Key Factors Shaping the UK’s Gambling Future
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For many people, the UK is the best country for gamblers. It permits both sportsbooks and casinos. You can gamble online at more than 1000 licensed gambling websites.
The best part is that HM Revenue & Customs doesn’t tax gambling winnings. If you hit a £10M jackpot while playing a slot machine, you can keep all the money. In some countries (hello US), you must pay taxes to your state and the Federal government. These taxes amount to up to 35% of your winnings.
While the UK has a vibrant online gambling culture, new laws and trends are disrupting how the industry works. In this article, we’ll outline seven factors that could dictate the future of gambling in the UK.
The Gambling White Paper
Earlier in April, the government launched a white designed to update some of the laws established under the Gambling Act of 2005. For example, it proposes the official age for playing the national lottery to be increased from 16 years to 18 years.
Another important proposal is to lower the maximum you can bet at a slot machine from £100 to as low as £2. The £2 maximum limit will apply to young adults under 25 years. Older adults can bet with a maximum of £15 per spin.
Other proposals under the paper include a ban on sports gambling sponsorships in sports. Additionally, it suggests the introduction of mandatory breaks while playing online casino games and limits on the maximum you can bet per month.
If suggestions in the white paper are applied, the online gambling space in the UK will change drastically. For starters, young high-stakes players will have to lower their bets significantly.
Secondly, affordability checks will become more common. On the other hand, betting companies will need to donate more money to programs designed to reduce problem gambling.
Non-GamStop Casinos
Casinos not on GamStop are having a moment in the UK. Experts predict these websites will continue to grow popular now that the gambling white paper is out.
As mentioned, the white paper will add restrictions to UK casinos. By comparison, non-GamStop sites allow you to play your favourite casino games without worrying about strict gambling rules.
To be clear, casinos not on GamStop are licensed and regulated. But they’re not regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. They operate under jurisdictions like Malta, Curacao, Panama or Curacao.
Outside of the UK, casinos don’t work with GamStop. You can use these sites to play online even if you’ve already joined GamStop. Also, overseas casinos have relaxed betting limits.
In other words, non-GamStop casinos provide more control over your gambling decisions. You can bet with large amounts if you’re a high roller. And the casino won’t force you to lower your bets for any reason.
Mobile Gambling
Mobile gaming has already overtaken PCs and consoles to become the most popular platform for gamers. As such, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that casino players are now choosing to play through their mobile devices.
The reason for mobile gambling’s growth in the UK lies in the country’s obsession with mobile devices. According to the Telegraph, the average smartphone owner in the UK spends 24 hours on their device every week.
If you’re a casino player with a smartphone, there’s a strong chance it is your preferred gaming device. Smartphones provide convenience. They’re cheap, portable and capable of doing many activities traditionally done by computers.
Mobile gambling companies in the UK do a great job of ensuring mobile players feel satisfied with their experiences. For starters, they provide beautiful, user-friendly websites.
Secondly, mobile casinos feature everything you would want in a casino or sportsbook. This means people have no reason to use a computer for gambling unless it’s their preference.
Live Casinos
Live gaming is another factor that might influence the future of online gambling in the UK. The explanation is that live casinos provide a way to gamble online that people never thought would be possible.
Live casinos use video streaming technology to create a platform where you can play table games with friends and strangers in real-time. You can see and interact with casino dealers. You can ask questions or even ask your dealer to reshuffle cards.
The best part about live casino gaming is that it is available to everyone. If you have a smartphone and access to the Internet, you can play live roulette, poker, baccarat or blackjack.
The best live casinos provide an extensive list of games. If you like blackjack, you can choose classic blackjack, Spanish 21, Perfect Pairs or another variant. Likewise, you can select European, American or French roulette.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future of the world and not the UK’s gambling sector alone. It is disrupting sports, digital media, e-Commerce, programming, video games and even politics.
In the iGaming space, artificial intelligence is changing how casinos create games, provide customer service and market their brands. Software providers are using AI programs for market research.
They can analyze big data to discover gaming trends. Then they can also use AI to create new games with a high probability of success. Another way casinos use AI is to streamline customer service.
You’ve probably already heard about ChatGPT. It’s changing how businesses provide customer service by providing a way to automate the process. Automated customer service isn’t always effective. But it helps casinos answer common questions quickly.
Bitcoin and the Blockchain
Cryptocurrencies are enjoying wide adoption in the UK. Some of the people buying crypto are using it for casino payments. For clarity, crypto casinos support a variety of digital coins, including Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin.
People using crypto for gambling payments love its speed, low fees and privacy. It also supports borderless transactions, which makes it ideal for people who use overseas casinos.
While Bitcoin is great, its underlying technology—the Blockchain—offers a lot more benefits. For example, it allows developers to create trust-free games and apps. It also supports provably fair casino games, meaning it erases doubts about whether a casino game is fair or not.
Gambling statement
Underage gambling is an offence. You must be over 18 years old to gamble.
Any form of gambling should always be fun, playing in a way that is right for you. It’s good to set limits, take time out or set up reminders.
Please gamble responsibly and in moderation.
Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (England, Scotland and Wales or visit Gamblingtherapy.org).
