Gambling is all about having fun in a safe environment, and that’s exactly what best online casinos strive to provide you with. In recent months, some European countries adopted new gambling regulations that are meant to protect players and reduce gambling risks.
Which countries passed new gambling laws? And how are they going to affect the offline and online casino market? Find out all about gambling in Europe in this article.
The gambling industry in the UK underwent some major changes in recent years. And why is that? You can attribute it to the rapid growth of the online gambling market.
Back in 2005, the Gambling Act caused the establishment of the UK Gambling Commission. It was burdened with the task of regulating gambling in the country as an independent body to the government.
For more than a decade, the Gambling Commission managed to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the system, in addition to enforcing responsible advertising rules. However, in recent years, new issues arose that seemed to fall outside of the commission’s scope of jurisdiction.
As online casinos grew more popular, the need for new laws and regulations grew as well. That is why the UKGC created a £2 stake limit in some betting terminals. On top of that, gambling venues had to apply more thorough verification protocols.
But not everybody was happy with the changes the commission has made. It clearly wasn’t enough to reduce the risk of players developing gambling problems, and further actions had to be taken.
This year, the UK government will review previous regulations and change the existing Gambling Act if necessary. At first, players expected the authorities to change the Gambling Act by the end of 2020.
However, both the pandemic and Brexit pushed the deadline further away. Officials might decide on new laws in 2021, but officials might postpone the decisions till 2022. In the meantime, as we wait for an announcement on the subject, the government will enforce new age limits when it comes to the National Lottery.
By April 2021, online sales for 16 and 17 years-old players will cease, and by October, the minimum age will go up to 18.
Germany is another country that strives to change the industry in the upcoming months. Up until now, online gambling regulations weren’t all that clear. While German providers couldn’t provide gambling services, local players could place bets at foreign venues.
Finally, all 16 federal states agreed that it is time to change gambling laws. The goal is to legalize online gambling, allowing players to play slots and poker in local venues. On top of that, Germany is planning to provide an unlimited number of licenses to sports betting providers.
However, strict limits will be implemented, like a €1 stake limit in online slots. The government will also demand casinos to impose a €1,000 monthly deposit limit or ban an online casino bonus in an attempt to curb addiction rates. Moreover, table games like roulette and blackjack won’t be a part of the package during the transition period, which will last till July 2021. Afterward, each state will decide whether to allow table games or not.
Sports betting will also have to adhere to various restrictions, which will come into effect this summer.
Times are changing, and with it come new gambling laws in regulations. Nowadays, many European countries strive to legalize online gambling. They probably see the potential that lies with enjoying the profits the industry can provide. However, they also put a lot of emphasis on safe gambling and secure gambling environments.
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