The sports betting industry in the UK boasts the most developed law in the international gaming community. It is not really surprising though because the oldest sportsbook known started in the UK. The sports gambling community in the UK even created the first sports betting exchange in the world. The exchange opened new opportunities and among which is that gamblers don’t have to bet against the fixed-odds but can instead bet in a betting pool.
What is it like to do Offline and Online Gambling and Sports Betting in the UK?
Both online sports betting like Mega888 and land-based betting are welcomed in the UK. Traditional sportsbooks similar to William Hill have been in existence for quite a long time. The Betting and Gaming Act of 1960 has legalized the operations of land-based UK sports betting.
The Gambling Act 2005 put an entirely new set of regulations towards sports betting while also establishing UK Gambling Commission in overseeing all types of betting performed in the UK. Betting shops have dominated the landscape in the country with around 9000 in total all throughout.
Online Options Available in United Kingdom
Online sportsbooks similar to Betway, Paddy Power, 888Sports, and BetOnline are accepting real money customers from United Kingdom. Together with almost 500 online bookmakers, land-based operators such as William Hill, Betfred and Ladbrokes have their own sports betting websites. Online sports betting exchanges just like BETDAQ, Matchbook and Betfair are accepting real money players from UK punters.
Basically, in December 2014, British parliament has passed the Point-of-Consumption Tax. This imposes another 15 percent tax on foreign-based UK bookmakers. While the operators are voicing their complaints, UK remains among the top competitive sports betting jurisdictions worldwide, which is great news for UK bettors.
Gaming on Mega888 and the UK Sports Betting Community
United Kingdom consists of Wales, Scotland, England as well as Northern Island. Thus, the gambling laws in one country are completely the same in the rest. The Gambling Act 2005 has been transferred authority for the licensing of land-based casinos from magistrate courts all the way to local municipalities, so Welsh, Northern Irish and Scottish officials have been given with more authority and power than before.
The UK Gambling Commission is controlling all remote and online licensing that takes place. Therefore, any online website that is operating in all regions ought to follow the same regulations and laws. Among countries in British Islands, just the Republic of Ireland follows a unique law for sports betting.