Frequently Asked Questions
In the UK, gambling enjoys complete legality, boasting one of the world’s most comprehensive sets of regulations designed to safeguard players engaging in real money games both online and offline. In this guide, we delve into the legislative landscape of gambling in Great Britain, elucidating current regulations, and offering insights into the future trajectory of legal gambling.
Bonus Bet Kings
BonusBetKings is a trustworthy website, working in partnership with some of the most reputable gambling brands in the UK. Committed to delivering top-tier review content and verified casino bonuses for British players, BonusBetKings operates in collaboration with numerous casino, sportsbook, and social casino brands.
While we may receive a small commission for registrations through our bonus codes or links, our reviews remain impartial, encompassing platforms regardless of affiliation. Our primary objective is to furnish unbiased insights into platforms, bonuses, and games.
Moreover, we prioritise safety by recommending regulated and licensed platforms to ensure a secure online gaming experience for all players.
Why is BonusBetKings the best place to claim a bonus?
We have some of the best gambling bonuses in the industry. We have experienced industry experts working on our reviews frequently and provide as much information as possible about the details of various promotions. We also dive deep into the pros and cons of different types of bonuses and test gaming platforms ourselves to see if they’re worth our praise.
Is there a BonusBetKings casino?
No. BonusBetKings isn’t a casino, nor is it behind any online gaming operations.
Gambling Laws & Regulations
Is gambling legal?
Yes, gambling is legal in the UK, and it is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
What is online gambling?
Online gambling means any gambling taking place on the internet. In the UK, online gambling covers online sports betting, online casino platforms, and online poker. Real money online bingo, for instance, is considered gambling.
Is online gambling illegal in the UK?
No, online gambling is not illegal in the UK. However, online gambling operators must obtain a license from the UK Gambling Commission to offer their services legally in the UK. This ensures that online gambling is conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with strict regulations to protect consumers and prevent criminal activities.
What is the legal gambling age in the UK?
In the UK the minimum legal gambling age is 18 years old.
Can I gamble online for real money?
Yes, real money online gambling is legal in the UK.
Are online casinos legit?
Yes, online casinos are legit in the UK if they are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
Is online poker legal in the UK?
Yes, online poker is legal in the UK.
Can I use VPN to gamble online?
No. Regulated online sportsbooks and online casinos use different geolocation or geofencing technologies to limit out-of-state play. Some platforms immediately block you from accessing their site if they detect you are trying to visit their website or app using a VPN connection.
Online Casinos and Sportbooks
What is the best site for online gambling?
In all honesty, it’s very difficult to crown one online gambling site as the best. At the end of the day, online casinos and sportsbooks share a lot of similarities, leaving very little room for unique selling points. It really boils down to your personal preferences: maybe there are some aspects that you appreciate more than others.
Head to our newest online casinos page to see our latest addition in the UK Online Gambling scene.
What is the best online casino for beginners?
Most online casinos are very beginner-friendly. BetFred has excellent guides and a clear user interface, making it very comfortable to navigate even as a new player. BoyleSports also offers a clean, no-frills platform that is easy to grasp from the get-go, and has a good casino bonus alternative to the deposit match bonuses that the majority of other online casinos offer.
How do I recognize a legitimate online casino?
To ensure that an online casino is legitimate in the UK, players should look for the UK Gambling Commission’s logo or license number displayed on the casino’s website. This indicates that the casino has met the necessary regulatory requirements and can legally operate in the UK. All of the online casino reviewed by BonusBetKings are legit.
Do online casinos offer gambling across the UK?
Yes. Legitimate real-money casinos are available in the UK.
Can I play with offshore casinos?
Technically, there is very little that’s legally stopping you. However, we vehemently advise against it.
Playing with offshore casinos while residing in the UK is not recommended and may be against the law. The UK Gambling Commission regulates all forms of gambling in the UK, including online gambling. Offshore casinos are those that operate from jurisdictions outside the UK and may not be subject to the same regulations and standards as those licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
According to the UK Gambling Commission, it is illegal for online gambling operators to provide their services to players in the UK without a license issued by the Commission. Therefore, playing with offshore casinos while residing in the UK may not only be against the terms and conditions of the online casino but also potentially illegal.
Bonuses and Promotions
How do I claim a bonus code?
The process could vary according to the platform you’re wagering with. Generally speaking, the process goes approximately as follows:
1.Find a valid bonus code for a casino or a sportsbook.
2.Copy the bonus code or use a bonus link to access the gambling platform.
3.In the case of a welcome bonus, register a new account as instructed by the platform.
