How Safe is Online Gambling in the UK?
Gambling has long been a favourite pastime for many, with online casinos having got in on the act over recent years, offering fun and exciting games, which also offer the opportunity for players to add to their bank balance. However, just how safe is online gambling in the UK? Operating with an online casino should never compromise your safety, with the top platforms working hard in order to ensure that personal information and bank data stays secure at all times. This article will take a look at just what makes casino sites reliable and trustworthy, as well as 100% legal for UK-based players to take advantage of.
Those looking to take advantage of real-money casino games online today must first register with an operator that holds a license from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. This is the only organisation that actually has the authority to issue gambling licenses to remote providers in the UK, meaning that potential operators must go via this avenue. A thorough assessment process is undertaken by the Gambling Commission, who will then decide whether or not to issue a license. Earning a gambling license is not the end of the matter however, with the Commission regularly checking to ensure that players are being treated fairly. Those wishing to know which casinos are licensed in the UK can often find out by heading to the footer of the particular website.
Meanwhile, online casino’s are also required to have their software audited by a respected third-party agency, with the Gambling Commission having a list of approved organisations in this area. Such agencies include iTech Labs and the GLI, with players knowing that a casino is trustworthy if such logos appear on their site. A trustworthy casino ensures that all of their games are fair, with the outcome being random at all times. Elsewhere, those casino’s working alongside major anti-virus software providers, such as McAfee, can also be trusted, with players knowing that they are working hard in order to maintain security on their platform.
Whilst it is comforting to know that a casino is legal, safe and fair, it is also important to work out which platforms are socially responsible too. This may not be at the top of the list of requirements for some players, however knowing that the platform in which you are operating on takes pride in educating users about responsible gambling and underage gambling should further put customers at ease. Organisations including GamCare, Gamble Aware, Gamblers Anonymous and Responsible Gambling Trust are all well-known for their work in such areas, while they also operate alongside many major online casinos. On a similar note, all respected gambling platforms provide a range of useful tools in this area, including placing restrictions on deposit amounts on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, as well as even self-exclusion for those who develop issues.
You should now have a better understanding of what it takes to operate safely when gambling online within the UK, but always be sure to do your research before registering on a particular site!
