We live in a time when online gambling is growing faster and stronger every day. In the last few years, the industry has seen a massive growth in popularity and variety, mostly due to online gaming, which has had an impact on this matter. However, in the middle of all this evolution, something else has also risen: new laws that control the iGaming industry.

When it comes to gambling laws, punters worldwide know that the United Kingdom has the strictest regulations and the biggest and busiest markets globally.

Britain’s gaming market is the second largest in Europe, with people spending an impressive £14 billion ($18.9 billion) every year. This huge industry is very active, so it’s always changing to stop illegal activities and keep players safe. 

In the UK, the industry’s overseer is the UK Gambling Commission, which is always watching and introducing new safety measures. For instance, in December 2023, they launched the ‘Tell us anything in confidentially’ tool. This tool makes it easier to report illegal or suspicious activities, showing the Commission’s commitment to keeping gaming fair and transparent. 

As the Commission updates regulations often, we understand if you find it challenging to keep track. For that reason, we created this article. We’ve got your back! With this guide to UK gambling laws, we’ll keep you informed and help you navigate this ever-changing landscape. 

Gaming is allowed and regulated in the United Kingdom 

As already mentioned, the main authority in charge of the gaming sector in the UK is the Gambling Commission of Great Britain. It oversees different types of gambling, like lotteries, sports betting, online gaming, and casinos.

The Commission makes sure that companies follow rules of fairness, honesty, and transparency by giving licenses to those who meet the standards. 

The Commission can also investigate, enforce rules, fine companies that break them, and address issues related to problem gambling. 

Moreover, companies that offer online gambling services to people in the UK must follow specific laws. To operate legally, they need to get a licence from the Gambling Commission. 

What are the main regulations? 

The main law for gambling in the United Kingdom is the Gambling Act 2005 (GA). This Act defines key terms like “lottery,” “betting,” and “prize” and sets rules for different types of gaming licenses, including restrictions and penalties for gambling businesses.

It was designed to protect children, prevent illegal activities such as money laundering, and ensure fair gaming practices. The Act also led to the creation of the Gambling Commission, which oversees compliance with these regulations. 

To obtain and maintain a gaming license, operators must follow the Gambling Commission’s Licensing Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). The LCCP covers various topics, including social responsibility programs, customer protection, marketing and advertising standards, and measures to prevent money laundering. 

For online gambling, the Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards (RTS) provide technical guidelines. These standards focus on promoting responsible gambling, safeguarding player funds, and ensuring fair play.

Moreover, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 requires gambling companies to implement measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. 

The National Lottery etc. Act 1993 sets out the rules for operating the National Lottery in the UK. Meanwhile, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Codes regulate gambling-related marketing and advertising.

Operators must ensure their advertising supports responsible gambling and avoids targeting vulnerable individuals. 

Who is Regulated by the Gambling Act? 

The Gambling Act (GA) regulates a variety of products and activities. These include: 

• Arcades: Both adult and family-friendly arcades fall under these rules. 
• Betting: This category covers all forms of wagering on simulated or live events. It includes predicting outcomes, assessing the likelihood of an event, or verifying the truth of a statement. Individuals who act as intermediaries in the betting process must also obtain the necessary licences. 
• Bingo: Whether conducted live or virtually, bingo games must comply with these regulations. 
• Casinos: Both physical and online casinos operating in the UK are regulated, with licence requirements varying based on the size of the establishment. 
• Lotteries: This category includes societal, private, and national lotteries. It’s important to note that the national lottery is governed by specific, separate regulations. 
• Gaming Machines: The rules apply to machines like fruit machines, slot machines, and betting terminals. 
• Gambling Software: Software that enables users to place bets remotely is also regulated under the Gambling Act. 

The Anti-Money Laundering Regulations 

UK gambling laws require that gaming operators verify a customer’s identity before they can place a bet. They need to collect essential details like the customer’s name, address, and birthdate. This process serves three main purposes: 

• Preventing Money Laundering: Ensuring that the person is who they say they are helps to stop the use of gambling to launder money. 
• Confirming Legal Age: Checking the customer’s age makes sure they are old enough to gamble. 
• Self-Exclusion Checks: Verifying identity also helps to ensure that the customer hasn’t opted out of gambling voluntarily. 

This careful process is designed to follow the law and maintain the fairness of the gaming industry. 

Money laundering in the gaming sector can happen in four main ways: 

• Betting Illegally Earned Money: People might use illegally obtained money to place bets on unlikely outcomes to make it look like the money is legitimate. 
• Funding Gambling with Illegal Cash: Illicit funds might be used to support gambling activities. 
• Using Online Platforms: With the rise of digital currencies and online gaming sites, criminals can gamble with illegal money and withdraw it as “clean” money. 
• Front Companies: Some casinos may be connected to shell companies that handle and hide illegal money, making it hard to trace its origins. 

These methods show how complicated money laundering can be in the gaming industry, highlighting the need for strong measures to fight it. 

Modifications to UK Gambling Laws 

In December 2023, the Gambling Commission introduced a new service called “Tell us something in confidence.” This tool allows people to report any suspicious or unethical behaviour in the gambling industry.

You can use it to flag problems like unfair sports betting, match-fixing, underage gambling, money laundering, unusual behaviour, or any illegal activities. There are also other changes that we will highlight in the sections below. 

H3: New Rules for Remote Game Design 

New regulations will slow down the pace of online games and enhance fairness and transparency. These rules will apply to all online products, extending existing slot machine requirements. Key changes include: 

• Banning features that speed up results or create a false sense of control, such as ‘turbo’ or ‘slam stops.’ 
• Prohibiting autoplay and celebratory effects for wins that are equal to or less than the stake 
• Restricting operators from offering simultaneous play on multiple games 
• Limiting the spin speed of casino games to a minimum of 5 seconds (excluding peer-to-peer poker) 

Operators will also be required to show players their net spend and gambling time in real-time. These new rules will take effect on January 17, 2025. 

Direct Marketing 

Gambling businesses must allow customers to choose the types of products and marketing channels they prefer. This approach aims to give customers more control over the marketing they receive and prevent unwanted promotions.

For instance, if you want to enjoy a free welcome bonus no deposit required, this is exactly what you’ll get. However, if you want to avoid us, you’ll have the opportunity to do so. 

New Age Verification Rules for Gambling Venues 

Starting August 30, 2024, all gambling businesses, including smaller ones, will need to do age checks using test purchases. 

Also, the new rules will require staff to check the ID of anyone who looks younger than 25 instead of the previous age limit of 21. 

These updates are part of the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). 

Personal Management Licenses 

Personal Management License holders are key to keeping gambling operations safe, fair, and free from crime. 

Following recent discussions, the Commission has clarified and expanded the types of roles that need to hold a Personal Management License. These changes will be in effect starting November 30, 2024. 

Conclusion 

In summary, the changes to UK gambling laws in 2024 aim to make the industry safer and fairer as it grows rapidly. 

The Gambling Commission is taking strong steps to keep things transparent and protect players. New rules include: 

• better age checks 
• limits on how online games operate 
• stricter measures for marketing and licensing. 

These updates help ensure that gambling remains fair and that any issues are quickly addressed. As the industry evolves, staying up-to-date with these regulations is important for both players and operators to ensure a safe and responsible gambling experience.