Uk Licensed Casinos
History of Casinos in the UK, from Land Based to Online Casinos
Jan 30, 2021 The online casino UK market ensures 24/7 customer support, fully licensed products, and an incredible safe way to play some games. Exclusive privileges like bonus offers or promo codes, will aid in whatever challenges might lie ahead.
- All UK casinos on CasinoGuide are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which sets a great number of controls on the online casino in order to be granted a gambling license. All casino sites are audited regularly and investigate player complaints, especially regarding delayed or withheld winnings.
- / UK Licensed Casinos United Kingdom With their new regulatory scheme, UK required operators to obtain a local license and pay up to 15% of consumption taxes for each and every wager placed within the UK - an amount which is still maintained today.
Gambling by visiting UK casinos is something that we have inherited from our forefathers. Throughout the course of history, people have taken special interest in gambling games to risk their money for a return and to, most importantly, have fun. Casinos have become an integral part of our lives, and no matter how much we deny it, Mankind and Gambling are interlinked with each other through an unbreakable bond. One cannot exist without the other, as both walk hand in hand.
One of the most famous past time for humans throughout history till now has been gambling. From the prehistoric times when gambles were made on the most trivial of assets, to now when people go as far as putting all they have on stake, gambling was and is an excessively growing trend.
The interest people have in gambling has been fuelled off late by the innovations that have sprung up within the institution that provide the best platform for gambling, The Casinos. UK Casinos have, for ages, provided the masses with an opportunity to put their skills in gambling on display.
Casinos in the United Kingdom have been providing some of the most luxurious and lavish experiences to the visitors through history. The country is now host to an astounding 140 land based casinos, all of which provide an exemplary atmosphere to the visitor.
The Incipient of the Great British Gambling
Gambling has been part of British society from a long, long time. People living in this part of the world have taken solace in gambling for many a century now. During the incipient of gambling within the United Kingdom, Gambling was very different from what it is today. Gambling, back in the day, had very little to do with the more contemporary innovations like Roulette wheels and Slot reels. Gambling in that day and age was more limited to the possessions people had. Betting would take place on the result of a jousting match, or a wager would take place on a coin game named cross and pill.
Some other favourites for the people at that time were a three card game called as the Bragg, which is an ancient version of Poker. Betting was also done on board games, as the options were very limited. As time progressed, the British started betting on more serious issues. Sports came into the mix, as events like horse racing and football attracted a lot of attention for gamblers to practice their betting skills.
Crockfords casino floorThe first sightings of Casinos in the United Kingdom were seen during the 19th century. The UK casinos were formed in the shape of gaming clubs and were strictly restricted to members only. Crockfords was the first of the gaming clubs to open in 1828 on the Curzon Street. The club was opened with the support of the Duke of Wellington.
Many other gaming clubs started following suit, with the help and support of different influential people, as Casinos were not entered in the constitution as a legal entity till as late as 1960.
The Development of the Casinos
Gambling has been part of the British society from a long time, but the legalized Casinos started functioning more recently.The Gaming Act of 1960 legalized all Casinos which paved the way for inroads to be made in this regard. Shortly after the gaming act was passed, the unanimously proclaimed “Father of
The casino was first opened by George Alfred James as a gambling establishment for members only. The establishment featured a restaurant, a bar, a dance floor, and a gaming room. The gaming room was adjacent to the bar and had a variety of games like the six pence, baccarat, and black jack slot machines.
A year later, George Alfred James started further enlarging his casino empire. He built the Prince of Wales club in Cardiff, The Golden Horseshoe, for working men in London and The Kingsway Casino in South Port. The Kingsway Casino stood up as his flagship, as The Kingsway introduced a whole new level of lavishness. The Kingsway Casino was the first of its kind in United Kingdom as it featured occasional visits from the stars of that time. The Kingsway was also host to some of the best musical performances, from prominent musicians.
Old video interview with George Alfred James about UK Casinos:
The casino empire set up by George Alfred James kept on thriving until he died in 1976. Ever since the gambling act legalized casinos, and because of the endeavours of George Alfred James, Casinos have become an integral part of the modern society in United Kingdom.
New table games and further innovations have all now been accommodated within the law because of the continuous relaxations provided by the government in the law. The casinos in UK present a picture of unmatched grandeur today, with many of them being under the ownership of the same company. The Grosvenor and the Genting group comprise of almost 75 percent of the casinos running in the UK currently.
