With the fast rise of the online gambling industry, which was worth USD 59.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 127.3 billion by 2027, it is important to remain responsible. In the UK, the Gambling Commission has already taken measures to ensure the safety of its citizens. There is an abundance of casino platforms and the Commission works towards ensuring they are all adhering to the laws and regulations stated in the UK Gambling Act.
How Is the Commission Making Gambling Safe?
For an online casino operator to be able to provide its services to British players, it needs a licence from the Commission. There are various requirements these operators need to meet in order to run gambling software on their websites. Following the handout of the licence, the Commission continues to carry out reviews and visits, and takes preventive action if necessary. However, that is not all they do. They are also allowed to make major decisions when it comes to the industry itself.
This was the case of the announcement made last year that players were no longer allowed to make deposits at online casinos using credit cards. Following research that suggested people were getting into debt because of their credit card use, the new rule was put into place. To keep customers safe, PayPal and other e-wallet providers have also contacted their customers regarding the latest changes. On top of updating regulations frequently, the Commission also offers guidance on how people can stay safe.
Tips to Ensure You Are Gambling Responsibly
Players have access to a lot of information on how to gamble responsibly, both through the Commission’s website and third-party websites. They can read this article to discover the steps to take to ensure safety at all times, as well as where to get help in case they need it. Before that, one of the most important steps is to choose an online casino that is licenced and that offers secure gaming. Things to look out for include secure payment methods, such as PayPal, an SSL encryption of the website for added security, and high-quality games from trusted software providers.
Once you have made your decision regarding the online casino provider and the types of games you are interested in playing, set a time and a budget limit. To avoid unexpected problems, a fixed budget is a great solution to ensure you are not spending more than you should. Having a time limit would also help with managing your bankroll, and it would give you enough time off to enjoy the activity responsibly and safely every time.
Ensuring responsible gambling in the UK is not just the Gambling Commission’s duty, it is also the key duty for online casinos. Because people are using their platforms, it’s also their responsibility to promote responsible gambling. They do so by putting certain services into place, such as activity alerts, deposit limits, time-outs, and limiting access to those who need it. This responsibility of keeping people safe is not in the hands of just one platform or one organisation, it constitutes a team effort regarding everyone involved in the industry.
