Gambling has always been a fun pastime, and a way for fans ‘on the bench’ to feel a little more invested in their favorite team’s progress through the season. With the world getting ever-more-digital, it was inevitable we’d see some crossover into the online world. If you’ve ever wanted to place a bet or two online, or even if you’re just curious about how online casinos work in the UK, here’s some quick tips and tricks.
Can You Legally Gamble Online in the UK?
This is the big one for most fans, of course! And the answer is yes, you can. Because it’s seen as an adult pastime, you will need to be at least 18 years of age to legally gamble online in the UK. Of course, it’s still on you to do your due diligence and find safe, regulated casinos that have permission to operate in the country.
Is it Less Risky than the US?
There’s a perception in some circles that the US is a more risky area to gamble online in than the UK. To some extent it’s true- the UK, knowing that many British citizens enjoy a spot gamble here-and-there, has invested a lot in solid laws and safety features for their citizens. It may even be one of the safest locations globally to bet online in. However, there’s no real issue with betting in the US either, it’s just that laws get more difficult to navigate because they are made at the State level, not national government.
What Games Can I Play?
As with the in-person gaming industry, there’s a ton of different games you can play online. There’s all the traditional casino games- think slots, poker, blackjack and more. But there’s a lot more that you can do online, too. Sportsbetting has become an incredibly popular pastime in the UK, covering anything from horse racing to your favourite football games. We’ve even seen some eSports, or online gaming, enter the betting arena, too. Some of these services are even integrated into watching the match, allowing you to take a dabble in the results and enjoy the game with friends, too.
Why Play Online?
There’s plenty of reasons that people enjoy playing online instead of going to an in-person casino. The biggest is, of course, convenience. With the UK regulating the online casino industry tightly for safety, it’s simpler than ever for people to use trusted online providers that let them play directly from their PC or smartphone, rather than having to go to the bookie’s office or a ‘real’ casino.
Do Online Casinos Offer Bonuses?
Yes, some reputable online casinos offer a wealth of different bonuses, be it tied to a game, a number of plays, or you signing and verifying an account. You can get plenty of information on the best online casino signup bonuses and more, so do your research to find the right spot to stretch your cash further.
What Precautions Should I Take?
While the UK has made online gambling a safe space, you still need to do your own safety checks, as you should with any site that needs your funds. Look up comments and reviews about the platform you’d like to try, and make sure that they follow all UK laws around online gambling, so you can have peace of mind before you play. And as with all types of gambling, always make sure you are playing responsibly, and seek help if you are struggling.
The UK has made online gambling very safe for its citizens, and provided you are of-age and follow all regulations and laws, you are sure to have some fun.