Are UK Casinos Safe?

Last Updated on June 23, 2021 by James King

Are you thinking about joining an online casino but have safety and security concerns? Both UK online casinos and land-based casinos are regulated by one of the world’s best gambling bodies, the Gambling Commission. This body ensures that all casinos in the UK are operating safely, securely and legally.

Here at Casino Sites, we only recommend online casinos that are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. When you choose to play at one of our top picks, you can play with peace of mind knowing your details and money are secure.

Online Casino Licensing in the UK

Players in the UK should never join an online casino that is not licensed and regulated by the UKGC. This is vital for the safety of the player and is proof that a casino is operating legally. This body was formed back in 2005 under the Gambling Act and is funded by the UK government.

There are other very well-respected gambling regulation bodies around the world including the Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Licensing Authority and the Alderney Gambling Commission. Some casinos will hold licenses from the UK Gambling Commission plus another reputable commission and these are safe to play at too.

 

How to Check if a Casino is Safe

At Casino Sites, we carry out checks on all online casinos we recommend to our readers. However, it is also important that players know what these checks are so they too can make sure a casino is safe before depositing. Here is the checklist you should go through before joining an online casino:

1.       Ensure the casino holds a valid UK Gambling Commission license
2.       Ensure the casino uses SSL encryption technology to protect your sensitive information
3.       Ensure the casino is audited by a trusted third party such as eCogra for game fairness
4.       Ensure the casino offers safe and secure payment methods
5.       Ensure the casino has a good reputation in the industry and players by looking at reviews and if they hold awards
6.       Ensure that if the casino has a mobile app it is up to the same standards as the desktop site
7.       Ensure it is partnered with responsible UK gambling organisation that offers help and support

If you are playing at a land-based casino, it is also important that you check it is safe and secure. Many of the points above still apply as the casino should have a good reputation. It should also be properly licensed and regulated to operate in the UK and offer fair games that are independently checked. Land-based casinos in the UK should also have security measures like CCTV and metal detectors to ensure you are fully protected.

 

Responsible Gambling

All safe and reputable casinos will have safety measures in place to try and prevent problem gamblers from playing on their site. Gambling addiction is a real concern in the UK and so it is vital that you are accountable with your money. You must always be aware of how much you are spending on gambling and stay within your budget.

Some of the safety measures you can find at responsible UK casinos include:

•         Deposit limits
•         Time-outs
•         Exclusion from casino

They will also display links to organisations they are partnered with that help problem gambling. You can contact these organisations who will provide the support needed to overcome gambling addiction. Problem gambling agencies you will often find partnered with UK casinos include:

•         BeGambleAware
•         GamStop
•         Game Care

If you ever feel that you need help controlling your gambling, do not hesitate to get in touch with these organisations.

As long as you make these checks before signing up to an online casino, you should not have any problems gambling online. Visit the best online casino sites recommended here at Casino Sites to give you complete peace of mind when playing your favourite casino games online.