governing body that is most significant for the UK players, the UK Gambling Commission. All British players should always check whether the casino of their choice holds a licence from the UKGC, as it’s a legal requirement for any operator present in the UK market to obtain one. Such websites will always feature the UKGC logo and information in the footer of the site which, when clicked, will direct a user to the official register confirming the legitimate status of the casino or sportsbook.
The UK Gambling Commission
The above-mentioned organisations hold power to establish laws and regulations for the gambling industry – but what do they do in practice to ensure players gamble in a safe environment? The UK Gambling Commission has secured a title of one of the most efficient authorities, however up to this day many British players and individuals question their work. What does the UKGC regulate?
The main responsibilities of the UKGC concern the protection of player funds, which means they monitor whether players’ money is separated from operators’ funds. They control casinos and sportsbooks to ensure they use secure and legal payment methods, as well as whether all measures to prevent money laundering have been taken. The UKGC is the guardian of fair playing and honest marketing, which means that only transparent and straightforward advertising is allowed. All terms and conditions must be communicated clearly so that customers know exactly what they’re agreeing to and claiming.
Additionally, the commission regulates the industry by conducting relevant research, carrying out reviews and providing guidance to licensees. They’re required to take action against non-compliant operators and launch regulatory actions, including imposing fines or withdrawing permission to continue running the business.
Luckily, players don’t have to spend too much time or commit extra effort to find out which operators are worth their attention. Users searching trough the web looking out for reliable online gambling options can rely on insights of the industry experts. The UK site https://www.betpal.com/ provides honest reviews and in-depth analysis of the British online casino and sportsbook scene so that players can focus on pure entertainment in the fully secure space.
Gambling Charities
Except for the authorised gambling bodies, there is a number of gambling charities operating in the UK, which provide help and support for vulnerable players, as well as educate the audience on the matters of responsible gambling.
GambleAware is an independent charity that funds treatment and education related to problem gambling in Great Britain. The institution commissions services and help those in need, however, it doesn’t provide either of such services itself. According to the Advisory Board of Safer Gambling, GambleAware requires approximately £10 million per year to cover all its spendings, as suggested under the National Responsible Gambling strategy. Most of GambleAware’s funding comes from the UKGC licensed gambling operators as part of their compliance efforts – the UKGC Licence Condition and Codes of Practice (LCCP).
GambleAware takes control over BeGambleAware.org, the website that provides information and resources that help gamblers make informed decisions about their gambling activities. Players can access guides on how to gamble safely, find out how to best prevent problem gambling, as well as learn how to identify problem behaviour. The website features the list of support organisations that further can help players and their relatives who struggle with gambling addiction.
The list of gambling charities is extensive, the most recognised institutions are GamCare, that has been responsible for the National Gambling HelpLine, Gordon Moody Association, which provides residential support and treatment for those that are severely addicted to gambling, and Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust, which overlooks the well-being of minors.
Joint Efforts
There’s strength in numbers, right? The recent announcement of the key UK operators joining their efforts together to ensure a safer gambling space brought hope for those concerned about the direction the national gambling market has been heading. Working alongside the major players, the CEOs from Aspers, Bet365, Caesars, Flutter Entertainment, Genting, GVC Holdings, Playtech, Rank Group, Sky Betting & Gaming and William Hill have decided to follow the set package of commitments.
They have all agreed to focus on five main directives that concern “preventing underage gambling and protect young people; increasing support for treatment of gambling harm; strengthening and expanding codes of practice for advertising and marketing; protecting and empowering our customers and; promoting a culture of safer gambling”. Such initiatives, which have been more and more popular in recent years across all the UK, add extra help to those well-established, national institutions which often lack resources or funds to carry their very best work possible. The demand for online gambling is growing and is bound to dominate many of other entertainment sectors in short period of time, hence it’s crucial that all necessary steps are taken to create a secure space for all players.