The United Kingdom has a number of rules and restrictions in place that govern the industry of gambling and betting. The 1963 Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act was the start of the many amendments and redactions in regards to gambling legalities. As the years have passed, and remote gambling has become increasingly popular, many citizens of the UK participate actively in gambling activities. Some prefer local play, while others get pumped about international sites. Before you jump into remote gaming, make sure to be familiar with the current gambling laws of your country and area. As Internet gambling increases, there is likely to be many changes to laws around the world.
The first act that governed gaming was the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1963. It covered everything from games of chance to betting and lotteries in England. The only part of the Betting and Gaming Act that remained was the section that outlined bingo hall requirements, which included establishment as members’ only clubs and membership fees. It established that casinos had to do the same thing, and could only have 10 gaming machines in a building. The act outlined many guidelines, however in 1968, the Gaming Act repealed the section of the 1963 Act that deal with gaming, allowing the liberation of casinos. The 1968 act carried a statute that made all types of lotteries illegal, unless specified, as an attempt to keep things fair. Meanwhile the Lotteries and Amusements Act of 1976 overturned the aspect that dealt with competitions, lotteries and amusements. The latest legislation is the Gambling Act of 2005, which outlines procedures for gambling and requirements, as well as punishments for unlawful gambling.
The 2005 Gambling Act allowed “super casinos”, which were built similarly to resorts like Las Vegas, to be built in a tightly controlled manner. As things progressed, and remote gambling began to take off, the Culture Secretary in 2003, Tessa Jowell, proposed a change to the gambling laws to allow for online gambling and other new technologies. Her suggestion led to the creation and establishment of the UK Gambling Commission, who took over from the Gambling Board. The new body can set any codes, and must regulate them in the best way to ensure that there isn’t a rise in crime nor disorder, that gambling remains fair and honest, and to prevent vulnerable people and children from exposure. Any person below the age of 18 isn’t permitted to gamble.
The UK Gambling Commission can levy fines, withdraw licensing, bring prosecutions, void bets, enter premises, and suspend or seize goods as needed. There are over 1500 officers authorized to check gambling activities anywhere, and anyone unlawfully gambling is subject to prison time, fines or both. All bookmakers are subject to a 15% tax on their profits. A betting tax of 6.75% is given from bookmakers, and 9% tax on bets from punters. There may be a spike in taxing for gambling in the UK, though it has not been confirmed.