From in-person betting at local bookmakers or glitzy brick-and-mortar casinos to the sophisticated world of online casinos that cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Recent figures from the UK Gambling Commission show that approximately 23.6 million people have spent money on gambling to date.
Figures for 2023 estimate the gambling industry to be worth more than £14.3bn, which is a significant rise on previous years. The growth appears to be driven by the steep increase in online gambling which accounts for over 38% of the total market. The steady shift to online gambling over recent years is reflected in changes to our daily lifestyles. Advancements in technology and globalisation have meant that gambling is no longer confined to business hours but is accessible 24/7, night and day.
There are numerous advantages for players to gamble online, not least of all the convenience of placing a bet from your armchair as opposed to having to visit a brick-and-mortar establishment. It doesn’t matter what you wear or how you look, no one will know! There’s also the added convenience of gaming on the go, which is only made possible by the advancements in technology. Most casinos offer fully optimised platforms, while some offer a dedicated mobile app that can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
With the constant influx of new online casinos popping up that bring fresh perspective and innovative gaming options, the industry has become an extremely competitive marketplace. New entrants not only energise the market but compel other established providers to step up their game, enriching the experience for UK online gamblers. Players are typically offered competitive welcome bonuses, regular promotions, multiple payment options and a wide variety of online games. For detailed insights into various gambling sites and expert guidance on navigating the online casino landscape, check out CasinoSherlock, which offers in-depth reviews of various gambling sites and comprehensive guides.
With at least 94% of UK adults having access to the internet, it’s not surprising that figures show an increase in online gambling and a decrease in the number of people frequenting land-based casinos. This matches changes witnessed in other sectors, such as retail and banking. Advancements in technology has most certainly contributed to the continued rise in the online casino market, revolutionising how games are played and experienced.
Online casinos offer a wider choice of games with enhanced graphics, immersive sound and interactive features. The optimisation of online platforms has enabled players to access sites from their mobile devices, providing the convenience of gaming on the go and broadening the market reach of online casinos. The introduction of live dealer games and live streaming has added a new dimension to proceedings, bridging the gap between online and land-based casinos.
Online casinos wishing to enter the market must be licensed by a trusted gaming authority such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), a stringent regulator known for its exceptionally high standards. The regulatory framework is designed to protect players from harm, prevent fraud and illegal activity such as money laundering or underage gambling and guarantee the fairness of all online games being offered. The framework also ensures that operators promote responsible gambling practices.
All reputable UK online casinos will be licensed and regulated by the UKGC. This information will be clearly displayed in the site’s footer and/or the terms and conditions page. Through the consistent enforcement of clear rules, the regulatory framework fosters trust and reliability within the online gambling community, which contributes to its growth and sustainability.
As with any online activity, the safety of your personal data and financial information is paramount when gambling online. Over the last couple of decades, internet security has evolved ten-fold across all online sectors, including the online casino industry. Reputable online casinos utilise high-end technology considered on par with major banking institutions to protect players data, funds and transactions:
SSL certification enables an online casino website to use “https” in its URL which indicates the traffic between the site and your device is encrypted. It is this certificate that makes secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption possible to protect all data and financial transactions. Transport layer security (TLS) is the modern encryption successor of SSL internet security protocol.
A CAPTCHA test is designed to identify whether the online user is really a human rather than an automated bot. They are designed to block bots and use distorted text which only humans can interpret. Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires the online user to prove their identity in two different ways before being granted access. Examples of this would be your casino username and password, plus SMS or email verification. The player will either enter a numerical code sent by text or click on the link sent by email.
It was recognised early on that for online gambling to succeed, casinos needed to provide both a safe and reliable online experience for their players. Through regulated safety measures, online casinos have managed to earn the trust of online gamblers through clear and transparent terms, establish a reliable reputation among players and ultimately change the landscape of UK gambling. Here are some of the prominent safety measures that you can expect to find at top UK online casinos:
Reputable online casinos offer reliable and trusted payment methods, such as Visa Debit, PayPal, Apple Pay and direct bank transfers. All transactions are protected with SSL/TLS encryption technology.
All games are subject to third-party auditors, such as eCOGRA, who monitor the return to player (RTP) and random number generator (RNG) stats to ensure fair gaming compliance.
Players are provided with protection tools such as deposit, loss, wager and session limits, time-outs or enforced self-exclusion to promote responsible gambling.
The online casino market has changed the landscape of UK gambling considerably and this trend is set to continue for many years to come. With the introduction of advanced technology such as virtual reality and AI, we can only begin to imagine what this innovative industry will bring us next. It’s really easy to see why the trend for online gambling continues to rise, not only due to its convenience and accessibility but also thanks to its ability to adapt to changing lifestyles and technological advances.
