The UK’s gambling industry is one of the most robust in the world, with a clearly defined regulatory framework that allows operators to offer safe and secure online and land-based gambling experiences for consumers.

The 2005 UK Gambling Act was created to cover industry developments including the proliferation of online operations and gaming machine gambling in casinos and LBOs (Licensed Betting Offices).

As part of the Gambling Act 2005, licensed operators in the UK must sign up to the GamCare register. Launched in 1997, GamCare is an educational service that also provides a voluntary self-exclusion service for users.

With bookmakers and gambling operators in the UK signed up to the GamCare register, those who self-exclude can be easily identified and prohibited from gambling or signing up for an online account.

Of course, the internet has provided incredible accessibility for consumers and those looking for freedom of choice can access non GamStop casinos. Gambling expert Liliana Costache reports growing popularity among these alternatives because of their flexibility, gaming variety, and payment options.

Glasgow’s vibrant atmosphere and unique sporting history make it the ideal place for gamblers to feel at home, and there are many casinos, betting offices, and gambling establishments for consumers to visit.

Second only to London in terms of bookmaker concentration, Glasgow has a thriving gambling industry. Because of this, one Glasgow councillor is calling for the city to receive equitable funding from a new statutory gambling levy that is set to be implemented across the UK.

A Government White Paper, published in 2023, set out plans to impose a statutory levy on gambling operators in the UK, despite many already paying voluntary levies.

This new levy would be paid directly to the Gambling Commission and go towards gambling research and education. Operators would be forced to pay up to 1% of their GGY (gross gambling yield) with the plans estimated to generate around £100 million every year.

Glasgow Councillor Laura Doherty is pushing for clarity on how this revenue will be distributed. Equitable funding that benefits Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, would be beneficial for communities and she is also proposing Glasgow as a potential location for a UK centre of excellence for gambling research and education.

The levy would see land-based operations including traditional bookmakers and casinos pay 0.4% of their GGY, with online operators facing a higher levy of 1%.

This reflects the growing popularity of online betting in the UK, with improved software and hardware development, as well as better connectivity making it easier than ever before for consumers to enjoy immersive online gambling experiences.

Glasgow has some exciting sporting events coming up including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Old Firm’s continued presence in European football, the city will not only have plenty of great betting opportunities, but it will also welcome thousands of visitors from around the world.

This will give the entertainment and gambling sector a boost and underline the importance of Glasgow being recognised as one of the UK’s most important gambling destinations and that any funding must consider the city’s position.