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United Kingdom Online Poker Legal Situation

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Online poker is currently legal in the UK. It is being licensed and regulated to ensure that the sites that operate in the country are fair and trustworthy. The first laws for gambling in the UK were established in the 1960s. When poker and other casino games were introduced on the internet, the country took steps to regulate the companies offering the games online. The laws for these operations in the UK are among the most comprehensive. In 2005, the Gambling Bill was passed. In that bill, different platforms for online gambling have been recognized.

As an online poker player in the UK, there are a few questions that you should ask about playing the game on the internet. Through this article, we have answered some of these questions. On our site, we provide details regarding the online poker legal situation in UK. With this information, you can find out what your rights are regarding playing poker on the internet. Read on to find answers to the UK poker related questions, and to find out about the history of the game.

Is it Legal to Play Poker Online in the UK?

Yes, in the UK it is legal to play on poker sites. Residents of the UK are permitted to play online poker at any site operated within the country. They do not have to worry about facing criminal prosecution for doing this. In addition to UK sites, players can access poker rooms operated from counties outside the UK. Players are allowed to deposit and withdraw funds using any money transfer option offered by the site at which they play.

What is the Gambling Act of 2005?

The Gambling Act of 2005 is an act by the Parliament of the UK that seeks to control all forms of gambling. The act also states that:

1. Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime.
2. Ensures gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
3. Protects children and other vulnerable persons from being exposed and harmed by gambling.

The act is basically helping the people of the UK and also allowing them to gamble in a safe environment. Operators based in the UK have to abide by very strict rules. Their operations are subject to commissions and stringent rulings. The act literally protects UK residents so they can gamble safely.

Which Sites Allow Players Residing in the UK Play Poker?

The online poker rooms that have been listed on our site allow players residing in the UK play poker. The sites are operated according to the United Kingdom Gambling Act (2005). Our list of poker sites have been reviewed carefully. Read them before you choose a site to play poker online. A few sites that you should check out are Betfair Poker, Sky Poker and Ladbrokes Poker.

Poker Regulation in the United Kingdom

Online poker and gaming is regulated by the Gambling Commission on behalf of the government. This is because of the laws passed in the 2005 Gambling Act that regulates all betting and poker playing in the UK. It also brought in the internet gaming sector which was the first time any government has done so.

The revenue generated from gaming online in the UK has been quite big. It looks like it will continue for years to come. Those looking to play online will know that if they want to play poker games on the internet, they can do so with ease on any of the above recommended sites.

Any site that operates within the UK must be licensed. It has to abide by the UK standards. Sites that operate illegally will face prosecution based on the laws in the Act. That said, online players should always keep track of upcoming laws and regulations so they know if they are in the wrong. It seems that the UK has a good handle on online poker and that it will be okay to play the game on the internet for a while.

 

Related articles:

Online Poker Legality in the United States of America

Legal Situation of Internet Poker in Australia

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