The Genting Group
Genting Group, who are one of the top Casino owners in the United Kingdom, originate from Malaysia. The first resort under the ownership of the Genting Group opened in Malaysia in as early as 1971. Genting Group currently owns a mammoth amount of 50 Casinos across the whole region which makes it one of the biggest forces in the casino market. Two brands fall under the ownership of the Genting Group, the Genting Casino and Genting Club. The Crockfords, which is one of the oldest gaming clubs, is under the flagship of the Genting Group.
The Grosvenor Casinos
Incorporated in 2007, the Grosvenor Casinos which are owned by the Rank Group, represent one of the largest brands of in the region. With an ownership of up to 30+ casinos within England and Scotland, the Grosvenor Casinos have high stakes in the UK market. The recent addition of the Gala Casinos within the Grosvenor Casinos for a whooping sum of 179 million pounds has meant that with 54 casinos, the Grosvenor have the highest amount of casinos under control in the UK market.
Although, the history of Casinos indicates that the rise in gambling power within the people of the United Kingdom is at an increase, it also helps indicate some other disturbing facts. Some of the worrying trends that were seen in gambling during the history were:
- Gambling promoted the differences between classes: Throughout the history of gambling, it would be the rich who played the high stake games in the clubs. The poor would indulge in very basic dice or coin games in their separate lodges. The rich would bet on the horses in betting houses, specifically made for the purpose while the poor would do so at the race meetings. With the divide visible, the gambling trends laid down a basic segmentation in the society that was to remain for the times to come.
- Gambling was declared illegal for the poor, and legal for the rich: Henry VIII passed a law which specifically banned all poor people from gambling at anytime during the year except Christmas. The acts of the 18th century also set an invisible boundary by placing high gambling limits to keep the poor away from gambling.
- Gambling had to reach the people: This was a more contemporary problem that came up with gambling. With so many means of communication available, people started looking forward to a more suitable gaming experience, something that was provided to them without having to go to the casino. Something that would make them try their luck in the comforts of their home. All of this was provided by the development of the Online Casino experience.
The Formation and Evolution of Online Casinos in UK
The year 1994 was a formidable year in the formation of online casinos within the UK. The advent of online Casinos meant that there was a shift from the traditional land based casinos, to the virtual world that we all are currently accustomed to. The move kick started from the Island of Antigua and Barbados within the Caribbean. The major breakthrough in this regard was the signing of the Free Trade and Processing Zone Act.
Even after the development of the Act, it was in 1998 that William Hill launched the first UK Online Casino, through his betting services, Sportsbook. The online casino trend in the UK was certainly gaining pace and it was soon expected that it would overpower the presence of other land based casinos. While the UK was a little late in jumping on the Online Casino bandwagon, there were a variety of new innovations in this regard being done in the rest of the world.
Microgaming took the lead and launched the first online casino in 1994. The casino started gathering viewership at a slow rate during the beginning, but a lot was expected from it later on. Just after the launch of Microgaming, Cryptologic by the famous duo of Mark and Andrew Riokin started frenzy amongst Casino enthusiasts. The casino by the Riokin brothers offered a first transactional system of its kind. The transactional system introduced by the duo was safe, reliable and easy to use for the users.
Following the success of Microgaming and Cryptologic, many Casinos started trying their luck in this developing new market. The chances of innovations were plenty, and there were a lot of gains to be had.
The start of the 2000’s meant that there was a very major change in the range of people that the internet catered to. The start of the 20th century signalled the start of the spread of the internet. The internet was spreading across the world at a rapid rate. People were getting internet connections in their homes, which eventually showed an increase in the number of opportunities that the internet presented. With this transition from the real world to the online world happening at a fleeting pace, it was significant that the opportunities presented be grasped as quickly as possible.
The development and the evolution of the casinos within the UK took a turn for the better with the start of the 20th century. Entrepreneurs had realized that the internet was here to stay and for success to be achieved, it was pertinent that the opportunities which came along be seized with both hands. As soon as the realisation that the online casinos were serious business dawned upon the investors, they started looking out for ways through which they could join this bandwagon of success.
The interest from the investors meant that the online casino industry got a major boost during the 2000’s. There were plenty of online casinos opening, which were all met with a huge response from the public.
Has online gambling, changed the overall UK casino industry?
With gambling becoming part of the daily routine of the average UK adult, the participation in Casinos is at a record high. The restrictions on Casinos that were part of the past have been reduced in both the land based Casinos and the Online Casinos. The percentage of the total adult population that have tried online gambling has increased from 9.7 percent in 2008 to a whopping 15.9 percent in 2015.
