PLAYING casino games online is an increasingly popular pastime in the UK. However, in order to avoid potential pitfalls, it is important to understand your rights before signing up. With top rated operators, you can expect a fair, transparent and safe experience. As such, you should never be at risk of being cheated or have your details compromised by third parties.
In this casino players rights guide, we will outline the laws that protect players. We will also discuss what online casinos do to promote responsible gambling. So, if you are looking to learn more about gambling authorities, data protection and responsible gambling, then be sure to keep reading.
What are the main rights of casino players in UK online casinos?
When signing up with an online casino, there are a number of factors that you must consider. Below, we take a closer look at some of the most important points related to player rights:
Personal data protection
Upon registering an account with an online casino, you are effectively signing a contract with the operator in question. As such, the casino must be able to provide members with specific information related to their account. On top of this, casinos should be able to deliver details surrounding how they protect players. All UK-based casinos must have a system in place that ensures for the safety and privacy of personal details.
Banking data protection
In order to be in a position to win money when playing casino games online, you must first deposit cash of your own. As such, it is vital that your chosen operator has Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology in place. If data is not encrypted, anyone who has access to the server can get their hands on your payment details. The best online casinos all use SSL, meaning that the connection between servers is encrypted, so no third parties can view sensitive information.
Transparent and fair results
The rights of online casino players are protected under Consumer law. As such, operators should never hold an unfair advantage over players because of small print in contracts. Based on the Consumer Rights Act 2015, all contractual wording must be transparent and fair. In order to meet such demands, operators must ensure that no part of the contract is hidden. Meanwhile, online casino games must also be fair when it comes to their results. Random number generators are used in most cases. Meanwhile, operators are tested by the likes of eCOGRA, iTech Labs and other third party agencies.
Fund segregation between player and casino
Any online casino that holds a license from the Gambling Commission in the UK must also protect your money under the principle of player funds segregation. Simply put, this means that money you deposit must be held in a separate bank account, in order to protect players in the event that the operator goes out of business.
However, it is important to note that money you deposit to an online casino is not actually protected by the British government in the same way as personal bank accounts. The UK Gambling Commission has three separate categories when it comes to the protection of players, basic, medium and high.
Each operator must now select a category and explain their decision. Basic effectively means no protection at all, while medium means that steps are taken in order to ensure that players get their money back if the company folds. Finally, high means that your funds will be held in a separate bank account, while also being controlled by an external auditor.
Gambling harm prevention
Responsible gambling is something that the UKGC is increasingly strict on. With the industry as a whole having come under fire from multiple directions, the number of citizens in the UK who have suffered from gambling-related issues has risen to over 400,000. A different approach is being taken as a result, which promotes gambling responsibly at all times. A number of tools are in place, including reality checks, deposit limits, self exclusion, cooling off periods and break reminders.
What are the main UK laws protecting casino players?
Over the years, a host of laws have passed in the UK in order to protect gamblers. Below, we have outlined the standout laws in this industry:
Data Protection Act 1998
This Act of Parliament aimed to protect all personal information that was stored on computers or filing systems in the UK. But what does this mean for the gambling industry? Firstly, all operators must inform players of the data in which they store, as well as how they will use it. Casinos may also only take advantage of data for justifiable and legal purposes. Elsewhere, should you delete your online casino account, the operator in question must discard all of your previously stored information. Finally, this act means that data processing must not cause distress or damage, with compensation being paid out in some cases.
The Gambling Act 2005
This act controls all forms of gambling in the UK. Rather than gambling licenses being delivered by magistrates courts, they are processed by local authorities. The main aims of this act are to prevent gambling from being a source of crime, ensure that gambling is carried out fairly and to protect children and other vulnerable individuals from being exploited by gambling. The Act was reviewed back in 2021 to ensure that it was “fit for the digital age”.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Upon being announced, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gave UK citizens a host of new rights. Laws here surround product quality, services and unfair terms and conditions. For example, games should function as advertised, while online casino operators are not able to avoid mentioning fees and limitations in their T&Cs.
How is the Gambling Act of 2005 enforced?
The Gambling Act of 2005 is enforced by the UK Gambling Commission, which itself was formed in 2007 and replaced the Gaming Board. As a result, gambling rights and regulations are now upheld far better. Following the review of the Gambling Act in 2021, a number of changes were made. These include the banning of any feature that sped up play, reverse withdrawals and gambling-related sports sponsorship deals.
What are the main protections offered by UK gambling regulations?
The UK Gambling Commission protects players in a number of ways, with the following being the main areas of concern:
Underage gambling
The Gambling Act of 2005 prohibits inviting, causing and permitting a child or young person to partake in gambling. The only exception is in private or non-commercial activity. A child is described as anyone under 16 years of age, while a young person is someone aged less than 18 but is not a child.
Licensed casino operation
Gambling licenses must be used by the person/operator to whom they were issued, within the period of time of their effect. Licenses can be issued to casino and bingo operators, as well as betting facilities. Those who provide incomplete or inaccurate information regarding licensing could be subject to a £5,000 fine and a lengthy ban.
Payment method regulation and credit card use
One of the more recent changes to gambling law in the UK means that players are no longer able to gamble on credit. Meanwhile, all online casinos must follow anti money laundering (AML) procedures.
Software regulation
Gambling operators must also ensure that their software is completely transparent, including stakes, rollover, prize money and return to player (RTP) rates.
Advertising laws
Licensing authorities can also impose limits when it comes to advertising, specifically surrounding those targeting minors or problem players. Up to 51 weeks imprisonment and a fine of up to £5,000 are again possible for those breaking the law in this area.
Cheating prevention
Cheating is described by the Gambling Act of 2005 as actual or attempted deception or interference in connection with the process of gambling. Cheating is again classed as an offense.
How do UK responsible gambling regulations work?
In the UK, gambling operators are subject to regulations set by the British Advertising Standard Authority, as well as the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling. On top of this, the LCCP has published an extensive literary piece that comprises advice, guidance and policies.
Are KYC procedures mandatory in UK online casinos?
Online casinos in the UK must verify the identity of all new members. This is a requirement to obtain a gambling license, with the Gambling Commission now insisting on the know your customer (KYC) process. Without this being completed, players will be unable to deposit and withdraw money. As such, casinos must verify the customer’s name, address and date of birth.
Is my money safe if an online casino closes down?
As we have already mentioned, it is not guaranteed that you will receive your money back in the event of your chosen online casino going bust. This is because there are three levels of protection, basic, medium and high. Surprisingly, it is only a relatively small number of brands who offer a high level of protection. If you register with a casino at a basic level, your money has no additional protection. So, be sure to look into this before signing up.
Are there gambling regulations for special offers in casinos?
Yes. The Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), established by the UK Gambling Commission, requires promotions to be formed in a way that is socially responsible. While bonus terms and conditions are expected, they should not encourage excessive play. Wagering requirements is a prime example.
Which government bodies can I contact for casino player rights protection?
You can get in touch with the UK Gambling Commission, with the company being based in Birmingham. Their website features an online form, through which you can ask questions.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
