The UK Gambling Commission has long aimed to promote responsible gambling, fairness and security within the UK’s gambling industry. Over the years the UKGC has introduced numerous regulations to try and achieve these goals, from self exclusion programs like Gamstop to strict identity verification, affordability checks and the banning of UK bonus buy slots. However, while these measures are designed with player protection in mind, they have been heavily criticised from responsible gamblers who are having their casino experiences negatively impacted.
Here’s a look at the main impacts these restrictions have had on UK casino lovers.
Stricter Identity Verification and Affordability Checks:
One of the most impactful changes introduced by the UKGC is the compulsory requirement of full identity verification and affordability checks. Players are now required to submit proof of identity, address, pay slips, bank statements and proof of funds. While these checks aim to prevent financial harm from verifying your wealth they are heavily, heavily criticised for being over intrusive and exposing private data to a third party.
For example, affordability checks require players to prove their income amounts and spending amounts, which is perceived by many as an overreach into their personal finances. This process often delays access to accounts or withdrawals further negatively impacting the enjoyment and causing frustration for players who simply want to enjoy their favourite casinos with their hard earned cash.
Limits on Bonuses and Promotions:
In an effort to discourage irresponsible gambling the UKGC has placed significant restrictions on the advertisement of bonuses and promotional offers, also limitations on the bonus amounts. UK casinos must now provide transparent information about wagering requirements and cannot advertise bonuses in ways that could be seen as misleading.
While these measures have enhanced transparency, they’ve also reduced the appeal of bonuses with the amounts being limited, big bonuses are a major attraction for casino lovers. UK players are now offered lower deposit match bonuses, fewer free spins, reduced cashback offers and no VIP programmes compared to non UK casinos, where promotional restrictions are more relaxed, offering bonuses and promotions which are 50x – 100x larger than those at UKGC sites.
Loss of Certain Slot Features:
Slot features have been heavily hit by UGC regulations with auto play and turbo mode now being banned, these allowed players to spin extremely fast and without the need to keep clicking ‘Spin’. Another restriction was the banning on slots where you can buy the bonus, this feature was a UK favourite and since its been banned many UK players are choosing to use USA casinos for UK players which still offer them.
Advertisement of Gamstop Self Exclusion Program on Every UK Casino:
The GamSstop program allows players to block themselves from UK licensed casinos and is mandatory to be advertised across all UKGC-regulated sites. While Gamstop is effective in helping players who struggle with gambling addiction, it can also be extremely inconvenient for someone who regrets their decision or someone who has controlled their habit and wants to gamble again. The only alternative to bypass this is to find casinos not on Gamban, however you should only do so if your 100% sure you can gamble responsibly.
Impact on Payment Options:
The UKGC has also imposed restrictions on payment methods, banning casinos that accept credit card transactions to prevent players from building debt through gambling. Although this is a protective measure, it reduces convenience for players who prefer using credit cards over other methods.
Knock on Effect – Increasing Appeal of Non-UK Casinos:
The restrictions imposed by the UKGC, while intended to protect players, have pushed some to seek alternatives which hold licences outside of the UK. Non UK casinos continue to grow in popularity for offering a much more enjoyable experience without heavy restriction and intrusive personal information requirements.
