Legal regulation of the gambling business in the UK

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the central regulator of gambling in the UK, established under the Gambling Act 2005. Its main goal is to protect players, ensure fair play, and prevent abuse, including money laundering and fraud.

The Commission issues licenses to operators who wish to offer gambling services to UK citizens. In addition, the UKGC monitors compliance with standards, audits casino operations, and imposes sanctions for violations, up to and including license revocation.

To obtain a UKGC license, an operator must meet a number of strict criteria. The main requirements include:

• Financial transparency and reliability of the company
• Protection of players’ personal and financial data
• Fairness of gaming products (certification of random number generators – RNG)
• Responsible gaming tools – limits, self-exclusion, timers
• Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and age verification (KYC) policies
• Openness in advertising and marketing

Licensed casinos must also register their domains in a special UKGC register so that players can verify their legality.

The difference between licensed and unlicensed foreign casinos

Licensed casinos with UKGC approval can legally operate in the UK. They comply with all supervisory requirements, which guarantees player protection in the event of a dispute.

On the other hand, unlicensed foreign casinos, although they may operate under licenses from other jurisdictions (e.g., Curacao, Malta), are not subject to UK regulation. This means:

• No guarantee of refunds in case of disputes
• Casinos may not provide self-control tools
• Aggressive marketing practices are likely
• Payouts, bonus terms, or delays may only be governed by the site’s internal rules

Some of these casinos are blocked in the UK, but users can bypass these restrictions through VPNs or mirror sites.

Player responsibility for participating in unlicensed games

Under UK law, players are not criminally liable for playing at unlicensed online casinos. However, this does not mean that such participation is safe. The main risks are:

• Lack of legal protection — in the event of delayed payments or account blocking, there is no structure to which you can submit a complaint
• High risk of fraud — some sites may turn out to be phishing sites or may not pay out winnings at all
• Violation of financial regulations — transactions through third-party services may raise suspicion at banking institutions
• Possible blocking of access to the platform or withdrawal of funds by the site administration without explanation

Thus, although the law does not punish the player, they remain fully responsible for the consequences of participating in gambling outside the UK jurisdiction.

Features of foreign online casinos

Most foreign online casinos that accept players from the UK operate under international jurisdiction licenses. The most popular among them are:

• Curacao (Curacao eGaming)
  The most common offshore license. Casinos with a Curacao license usually have low entry barriers, flexible rules, and a wide selection of games. However, player protection is limited here, and in the event of a dispute, the regulator rarely intervenes.
• Malta (Malta Gaming Authority – MGA)
  One of the most reputable jurisdictions. Casinos with a Maltese license are strictly controlled and maintain high security standards, although they cannot formally serve British players without a UKGC license.
• Gibraltar (Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner)
  This license is considered prestigious and the regulation is strict. Casinos from Gibraltar are usually focused on the European market, particularly British players before Brexit.

These jurisdictions allow operators to provide gambling services outside the UK, but not all of them are officially allowed to serve British users, which encourages circumvention of restrictions.

Ways to bypass geo-blocking (VPN, alternative mirrors)

Many foreign casinos block IP addresses from the UK to avoid legal consequences. However, players often use workarounds:

• VPN (Virtual Private Network)
  The most popular tool that allows you to change your location to a country where the casino is available. This unlocks access to the site, registration, and games.
• Alternative mirrors (mirror sites)
  These are duplicates of the main site, created specifically to bypass blocking. They can be found through a search or by requesting them from casino support.

Using a VPN may violate the rules of a particular casino, and if detected, the player’s account may be blocked and winnings canceled.

Account registration and verification conditions

Foreign casinos often have a simplified registration procedure:

• It is usually enough to enter your email address, create a password, and select your account currency. Some casinos allow you to play without verification up to a certain limit.
• Once you reach certain deposit or withdrawal limits, most casinos require identity verification — you will need to provide a copy of your passport or driver’s license, proof of address, and proof of funds.
• Some offshore casinos ask players to specify a different country of residence or do not accept documents from the UK — this is due to avoiding UKGC sanctions.

Payment methods supported for UK players

Overseas casinos offer a wide range of payment methods, including:

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT — a popular choice due to their anonymity and speed. This is especially relevant for casinos targeting a crypto audience (e.g., BitKingz).

Skrill, Neteller, MiFinity, Jeton — often accepted, although some have restricted access for UK players following policy updates.

Bank transfers are available but usually slow, taking 2 to 5 business days.

Paysafecard and AstroPay are supported by many casinos, although their functionality in the UK depends on the issuer.

Top 3 foreign online casinos popular among UK players in 2025

Basswin Casino

Modern online casino licensed in Curacao that caters to players from the UK. It attracts players with a generous welcome bonus of up to £1,000 and 200 free spins, support for fiat currencies (including GBP) and cryptocurrencies, fast payouts, and a wide selection of games — over 4,000 slots from providers such as Pragmatic Play, Nolimit City, and Push Gaming. Players appreciate the convenient mobile version, 24/7 English-speaking support, a VIP program with personal privileges, and regular tournaments with valuable prizes. Basswin combines high dynamics, simple navigation, and functionality.

Verywell Casino

Registered in Malta, stands out for its thoughtful minimalist design and reliability. It collaborates with leading studios such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Evolution, offering high-quality slots, table games, and a live casino. Players can take advantage of a welcome bonus of 100% up to £500 + 100 free spins. The platform is fully adapted for any device, and the verification process is quick and transparent. No-wager bonuses are especially appreciated, making Verywell attractive to both newbies and experienced users.

