How Different is the UK Gambling Commission to Others Around the World?

About the Institution

The UKGC was created 2005 under the UK Gaming Act as an independent regulatory body. It can change and propose new gambling laws nationwide, regulating features like promotions, VIP memberships, wagering requirements, limits, and financial risk checks. Its strict licensing criteria include responsible gaming, data security, underage gambling, and financial crime prevention.

That’s why I prefer to play on UKGC-licensed platforms: they’re tightly regulated and trustworthy. There are plenty of UK online casinos listed at casinomeister.com/uk, where you can also find information about the latest promotions, bonuses etc and payment options such as Mastecard, Visa and Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.

Eligibility criteria for applicants include financial statements, proof of expertise and honesty, criminal records, and the evaluation of other companies or persons associated with the applicant.

Unsurprisingly, the British institution is regarded as one of the most stringent in this industry, even more than the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), which is considered the home to European online gambling. Indeed, MGA also has a tradition of licensing excellent platforms, and I also play on those. Still, the UKGC stands out for its rigorous licensing process, where social responsibility is mandatory.

Social Responsibility  

The UK Gambling Commission ensures that a casino is fair and safe and uses ethical marketing strategies towards gamers like me. For instance, operators aren’t allowed to advertise prizes or gains from lotteries or progressive jackpots. Additionally, they aren’t allowed to advertise bonuses and promotions.

The restrictions aim to protect and preserve individuals with problem gambling, prohibiting tactics that encourage excessive consumption or compulsive behaviour. Additionally, operators must not request clients to purchase as preconditions for promotions. I appreciate how the main point is to prevent customers from overspending and operators from using predatory marketing strategies.

Other regulators, like Curacao eGaming, also impose restrictions on marketing strategies, such as telemarketing and sending mailing or club materials, but only to excluded or self-excluded participants. I also play on those casinos, but I prefer UKGC-licensed platforms for this reason.

The UK Gambling Commission is also one step ahead regarding cryptocurrencies, and I can use mine safely on these platforms. According to its rules, every platform operating with cryptos must register as such at the UKGC, which has solid crypto regulations in place. In contrast, Curacao eGaming hasn’t yet regulated cryptocurrencies in its jurisdiction.

Ethical Gaming

Here’s another thing I love about these casinos. Unlike most regulators in this industry, the UK Gambling Commission also imposes many restrictions on slot machine features. For instance, all titles must have a minimum return to player (RTP) rate of 99.9%. Until 2023, the organisation followed the industry standard of 95% RTP. The Gambling Commission calculates a machine’s RTP based on win and turnover statistics over thousands of spins.

I mean that they must be low-volatility titles, often paying small prizes. Popular features like “bonus buy” are also prohibited, and there is a maximum betting limit according to the player’s age. People between 18 and 24 years old have a maximum limit of GBP 2, while older players have a maximum limit of GBP per spin.

The “bonus buy” feature allows me to jump straight into the bonus level by buying my access to the feature. Typically, the “bonus buy” multiplies my initial wager manifold, which means the price for accessing this feature depends on my initial wager. The UKGC prohibited this feature because it encourages players to place higher bets.

The autoplay feature and speed adjustments have also been removed to discourage compulsion. According to the Gambling Commission’s rules, I must inform my age, even on platforms that provide demo versions and free games.

Welcome Everywhere

Besides, I can play at these casinos from anywhere. Indeed, the organisation’s website doesn’t have a “list of restricted countries.” Meanwhile, Curacao eGaming platforms are restricted in major markets, including:

• Australia
• The United States
• The Netherlands
• France

Platforms licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (Canada) can’t offer their services to players from the United States, either.

Although widely regarded in the industry, Curacao eGaming has also built an infamous reputation for allowing online casinos to have their way once the licence is granted. In contrast, the UK Gambling Commission is strongly committed to the players’ interests and healthy habits towards such games, which is why I prefer those platforms.

Every time I see a platform with this licence, I know it’s a fair and trustworthy one. The combination of fairness, transparency, and trustworthiness is the jackpot I look for in every platform.