Active accounts, that have been used once or, more than once by the user in the last 12 months have risen up to 18 million. Furthermore, the participation in the online casino slots was 37 percent during the year 2015, which is a massive success.
The cash involved within the Online Casinos is also on the rise, with researchers quoting as much as 366 million pounds won through Online Casinos during the year 2014. With such astounding numbers to boast, the success of the gaming site is no more a secret. Online Casinos have revolutionized the way casinos have been viewed throughout history with the help of an amalgamation of several different techniques and methodologies.
The biggest way through which Online Casinos have changed the overall gaming Industry is that they have made room for innovation. Innovation within the slots is something that is very common and part of Online Casinos. The Innovations have been assisted with the presence of unlimited storage space online. Land based establishments face the issue of space constraints, something which cannot be felt or imagined while on an online slot. Users get a variety of slots , all of which add to the choice the user has.
All in all, the transition from land based to the internet is still under process within the UK. Land based establishments have a sizable group of people to cater to, while Online Casinos have started garnering a huge target base of their own. From the incipient of gambling within the UK, to where we stand today as a nation in this regard, the progress of the Casinos has been exemplary.
Heightened interest within Casinos and gambling has meant that the astounding numbers that we see today are going to be toppled in the foreseeable future. All the innovations and increase in interest towards gaming can’t help one from wondering what the future holds for the industry within the UK.
What does the Future hold?
Gambling in casinos within the UK has benefited a lot from the Gambling Act, which came into force almost 11 years ago from today. The boom in the Casino gambling within the UK as the result of the Act means that the future of gaming within UK is under sunny skies. The land based establishments have enriched themselves with the fine addition of dining restaurants, dance floors, and bars within the Casino. The response from the public is mind blowing and it can be said that the future of land based Casinos in the UK is in safe hands.
On the other hand, the increase in TV advertisements has meant that there is an overall growth in the target market for Online Casinos. Brits, who have never had the experience in the different slots available today, can add to their knowledge by accessing the various casino sites, within the comforts of their home. With the increase in the trend of gambling, it won’t be a surprise when UK surpasses America as the home to the best UK Casinos.
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For a casino to operate in the UK, it needs to have a license issued to work in the British market. Licensing is an essential aspect of the online gambling industry, and it is crucial to any UK online casino’s operations. If you are playing at UK casino, it is relevant for you to understand how licensing in the UK works and how it can be beneficial to you.
A UK casino license dictates specific rules and regulations that casinos must adhere to. Since an independent gambling body issues the license, a legitimate UK casino with a license is full proof that it is a fair and reliable casino. You can rest assured that all casinos that are featured and promoted on GambleGenie have a valid UK license.
We have thus compiled this detailed guide with information about the British licensing system and how it could affect you as a player. Although playing at a casino is also an essential factor, take the time to apply the below knowledge so you can have the best possible casino experience.
What is a UK online casino licence?
A UK casino license is essentially a permit that certifies that the casino in question is compliant with the set of rules and regulations as devised by the Gambling Commission. It also ensures that it is following the best practices in terms of safety, fairness and security.
Since casino licenses are in place to regulate the online gambling industry, it also ensures that all licensed casinos are abiding by the correct code of conduct in terms of how their business is run. One important aspect when it comes to adhering to strict guidelines pertain to responsible gambling such as self-exclusion, adverting and marketing, information to players, underage gambling, etc. etc.
UK casino licences are also in place to deter anti-money laundering practises and therefore protecting players from criminal activity and rogue practices.
British online casinos must, therefore, be ready to deal with strict regulations when entering the market and also ready to apply all these requirements by law under the jurisdiction it falls under., before even launching.
Since a UK casino gaming license has to be issued by an authoritative body which regulates the gaming industry, it also means that the casino is always under scrutiny and vetted for all potential criteria.
How to spot a UK licenced casino
Since all casinos listed on GambleGenie are licensed, provided you go for any of them, you should be fine. However, if you sign up to a new casino site that hasn’t been recommended, you need to do your homework. Sign up to the wrong operator, and it can turn into a costly business for you.
If you are always on the prowl for a new British casino, with big casino bonuses and an endless supply of free spins, you are at high risk of not vetting the casino properly. It is more reliable to sign up to a casino that has been around on the market for a few years, but it is also understandable, that sometimes you just want to try out a new UK casino site and see if there’s something better. If you do, keep it safe.