4.Insert the bonus code in the indicated field.
There are usually some requirements that you have to meet in order to claim the bonus, such as making a qualifying deposit or placing a bet. This is always specified in the Terms and Conditions of the bonus, so it’s definitely in your best interest to read the fine print.
Once you’ve met the prerequisites, you’ll receive the bonus on your casino or sportsbook account
Note that bonuses come with predetermined wagering requirements that you have to meet before you can withdraw any winnings.
Do I need a code to claim a bonus?
No. While many online casinos and sportsbooks have bonus codes, there are just as many online gambling platforms that have not implemented a bonus code system. These types of iGaming sites or apps offer bonuses often through affiliate links.
Our gambling reviews feature both bonus codes and links.
Why do casinos offer free bonuses?
Casinos and sportsbooks offer bonuses to both attract new customers and retain existing ones. If an online casino offers free bonus spins or no-deposit bonuses, a customer is given a chance to gamble without risking their own funds. The same applies to your typical Bet & Get bonuses: by betting a couple of dollars, you receive up to hundreds of British pounds worth of bonus bets. This is an effective method to introduce the gaming platform to new customers.
These types of bonuses come with wagering requirements. The goal of these requirements is to prevent the customer from claiming the bonus and bolting right away and keep them playing until the wagering has been fulfilled.
What casino bonus has the best value?
It really depends on what you’re looking for and how much you’re ready to deposit. If you’re looking for a no-deposit bonus, we reccomend reading more about the most popular no-deposit casinos in the UK.
If you want to have as big of a deposit match as possible, then head over to our dedicated page of the best online bonus British casinos.
Each bonus comes with its own pros and cons, but we personally tend to favor bonuses that combine a no-deposit promotion with a deposit match bonus, thanks to their flexible nature. There are alsooptions to spin-the-wheel at some casinos to land a bonus offer.
Why didn’t I get my bonus?
There could be multiple reasons behind this, but the most probable reason is that you didn’t meet the terms and conditions of the bonus. Some common occurrences are that you have failed to opt in, didn’t meet the minimum deposit requirement, missed out on the promotional period, or used an outdated bonus code.
If you’re certain that you’ve met all the bonus criteria, reach out to the casino or sportsbook’s customer service team. They’ll fix the mistake as soon as possible.
What are bonus wagering requirements?
Bonus wagering or playthrough requirements refer to the amount you have to wager before you can withdraw winnings from your account. Online gambling bonuses have these requirements to prevent players from abusing bonus offers and to keep them playing on the platform for an extended period of time.
For instance, you could claim a casino bonus that has a 20x wagering requirement. This means that you have to wager 20x your bonus funds before you can withdraw winnings. You could also encounter T&Cs stating that you have to wager through the bonus funds plus the initial deposit before you can cash out.
Many platforms track the process of your wagering requirements for you. You can also calculate the amount you’re required to play through simple multiplication: if the bonus has a 20x wagering requirement, just multiply the bonus funds by 20. For example, if you received £20 in bonus funds, you have to wager £20 x £20 = £400.
Account
How do I register an account?
First, you have to be of legal gambling age to register a casino or sportsbook account. Then, visit either the gambling site or app to sign up.
In order to register an account with an online gambling platform, you are required to give your personal details. You will be asked for your full name, date of birth, phone number, street address, zip code, the last four numbers of your Social Security Number, and so on. This process is required by the law to confirm your identity and to ensure you are of legal gambling age, among other things.
You will have to verify your account in order to place any wagers. This is usually done through a verification link. The casino or sportsbook platform will also ask you to upload official documents as proof of your identity.
While there are slight differences in online gambling registration procedures, the basics are usually uniform on all platforms.
Can I have more than one account?
No. Each gambling platform allows only one account per user. You can, however, have accounts on different platforms.
Why do I need to verify my account?
For legal reasons. Regulated and licensed online gambling platforms are obligated by the law to verify the identity of their customers.
I’m requested to upload personal documents to complete account verification. Is it safe?
If you’re playing with a licensed platform, then yes, it’s safe. Regulated sportsbook and casino sites have extremely advanced systems and secure platforms to ensure that your data is kept safe.
How can I change my password?
You can usually do this on your own account page. Log in to your account, go to your account details or settings and change the password.
If you’ve forgotten your password, you can prompt a password reset, usually through the login screen. If there is no such option, you can also reach out to the customer care team for further assistance.
Can I delete my account?
Yes. You can request account closure from the customer service team, or you can navigate your account page for the correct option. All platforms also offer options for temporary account closure if you’re looking for a non-permanent solution.
