Online casinos conquered the world in the last few decades, and many countries have already adapted their regulations according to the new reality. Virtual gambling is legal in most European states, including the UK and Spain. However, every region has specific legislation peculiarities concerning this risky entertainment. Of course, the broad accessibility of iGaming and the multiple opportunities it brings to players affect the overall industry landscape, so let’s explore the main points and compare the two countries.
Gambling Regulations in the UK: Overview
The British iGaming sector is among the best-developed in the world. The UK Gambling Commission, the primary regulatory authority, thoroughly controls all the industry aspects and regularly initiates updates to make it more transparent and safer for all parties. The latest reform accepted by the government implies stricter limitations on user expenses in risky games and financial assessments for every user. In addition, the UKGC obliges all in-country licensed online casinos and sportsbooks to implement GamStop. This self-exclusion program copes with compulsive habits, allowing customers to be banned from gaming and betting websites for a chosen period.
On the other hand, the authority doesn’t restrict operations of non GamStop casino sites, which are registered in other jurisdictions and provide players with fewer limitations on deposit maximums, available games, and bonuses. These operators must comply with the valid legislation, implying safety, transparency, and fairness for all users.
Special Attention to Safer Gaming Principles
Online casinos in the UK must inform their players about the potential negative consequences of uncontrolled gambling. Each operator must provide users with quick access to helplines and support groups so that those with the first signs of addictive behaviours can get timely treatment. Responsible gambling requirements also touch on iGaming advertisement: according to UK laws, each casino should never mislead customers about the service it provides and give relevant details. Otherwise, the operator will be blocked in the country.
Exploring the Online Gambling Scene in Spain
The sector is regulated in the country, so locals can explore a broad range of virtual casinos with innovative features. However, only operators licensed by the Spanish controlling authority can work legally. Therefore, offshore gaming platforms cannot target state residents. The regulatory body gains full control over the industry to guarantee its integrity and transparency for both players and service providers. International operators are still allowed, but they have to get appropriate certifications within the country and ensure compliance with the country’s law.
Bonuses & Ads Regulations
Spanish gambling regulatory bodies pay special attention to bonuses and provide specific requirements concerning their usage. Operators face strict limits regarding reward sizes – this amendment was implemented to avoid overspending among locals. In 2020, requirements for iGaming companies were tightened, restricting sign-up promotions for newcomers and gambling sponsorships. After numerous debates, the ban was reversed. Currently, online casinos can reward their customers with special deals but have to ensure that their promotional campaigns never target underage individuals.
Main Differences Between Spanish and British Online Casinos
Overall, gambling regulations in both states have lots in common. Spanish and UK regulatory bodies aim to make the sector more controlled and eliminate illegal gaming operators. Promoting a responsible approach to this risky entertainment is on the agenda globally, so it’s not surprising that the two countries heavily invest in increasing user awareness about the possible problems.
However, there are still major differences. The UK has a mandatory self-exclusion program that covers all the casinos operating in the country. At the same time, Spanish players don’t face a similar requirement. Instead, they can voluntarily join GamStop alternatives and be restricted from this risky pastime. The most common options include NetNanny and BetBlocker, allowing to manually choose platforms that can bring harm to the user.
A different approach to offshore casinos is implemented in the UK and Spain. Undeniably, the British government aims to decrease the impact of overseas platforms on the state’s market, but they are still legal and accessible to players. At the same time, Spanish gamblers cannot enjoy foreign sites that didn’t obtain a local licence. This helps make the industry more controlled and transparent, providing players with secure and fair conditions.
The Final Word
Gambling regulations are pretty much the same in numerous EU states: even though the sector is fully legal, operators and players face particular limitations and restrictions. Legislation is mostly concerned with promoting a safer gaming environment and minimizing the number of people struggling with compulsive habits. The increasing number of online casinos requires enhanced regulations, including controlling deposit limits, bonus sizes, and the time users spend on the website. The UK also implements a nationwide self-exclusion program, while Spain doesn’t have any. Instead, the country’s regulatory body limits rewards for new and existing customers and pays special attention to eliminating underage gambling.
