The United Kingdom is one of the top countries with a laid-out legislation regarding gambling, whether offline or online. The nation hosts diverse land-based casinos, software providers, and thousands of online gaming sites based there and in its surrounding territories – also try new UK slot games.
However, while online gambling seems to be legal in the UK, a reality that many people seem to ask is whether online slot machine gaming is permitted in the country? This could be tricky, but we are here to clear the air regarding these issues, so you can have a good time when gambling.
So, Are Online Slots Legal?
Without wasting time, online slot games are entirely legal in the United Kingdom. Although slot machines in land-based casinos and pubs have been legal since immemorial, the UK only released legislation allowing online slots in 2005. However, there are still terms and conditions attached, as usual.
Part of it requires only residents aged 18 and above to be allowed to wager, and the game must have an operating license from the UK Gambling Commission.
Laws Guarding Online Slots Gaming in the UK
While it seems that all types of slot games are allowed in the UK, there are still legislations that determine what kind of game is allowed. Here are the crucial ones:
- No online slot must pressure players to chase winnings
- All online casino sites must provide tools to control gambling, including limits for all features like time, deposit, loss, etc.
- Players must not be allowed to use bonus buy features.
For many players, the last point could be an issue for them. Most gamblers prefer to buy bonus levels using the bonus buy feature.
In addition, all slot machines must come with a license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), displaying a link to the license authentication page.
New Updates to Online Slots Gambling in the UK
To ensure compliance and meet modern challenges, the UKGC made a series of changes to the Gambling Act of 2005, which legalised online gambling.
First, all gambling businesses must use age-grade technologies to determine the ages of all players before allowing them to make real money deposits and move to launch a slot machine. Initially, the time frame for the verification was 72 hours. However, the apex regulatory body has argued that the time was too long, allowing underage gamblers to play slot machines and be exposed to the risk of gambling addictions.
There are now fines for companies who violate the requirements of the body. They include
- Underage gambling: a fine of £1,000
- Employing minors in a gambling venue or establishment: a fine of £5,000 and/or one year in prison
- Operating a gambling business without a license: a fine of £5,000 and/or one year in prison.
- Cheating or facilitating cheating in slots gambling: £5,000 in fines and/or one year in prison.
- Operating an unlicensed online slot machine: fine of £5,000 and/or one year in prison.