Slotscharm Casino

Licensed in Gibraltar, specializes in slots and offers over 3,000 games from more than 50 providers. The platform is tailored for UK players, regularly runs promotions, gives weekly no deposit free spins, and offers up to 15% cashback through its loyalty program. The interface is intuitive, technical support is English-speaking and responsive, and payments are processed quickly and without delays. This is an ideal option for those who enjoy variety in slots and regular rewards.

Why are online casinos so popular in the UK?

Online casinos occupy an important place in British entertainment culture and have remained one of the most popular forms of leisure among the adult population for many years. According to the UK Gambling Commission, over 40% of adults in the country participate in gambling at least once a year, and about half of them choose the online format. In the post-pandemic period, the popularity of digital gambling has grown even more, thanks to its accessibility, convenience, and variety of offerings.

According to the latest reports, the online gambling market in the UK is estimated at billions of pounds sterling per year and is showing steady growth. The most popular games are online slots, sports betting, live casinos with real dealers, and instant games. With the rise of mobile technology, Brits are increasingly playing on smartphones and tablets, which further contributes to the development of online platforms.

Online casinos are also popular thanks to generous bonuses, promotions, loyalty programs, and innovative game mechanics. Players are attracted by the ability to play anywhere and anytime without visiting land-based gambling establishments.

Foreign online casinos that are not restricted by UKGC regulations are particularly popular. They offer higher bonuses, greater freedom in betting, cryptocurrency payments, and fast withdrawals, making them an attractive alternative for experienced users.

Trends and the future of online casinos

One of the main trends in recent years has been stricter supervision by British regulators of offshore casinos that serve UK citizens without a UKGC license. The government and the UK Gambling Commission are increasingly taking measures to restrict access to illegal or partially regulated foreign platforms, especially those that do not guarantee player protection or may be linked to fraud. This includes:

• cooperating with internet providers to block websites;
• sanctions against payment systems that serve such casinos;
• updating legislation with a greater focus on the responsibility of intermediaries.

In the coming years, regulators are also expected to step up their monitoring of foreign casinos’ advertising activities on the internet (e.g., via YouTube, Telegram, or TikTok) to limit their promotion to UK audiences.

Use of technology (AI, blockchain) to monitor the gambling market

The UK government and gambling operators themselves are beginning to actively use artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to improve transparency and security. In particular:

• AI systems allow real-time analysis of player behavior to detect signs of addiction, fraud, or manipulation;
• Blockchain is used to verify game fairness (e.g., in crypto casinos), record transactions, and demonstrate the transparency of financial transactions;
• In the future, the development of “smart regulation” is expected, which will allow gambling markets to be controlled not only through direct bans, but also through intelligent analytical systems.

These technologies will make the gaming space safer for both players and the state, minimizing the risks of fraud, addiction, and money laundering.

Conclusion

Foreign online casinos have long been part of the gaming ecosystem for British users. Their popularity is explained by a wide selection of games, lucrative bonuses, support for cryptocurrencies, and more flexible playing conditions. Casinos licensed in Curacao, Malta, Gibraltar, and other jurisdictions are actively adapting to the British market by offering GBP support, mobile versions, and English-language support.

However, it should be remembered that the activities of such platforms are not controlled by the UK Gambling Commission, which reduces the level of player protection and increases risks. The lack of proper regulation, verification difficulties, possible delays in payouts, and limited legal liability are all factors that should be considered by anyone choosing an offshore casino.

For those looking for a safe and stable gaming experience, licensed UK online casinos operating under the supervision of the UKGC remain the best choice. They guarantee the protection of personal data, fair gaming, a responsible approach to gambling, and legal support in the event of disputes.

The choice between foreign and licensed British casinos is a balance between risk and reward. Each player must independently assess their priorities, taking into account both attractive opportunities and potential threats.

The post How foreign casinos operate in the UK appeared first on EMC UK.

News Daily India also highlights other difficulties foreign investors face, including regulatory and bureaucratic barriers, infrastructure limitations, cultural and language differences, and strong competition from local firms. Although India was once seen as a promising market due to anticipated deregulation and investment opportunities, these expectations have largely gone unmet.

For instance, Parimatch intended to invest millions of dollars in India’s economy but encountered resistance from a domestic gambling monopoly comprising companies like Dream11, Nazara Technologies, Paytm, First Games, Moonfrog Labs, 99Games, Octro, JetSynthesys, and HashCube. These firms have been involved in counterfeiting products from U.S. and European competitors, with little to no action taken by local authorities. Moreover, some companies that never operated in India have faced legal harassment and judicial pressure.

These persistent challenges have led many international companies to withdraw from the Indian market or rethink their strategies. Notable exits include Ford, Holcim, and Metro, while Berkshire Hathaway divested its stake in the Indian company Paytm, signaling a loss of confidence in the market.

In this environment, Parimatch and other foreign investors face a critical decision: to navigate increasing difficulties or seek better opportunities elsewhere. This situation underscores the urgent need for the Indian government to reform its business climate to retain and attract foreign capital going forward.

The post Parimatch Among 95% of Foreign Investors Facing Challenges in India – PwC Survey appeared first on EMC UK.