Casinos without a licence have been damaging the UK online gambling industry since always, and signing up and playing at these unlicensed casinos makes you an unlikely accomplice to criminal activities.
When playing casino games at an unlicensed operator, the chances are that these games are rigged, and you will never be able to achieve a win, let alone cash out a withdrawal.
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If you found yourself on this page looking for sure signs that the UK Gambling Commission licences a casino, check out the below list:
- Look for a UK licence in the footer of the casino
- Search for the Gambling Commission’s logo and check that it links to the site
- Look for a license number. Alternatively, look for the casino on the Gambling Commission’s website
- See if there is relevant information pertaining to responsible gambling, gambling addiction and age limitation
- Look for casino reviews online
Even if you have gone through all of the above tips and tricks, it is always best that you look up the casino on the Gambling Commission’s website, which is ultimately the safest way to check the legitimacy of the casino.
Keep in mind that the Gambling Commission regularly runs audits and is well-aware of any problems players might have had with casinos in the UK.
Benefits of a Licensed UK Casino
If you’re still not convinced about the benefits of signing up to a trustworthy UK casino, here’s a list to convince you further.
- Safety & Security
When playing at a secure UK casino, you are protected in a number of ways. Since there is a legal framework attached to the casino, operators cannot scam players by providing games that are rigged and not use a Random Number Generator. There are also plenty more measures in place to safeguard your interests, including resolutions to disputes, internal and external auditing as well as the use of the latest SSL encryption technology to safeguard your personal and financial interests.
- Prevention of money laundering
This is a big one, but when a casino starts operating under a UK licence, they have already undergone all possible anti-money laundering checks. Thus, they have undergone risk assessment and advised on appropriate procedures and policies that prevent them from being in any way connected to money-laundering or financing terrorist organisations.
- Responsibility
Uk Licensed Online Casinos
The UK-licenced casinos are by law required to be socially responsible as well as have ethical practices in place. Casinos in the UK must make donations to charities and support treatment for problem gambling on a regular basis.
Additionally, they must run the business ethically and protect any vulnerable members of society from problem gambling.
Why is it dangerous to sign up to an unlicensed casino?
Playing at an unlicensed casino is the equivalent of throwing your money away. There are massive risks attached to them, yet some players still insist on playing at a casino which is unlicensed just because it has a tempting casino bonus offer.
When you sign up to a casino UK via GambleGenie, we have done all the necessary checks before deeming the casino safe and trustworthy. You can sign up to any casino via GambleGenie, safe in the knowledge that the casino is licensed and reputable.
That being said, here are a few risks associated with signing up to an unlicensed casino.
Rigged Games
This is a big one, but since unlicensed casinos don’t have a license in the place, they are unable to certify either the quality of the games or the randomness factor of each spin of the reels. Since they don’t have Random Number Generators in place, which guarantee randomness and fairness, they can be re-programmed, so the odds are in the casino’s favour. You will never win.
No Security
Since there is little security in place, you are providing your personal and financial information to a site that could re-use or share your sensitive data with third parties. Once you have imparted that information, the rogue casino is free to do as it pleases with it.
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Never going to see your money again
Why sign up to an unlicensed casino when there is a massive risk, that a) you will lose your deposit, and b) you will never win? The most reputable licensed casinos in the UK payout for your winnings and will ensure that the best practices are in place. Additionally, they wouldn’t withhold any funds from you.
Why are some UK casinos licensed overseas?
You will undoubtedly spot a few new UK casino sites that have a license from other jurisdictions such as Curacao and Malta, in addition to their UK licence. The most common license is that of Malta, which is issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.
This is absolutely nothing to be concerned about since there are legal provisions in place that allow operators from the European Economic Area (EEA) as well as other countries to access the UK gambling market, provided they have in their possession a license issued by the UK Gambling Commission.
These licenses from other jurisdictions pave the way for casinos to serve players from countries outside the UK. In general, authorities such as EEA countries, Isle of Man, Curacao, Gibraltar, Alderney, Antigua and Barbuda, as well as Tasmania, are considered safe and reliable.
How can the Gambling Commission be beneficial to you
Uk Licensed Casinos Near Me
Now and again, you will hear of players who have had a bad experience at gambling online. Although they are much less than what they used to be, several issues are usually related to regulations.
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Since the UK Gambling Commission is a legal party, which regulates casinos online, it also gets involved in any disputes that might arise. Before jumping the gun and getting in touch with the UK Gambling Commission, it might be wiser to first get in touch with the customer support of your respective casino.