Looking for the most trusted UK gambling resources can be confusing, but the UK has a long history of gambling with poker, sports betting, lotteries and bingo popular for decades. The emergence of online gambling over the last two decades has seen significant growth in the industry, with gamers able to play hundreds of casino games across many sites. Here we look at the pros and cons of UK betting operators. 

UK Regulation

Pros

The UK Gambling Commission, set up under the Gambling Act 2005, regulates all commercial gambling in the UK in partnership with licensing authorities for land-based and online operators. Whilst online betting is increasingly popular, there are still more than 140 casinos in the UK, with 30 in London alone and all are covered by strict regulations under the act. 

The purpose of the UK Gambling Commission is to prevent gambling being used to support crime or being a source of crime. By checking that British betting operators are licensed, players can be assured of fair and transparent gaming as well as protection from exploitation. So, whether a player prefers the more social land-based venue or the convenience of an online betting operator in the UK, the protections are the same.

Cons

In 2014, the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act added the requirement that all operators based outside of the UK that market to UK players need a licence from the UK Gambling Commission and must pay UK taxes of 15 per cent on all profits made through offering online gambling services to UK customers. Whilst this has increased income into the UK, it has also pushed some betting operators to use blockchain technology which means that some professional players can evade taxes as they are anonymous.

Online Betting Operators

Pros

Online betting operators offer a wider range of games than most land-based establishments. Online, it is possible to play poker, slots, table games and bet on live sports. This allows players to bet at any time, any place according to their preference. 

Online betting operators have demo sites where you do not have to play real money as you learn the rules of the game. When playing online for real money, you can play at your own pace or play several tables simultaneously without leaving your home or office. 

There are bonuses and promotions online that are impossible for land-based operators to offer, though loyal customers are rewarded by both operator types. 

Cons

Online betting operators do not offer a facility where you can see other players. This means you miss the visuals of a tell. Operators usually have a chat room where you can meet those you are playing, but not everyone uses this facility, so the socialising element of gaming found in land-based betting sites is much less. 

There may be risks in using electronic payments online versus cash in a casino. UK betting operators are under strict regulation with regards the security of players financial information, with some using blockchain technology that offers full player anonymity, but some players may spend and lose more than they can afford. 

Land-based betting operators

Pros

Real-time experience cannot be replicated online. The social interaction with real people, the roll of the dice and the ambience in the venue all provide a direct experience 

Land-based casinos offer better odds than online betting operators in most games so that they maintain a competitive edge and when you win, the money is there to be collected at the time, not after a few days processing if you are being paid online.

 

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