Let's take a closer look at how the online casino gaming industry in the UK has changed over 20+ years. What prompted the creation of the special commission, and how did it affect the industry? The Gambling Act 2005 and its impact on the gambling industry.
The Dawn of Online Gambling in the UK: Late 1990s to Early 2000s
Microgaming launched the first online casino. It all started in the seemingly distant year of 1994. Then, it was a real furor for gambling fans. Developers implemented special transaction systems that allowed players to receive special bonuses. The software used to run online casinos also began to be updated regularly to keep up with modern technology. Site owners started adding features more frequently to attract more customers.Toward the 2000s, the entire industry began to grow rapidly. In 2005, there was a new law in the gambling industry. As part of the radical changes, local authorities were to be responsible for granting gambling licenses. Thus, a regulator of the industry - the UK Gambling Commission- was created.
In 1999, multiplayer online games were first introduced and immediately caught the user's attention due to the ability to chat and play with other users online. As it should be understood, the number of users grew, and the industry developed quickly.
The Gambling Act 2005: A Paradigm Shift in Regulation
In 2005, legislation was passed in the Gambling Act, which regulates gambling in the UK, including online gaming. The Act introduced significant changes and new rules and standards for gambling operators. The law was adopted for three purposes:- To prevent any criminal activity in the gambling industry;
- To make sure that the quality of gambling meets industry standards of integrity;
- To protect children and vulnerable people from harm or exploitation through gambling
Now, every casino, including offline and online services, must obtain a special license. Such a license was issued by a commission created for this purpose. This guarantees honesty and integrity towards players and service creators.
This law has had a tremendous impact. The casino business could come out of the shadows and work, attracting new investments and clientele. The commission, for example, prohibits the use of credit card funds. Thus, players will be protected from losing credit funds. Most would consider it a good implementation.
Enhanced Player Protection and Responsible Gambling: Mid-2010s Onwards
Gambling is a real abyss for a lot of people. Many of us do not even think about the fact that a person becomes addicted to the process, experiencing excitement and an endless desire to win. Gamblers who play in elite high-limit online casino experiences incredible sensations, endorphin production, and much more.That's why the commission is taking special steps to combat the most common problems that can arise while playing casino games. These include:
- Financial difficulties (the commission prohibits the use of credit facilities, so you can no longer replenish your account with a credit card);
- psychological problems (the commission strictly enforces that only adults can access online casinos);
- fraud and security (choose only trusted services that guarantee safety and have an authenticated security system).
Modern online casinos provide quick registration for users. In just 10 seconds, a player can create a personal account on the site and access all the club's services. Among the services, one can highlight the game of slots, participation in tournaments, lotteries, promotions, and affiliate programs. But before you start playing, confirm your identity, age, phone number, and mail. The commission's main focus is to prevent irregularities in the gambling process and the gambling market in general.
The Digital Age and Technological Advancements: Impact on Regulations
Technological advancements have a weighty contribution to the entire gambling industry. Today, an online casino can get a license online without going through a thousand commissions, bypassing the bureaucratic process entirely. In turn, such progress allows all these systems to be monitored twice as efficiently.Mobile game development is another improvement that allows you to play without a computer, just with a few clicks on your phone. There are both pros and cons to easy access. For example, the accessibility of playing anywhere can be looked at from two angles. It can be a distraction (at work or school) or a way to relax anywhere. As for regulation and monitoring - already operating casinos simply duplicate their versions in phone format, so all the rules remain.
Only licensed casinos that have two-factor authentication and guarantee the protection of your data should be trusted. Avoid phishing sites that can steal your data. This is why the commission is intended to work with bona fide gambling representatives and services to promote gambling, not fraud.