How is the UK Gambling Industry Regulated?
The UK gambling industry provides diverse gambling forms to the public. Such include casino games, bingo, sports-betting, gambling slots, and gaming machines. All these forms are available on physical locations and also online from licensed gambling operators accredited by the UK Gambling Commission and relevant local authorities. It is always advisable to check the operator’s website and see which of its products is licensed and by whom, and if satisfied, you’ll be protected adequately whilst you play.
In addition, other more financial market-based products that are not licensed by the Gambling Commission, may be licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority or even by foreign regulators, like the case of stock and binary options.
Legal Ages for Gambling
Often the general rule involving anything legal in the UK is 18, and so it is for gambling. In adult gaming centres, bingo halls, betting shops, racetracks, traditional and online gambling casinos, this law applies. Moreover, gaming machines such as teddy grabbers, coin pushers, and some lower stakes machines in family entertainment joints and amusement arcades/parks are open to anyone. A point to note, is that a person who is 17 years who participates in gambling, not exempted as stated above is guilty and can be legally charged of the crime.
Responsible Advertising
Socially responsible advertising is also a regulated sector in the gambling industry. There is industry code for socially responsible advertising put down.
Social Gaming
In the UK currently, games that do not win you anything in terms of cash value or money fall outside these regulations set forth. However, due to the worldwide popularity of some of these games, highly constructed be interactive, sociable and very compelling (particularly those that bear close resemblance to playing in a real casino game), may lead to regulators seeking other avenues to regulate like in creation and sale of these games.
Complaining about Gambling
Quite often, any form of gambling is without some form of complaint and as such UK regulations have set forth capacities and policies to ensure all complaints are dealt with within the constraints of the law. Always check the latest laws and policies to be up to date in the subject.