How to Gamble Safe Online in the UK

For British players, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is one of the most active regulators when it comes to fostering a safer gaming environment. Nevertheless, it is still helpful for UK players to consider the following factors when seeking a safe place to play.

Operating Licence

Before joining a casino site or online gambling platform, scroll to the bottom of the homepage to confirm that the operator has a seal or license code from the UKGC. You can also visit the UKGC to try and confirm that a particular iGaming brand or operator is legally providing gambling services in the UK. Legally, no brand can provide real-money gambling services in Great Britain without a UKGC license.

Safe Payment Methods

In the UK, it is illegal to deposit via credit card whereas debit card transactions are approved. As for eWallets and prepaid cards, check that the site is partnered with well-known providers such as PayPal, NETELLER, Paysafecard, or Skrill. Regarding Bitcoin, PayPal now supports the purchase of cryptocurrencies. However, please consult your site for advice on crypto deposits and practices.

24/7 Support

Service is fundamental to the online gambling experience and the top providers are now expected to support users in a variety of ways. In our experience, the leading sites will go beyond email or ticketing systems to communicate with users 24/7 via live chat, telephone, or social media. If you are ever uncertain about anything, it helps to ask your operator for clarification before taking action.

Third-party Auditors

Auditors are companies that specialize in the independent testing of software, systems, and games at online gambling sites. Although certificates are never guaranteed, it can be reassuring when you do find a seal or a report breaking down the key payout percentages for games. In the industry, we have identified eCOGRA, TST, iTech Labs, BMM, and GLI as some of the most active auditors. 

Responsible Gambling Policies

The British online gambling industry has been transformed for the better by the UKGC working to ensure that operators implement stronger responsible gambling policies. Along with committing to preventing abuse, operators are required to give users the option of implementing spending and time limits. Furthermore, there are reality checks and the option for self-excluding and preventing access to sites through the industry.

Terms and Conditions

In the terms and conditions (T&Cs), a player can try to find out the minimum and maximum transaction values when depositing and withdrawing at an online gambling site. The T&Cs can also address how bonuses and promotions will function. As an example, the T&Cs can discuss the standard wagering requirements that will determine how many times a bonus has to be played through before it can be withdrawn as winnings.

Privacy Policy

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the key term to look for in the privacy policy, due to the compliance that is required to protect players’ data and privacy. The privacy policy can also communicate the encryption that has been installed at the site to ensure that users can register safely and complete payments with adequate protection.