New UK casinos emerging into the space

Right now, the entertainment world is a fascinating space to observe and be part of. Large progressive strides in technology in recent years, improved software and the gradual shift to a more digitalThere are occasions when we here at ReadyBetGo want to bring you interesting facts about the gambling industry  When something catches our eye, we will publish it for your enjoyment. 
  lifestyle has opened new entertainment avenues, especially in the online world. And no other industry has benefited more from the new realm of possibilities than the online casino world. 

Across the entire planet, online casino activity has exploded into life with new dominos falling and new markets emerging as more players worldwide begin to recognise the impact the online versions of blackjack, roulette, poker, and slots. Despite the emergence of new markets such as South Africa, Brazil, Germany, and India, the United Kingdom continues to lead the way in the continued evolution of online casinos on and off the gaming floor.

It was not until 2005 when online gambling really took off in the UK following the passing of the Gambling Act that introduced a legalised and regulated framework for online casinos to operate under that prioritised player protection, online security, and fairness of play. Even back then, the development of technology and software had reached a stage where exciting, interactive online casino platforms could be created and with new laws in place, there was an initial surge in operators entering the UK space. 

Building on tradition

Unlike many other markets around the world, the UK has a steeped tradition in gambling which dates back centuries. In fact, the concept of the bookmaker was created in England when Harry Ogden became the first person to attribute odds to horses in the late 18th century. Alongside sports betting, casino games were also a favoured pastime for British folk, and this tradition has been carried through the centuries to the present day, where new online casinos are emerging into the space with great regularity. 

With a legislative framework and decades of experience in dealing with online casinos, the UK has proved a successful breeding ground for new operators looking to enter an increasingly competitive market.

Leading the way in regulation

However, while the UK remains one of the leading markets in the online casino industry with regards to revenue generated, the UK government, along with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) are also looking to make regulatory breakthroughs to improve playing and player protection standards. Since the early signs of online casinos, the UK has been hot on illegal operators. But most recently, gambling addiction has become a key area to target for the UKGC with companies such as GAMSTOP working to help vulnerable individuals. 

The way GAMSTOP works is by prohibiting players from accessing UK-licensed online casinos listed with the website to reduce playing exposure, if not prevent it entirely. However, because of these implemented blocks, new online casinos have emerged into the online space in the form of casinos not on GAMSTOP. These casinos, which are largely internationally licensed, are still accessible to players in the UK, but do not fall under the jurisdiction of the UKGC. 

More expected from the industry

Despite the recent regulations introduced on online casino play in the UK, which also include limits on wagers on online slots games and “invisible” financial background checks for players losing too much money, the industry is expected to continue progressing with new technology such as Virtual Reality (VR) expected to make a splash. 

In an industry that is gathering more followers by the year, there is certainly more to come and with that, new casinos will continue to emerge into the online space to provide players with even more options.