Gambling is risky and poses challenges to physical, mental and psychological wellbeing of an individual. It also impacts the financial position of a person because losing money is a part of the game and happens too often. With the intervention of the gaming authorities and governments, attempts have been made to bring some regulations in the business model of casinos and online slots providers. The UK is one of the several countries that have legalized and has a structured framework of regulations that govern the online gambling and slot businesses. Let’s find out more about the challenges that online gamblers face and how to overcome them.
Are online gamblers more at risk than offline gamblers?
According to an article submitted at Concordia University Montreal, the risk of alcohol and cannabis use was found more prominent among the online gamblers during the research. A heterogeneous group of gamblers comprising both online and offline players was surveyed to establish the findings. Though the research is not the final proof and more work is needed to find out the correct picture, indications towards increased risk in online gambling cannot be avoided.
Offline gamblers need to visit the casino or slots shop physically, which definitely requires effort. Thus, the restricted reach helps them stay away from squandering all their money in gambling. Further, their data is not exposed to any kind of leakage or theft and the bouncers ensure that people of only appropriate age groups are participating in such games. But in an online space, various controls are absent. Online casinos can only verify the information provided by the new user, checking its correctness is not done with required strictness. The freedom of space and time increases the betting hours, which directly means more risk of losing money and display of abnormal behaviors like social isolation, spending too much time on mobile phones, etc.
Some fraudsters can come up with a bogus casino site to steal the financial and personal data of the users. The gullible gamblers cannot make a difference between a bogus and a genuine site at the first glance. So, they are at risk of losing money to fraudsters when they register with fake websites and furnish their information there. Such loopholes are not present in an offline set-up.
Thus, the online gamblers are at more risk of damaging their mental health and social status. Also, they are at risk of betting for extended hours and spending more than what they can afford due to the lack of proper and strict checks at online platforms.
Are online slots legal in UK?
Yes, the Gambling Act 2005 has made gambling within the UK legal. So, people who want to indulge in gambling can sign up easily and play online slots games, no questions asked!
Due to a regulated environment, the online slots follow the rules of responsible gaming and give a mental nudge to the players to check their actions when going overboard. Also, the fairness and randomness of the results is checked from time to time to offer the slots players a safe environment for gambling.
A number of checks are being put in place to ensure that the gamblers are not spending too much at online slots. From September 2024, new regulations will be put to action. These regulations cover the betting limit aspect of playing online slots. According to new rules, a maximum of £5 per spin will be allowed for the players who are aged 25 years and above. This limit is reduced to £2 per spin for the players who are 18-24 years old.
Online slots operators are required to perform identity verification of the players to ensure that only eligible players have the access to such games. They are required to perform a verification check before accepting the deposit. Other requirements include:
- Monitoring risk indicators and set their minimum limit to restrict damage
- Flagging profiles with risky behavior and take actions on them
- Implement automated methods to achieve better control over players’ activities
- Preventing offering of bonuses or presentation of marketing plans to customers identified at risk
- Present the interaction with problematic customers to stop them from irrational gambling to Gambling Commission from time to time
All the online slots operators and providers need to follow and assure action on points mentioned above. It helps ensure access of slots to eligible players only and also checks any kind of problematic behavior like excessive gambling, or gambling for too long.
Can we bet online?
Yes, betting online is not an alien concept. There are several online casinos operational in this field for more than a decade. The players need to have access to parlors where online betting games like slots, poker, fishing, etc. are offered. Or, they need to have mobile phones, computers or laptops to visit the casino websites or apps to bet on games.
Online betting involves submitting personal information and banking details. A betting account is opened at an online betting platform where the gamblers deposit some money. They can take a portion of the deposited amount and assign it to the games of their choice. Deposits are to be made according to the games’ requirements.
In online betting, the players are served the options of both casino games and sports. Also, some platforms offer lottery or 4D games. There are online tables or online rooms created for high-rollers to offer them an exclusive experience. The regular bettors have the option to join the membership levels depending upon their activity levels and enjoy benefits accordingly.
Conclusion
Gambling options are available at both online and brick-and-mortar premises. The risks usually involved in gambling are excessive gambling, gambling under influence and gambling while being under-age. To ensure that players don’t fall prey to the addictive nature of betting, countries like the UK have placed strict regulations. Such rules are followed by football tipster sites like soccertipsters.net too. Such sites help football bettors who need expert advice on upcoming events. These sites publish performance records of genuine tipsters only to help punters make informed decisions.