When you are gambling online, the enjoyment will only really come when you feel full safe and secure and able to relax and enjoy things. The best way to do this is to trust the various gambling authorities around the world, in particular, the one that covers where you live. For those in the UK, this is the UK Gambling Commission.
This is the body that runs gambling in the UK, and perhaps most importantly of all, they are the ones who hand out licenses to those who wish to offer gambling services to UK players. Those who have proven themselves are awarded a license, so if you are looking for safe and fair betting, you need to find a company that has a license.
The good news for those in the UK is that the UK Gambling Commission is known for being one of the toughest and strictest authorities on gambling, they ensure that bookmakers and casinos are fit for purpose before allowing them to legally enter the market. This makes things very simple and easy for punters, if you want to be safe, make sure you go with a company that has a UK license in place, as you know they have been thoroughly tested beforehand.
The Basics of a Gambling License
When a bookmaker is given a license, they have demonstrated that everything is in place to give their customers fair and legal betting. This will include various things, such as proof that their betting markets and games are fair, proof of funds when it comes to payouts that they may need to make, the ability to keep money and personal details secure, and much more.
With all of this, the idea is that punters are able to play with peace of mind, and best of all, thanks to having licenses that prove these are in place, you don’t have to find a way of proving them yourself. This makes things easy, if a bookmaker has a license for where you are, they have proven everything you need to the authorities.
Licenses are given out and must be renewed on a regular basis, with checks taking place throughout the license period to ensure that gambling providers keep on top of their standards. Of course, any complaints around an operator are dealt with, and if there is evidence that they have not performed in the right manner, then they could face the withdrawal of their license.
Why You Should Only Use Licensed Gambling Sites
For the majority of people, gambling is a fun pastime that they like to take part in. This may be casino gaming, where you enjoy playing games, or sports betting, where you are looking to enhance your enjoyment of the sports that you love.
Whatever your reason for gambling, using licensed gambling sites is vital for your enjoyment. If you are constantly worried about your gambling site, not sure if the games are fair or if your details and money are safe, then it is fair to say that you will not get the same kind of enjoyment from your play.
If you do feel safe and secure, and you are happy that any games your are playing are above board and giving you a fair chance of winning, then you are more likely to relax and enjoy yourself while playing.
The Dangers of Unlicensed Gambling
While there is a highly regulated gambling market out there offering safe and legal gambling in the UK, there is also a number of betting sites which are not licensed but may still allow UK punters to sign up and play.
These are unlicensed gambling websites, they may have a license elsewhere, but not for the UK. Some jurisdictions out there will have very different license requirements when compared to the UK, so you are not going to have the same kind of protection, even on a site that holds a license from elsewhere.
Firstly, if you ever have a problem while gambling, you have no one to complain to who will be independent and potentially able to help you. Those betting with unregulated betting sites will only be able to complain to the site, and it is unlikely you will get very far, considering you have nothing to help you out and no organisation behind you.
Secondly, if you are playing on a site without a license, then you have no guarantees that your funds or personal details are safe. Ask yourself the question, can you ever feel totally safe and relaxed on a site if you are unsure of this? The basic element you require to enjoy gambling is knowing that you are safe, if you don’t have this, then you are going to really struggle to enjoy things.
Lastly, if you are playing games, there is no guarantee that these have been independently tested to show they are fair. This means that you may actually be harming your own chances of winning by going with an unlicensed site rather than one that has legitimate and tested games. While gambling is fun, you want as much as possible in your favour to give you the best chance of winning, and you are potentially not getting this on an unlicensed site.
Staying Safe While Gambling Online
Above everything else, you need to make sure you are staying safe when gambling online. This means avoiding things such as spyware and malware being added to your device while it also covers keeping your personal details safe and, of course, keeping your money in an account you believe to be safe.
By going with a licensed and regulated gambling site, you have a professional body, the UK Gambling Commission, making sure everything is in place to keep you safe and happy. Without that, you have no guarantees in place and are taking a huge risk.
A gambling license ensures that you can fully enjoy the gambling you take part in, so you should always look out for companies that have these in place.