When you’re new to the world of gambling, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed. There are many different laws and regulations surrounding the industry, a vast range of gaming options, and, of course, rules for each game or betting option. The amount of information to take in and options to choose from are enough to make your head spin.
To help you find your footing so that you can gamble confidently and responsibly, we’ve put together a brief guide explaining what’s legal in the UK and a few best practices to keep in mind when gambling.
Legal Forms of Gambling
Within the UK, there are many forms of legal gambling with regulations that bear many similarities to those of other European countries. The UK has a central regulatory body, the Gambling Commission, that licenses different forms of gambling and holds gambling providers to a set standard of operations and protections for players.
Across the board, gambling is legal for those over the age of 18. Some of the most popular legal forms of gambling include land-based casinos, online casinos, sports betting, horserace betting, and lotteries.
When it comes to gambling at both land-based and online casinos, you’ll find a huge variety of games ranging from strategy-based games like poker to chance-based games like slot machines or roulette. Some casinos may also include sports betting and horseracing to bet on as a part of their gaming options. For land-based casinos, big names include The Hippodrome Casino and Victoria Gate Casino, while Mr Vegas is a big name in UK online gambling.
Sports betting and horserace betting involve placing wagers or bets on the potential outcomes of a game or race and require a sportsbook to record the wagers placed. They’re hugely popular forms of betting in the UK and have a long history spanning centuries. Sports betting can add another layer of entertainment for sports fans, making the game even more engaging than usual.
Lotteries can range from the National Lottery to bingo halls. This type of gambling is frequently used to raise charitable funds while also allowing players to win a bit (or, in the case of the National Lotto, a lot) of cash.
Another form of legal gambling is adult gaming centres, also referred to as arcades. These typically include slot-like games players can bet on. Though you may find them within the same area as family-friendly arcades, they’re limited to those over 18.
Tips for Responsible Gambling
Regardless of the type of gambling you decide to take part in, there are some responsible gambling best practices you should keep in mind to protect your finances and health.
Set a Budget
Limiting how much you can gamble with is a vital component of being a responsible gambler. You want to be sure that you’re playing with money you can afford to lose so that if you lose it, you’re not putting yourself under financial strain.
To help you stay on budget when playing in person, avoid bringing your credit or debit card and use cash instead. When playing online, you can set deposit limits so that you don’t exceed your limit.
Play Sober
Casino and sporting events often feel like they go hand in hand with drinking, but when it comes to gaming responsibly, it’s best to limit your drinking.
Understand the Rules
Before placing a bet or wager, take the time to understand the game’s rules. This will help you know what you’re betting on and the possible outcomes so that you aren’t just losing money by testing out a game.
Don’t Chase Losses
Trying to regain the money you lost on a game or bad bet can put you into a financially stressful situation. After placing a bet, assuming the money is gone is best.
Don’t Play to Win
Gambling can be entertaining and may earn you an unexpected win, but it’s best not to play for the sake of winning or making money. (After all, there’s a reason for the saying the house always wins.)
Don’t Gamble When You’re Sad or Stressed
Playing when you’re feeling low can create an unhealthy relationship with gambling that can lead to problem gambling behaviours.
Check the Security of Online Options
The availability of online gaming has grown massively in recent years and will only continue in the years to come. If you’re planning on trying your hand at an online casino, be sure to check that it is a trustworthy casino that will protect your personal financial information before you start playing.
Use Responsible Gaming Settings Online
Reputable and regulated online casinos will come with safeguards in place to help prevent problem gambling, and these can be incredibly helpful in building a healthy relationship with gambling. These safeguards include deposit limits (as mentioned earlier, this is a great way to stay within your budget), timers, and access to information or resources to support problem gambling. Before you start playing, take the time to look for and set up these responsible gaming tools.
Be Aware of Problem Gambling Resources
Unfortunately, problem gambling affects 2.5% of the British population, so it’s a topic to be aware of when partaking in any form of gambling. Keeping in mind the tips outlined here and being aware of resources, such as the National Gambling Helpline (which you can call for free at 0808-8020-133), can help you prevent and treat behaviours associated with problem gambling.
Time to Test Your Luck
Now that you’ve established a better understanding of the legal gaming landscape in the UK and how to approach gambling responsibly, you have the basics of what you need to test your luck. Just remember to review the rules of whatever game you plan to play before placing a bet.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
