The history of the casino is turbulent, and rooted in controversy. This meant that fans of casino gaming faced restrictions and bans, which many abided by, whilst others chose to continue playing in underground clubs and societies. Over the course of its history, restrictions have been lifted and official gambling acts have been released, to enable fans to play their favourite games safely, and legally.
In this article, we will explore how gambling laws have evolved over the years in the UK, to appreciate the freedom that we experience today when playing in land-based casinos and online.
The 1960 Betting and Gaming Act
In 1960, the Betting and Gaming Act was passed by the British parliament, legalising gambling for small value prizes, and playing games of skill, like Bridge. The Act came into force on the January 1st 1961 and following this, betting shops were allowed to open their doors to the British public. The aim of the Act was to give gamblers a place to play, removing the games from the streets, since it was disruptive. If players were found gambling on the streets, they would receive a fine.
The 2005 Gambling Act
The popularity and demand for Online Cricket Betting ID
— specifically casino gaming — increased when individuals started exploring the world of online casinos in the late 1990’s. This called for a revision of the outdated laws that were in place prior to 2005, that restricted some forms of gambling. In response, the 2005 Gambling Act was formed, which was given the mandate to regulate, licence and oversee all gambling. This Act had authority over land-based and online casino alike, meaning that the rules that applied were consistent, no matter where you choose to play.
Current Gambling laws in the UK
Today, there are a few rules and regulations that you’ll need to remember when playing at a land-based casino or online platform, like Betfair casino online, for example. In the UK, you need to be at least 18 to gamble, and this means that should you want to play at a land-based casino, you will then need to take some form of identification with you, to prove that you are old enough to play.
Another rule that was enforced to help prevent people spending more than they can afford when gambling is the ban on the use of credit cards as a form of payment. This law was brought into place in April 2020, and applies to both online and land-based casino gaming. Alternatively, when playing online, you can use a variety of different payment methods, including all main debit cards, bank transfer options and e-wallet services — so you’re sure to find your preferred option.
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However, you choose to play, you should always check the rules and regulations before you get started. They are in place to protect you, and improve your overall gambling experience, helping you to play safely and responsibly, making the most of your time playing your favourite games.