Mobile Devices
Can I gamble on mobile?
Yes. Most, if not all, online gambling platforms in the UK have excellent mobile apps for Android and iOS systems. The websites have also been optimized for different devices, meaning that they’re visually pleasing and function just as well on mobile browsers. We have gathered a list of the best mobile friendly online casino in the UK.
How do I download a casino app?
You can find most sportsbook and casino apps simply by searching for them on Google Play Store or the App Store. If you have trouble finding the correct app, visit the casino or sportsbook website. They often have instructions for downloading the app or QR codes that assist you with the download.
Do I have to download a casino app to gamble on mobile?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Gambling providers’ websites function well on mobile browsers, so you’re not required to download the app to play on mobile.
There are some exceptions to this. There are gambling platforms that are exclusively available as apps. Additionally, some platforms have bonus offers that can only be claimed via their respective app.
Payment Methods
Do online casinos pay real money?
Yes, licensed online casino platforms pay out real money winnings.
Can I play casino games online for free?
You can try for example, slot games in demo mode, but you will need to create an account at the casinos.
If you’re looking to play at an online casino for free, look for no-deposit bonuses.
Can I win real money with free spins?
Yes. If you’ve received bonus spins at an online casino, there is a chance that they will convert to real money. That being said, free spins are often low-value spins, meaning that the potential winnings are also on the smaller side.
Are there crypto casinos in the UK?
No, unfortunately crypto currencies are not accepted in the UK for online gambling, so there are no licensed crypto casinos in the UK.
How do I make a deposit?
Log in to your casino or sportsbook account. There is usually an option for ‘Cashier’ where you can make deposits. Choose your preferred deposit method and enter the amount you wish to deposit. Depending on your chosen method, you will be prompted to fill in some information (like insert your bank account number or log in to PayPal). Agree to the terms and conditions if applicable and then confirm your deposit.
Most deposit methods are instant, and your funds will show on your account balance as soon as you complete the process.
How can I cash out winnings?
Log in to your casino account. Pick the ‘Cashier’ option or equivalent. Choose your preferred withdrawal method, the amount you’d like to cash out, and submit.
Withdrawals are not instant. Withdrawal times vary according to your chosen method, with various eWallet methods, such as Paypal and ApplePay, having the least delay. For a comprehensive list of available payment methods and withdrawal times, visit the FAQ section of your chosen gambling platform.
What online casino has the fastest payouts?
Truthfully, there are very few differences between online casinos in this regard. Online casinos have nearly identical selections of available payment methods, meaning that the withdrawal times across the platforms are also similar. You can visit our page for fast payout casinos for further information.
If you’re looking for fast payouts, opt for online casinos with low wagering bonuses and favor banking methods like eWallets.
Are gambling wins taxed in the UK?
In the UK, gambling winnings are generally not subject to taxation. This includes winnings from casino games, sports betting, poker, lottery, and other forms of gambling. Whether you win £10 or £1 million, you typically do not have to pay tax on your gambling winnings.
The reason for this is that gambling is considered a form of entertainment rather than a profession or a source of income. As such, winnings from gambling are not classified as taxable income under UK tax law.
What is the tax rate for gambling winnings?
Overall, for individual players, there is no tax rate for gambling winnings in the UK because they are not taxed as income.
Can I make money by gambling?
You could get extremely lucky and win yourself some extra money. However – and we can’t emphasize this enough: do not start gambling in the hopes of getting rich. The base premise of gambling is that, in the long run, the house always wins. We never encourage people to take up gambling as a source of income. Approach gambling first and foremost as a form of entertainment. Only gamble if you have the funds to spare.
Taxation
In the UK, while direct taxes on gambling are not imposed, those who gamble professionally or earn interest on their gambling winnings are required to report this income on their tax returns, if gambling is considered their primary source of income or if they are deemed to be in the business of gambling.
Responsible Gambling
Where can I get help with problem gambling?
If you or a loved one needs help with problem gambling, reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helplines. The helpline offers services 24/7/365. You will be connected to a trained professional that is specialized in providing assistance, guidance, and resources for gambling-related issues. Contacting the helpline is fully confidential, and your identity will not be disclosed anywhere without consent.
Where can I seek help for a gambling problem?
There are numerous support groups, people, communities and medical facilities available to support anyone who believes they might have a problem gambling in the UK:
– Gamblers Anonymous (GA): GA is a fellowship of men and women who have joined together to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes to overcome gambling addiction. They offer support group meetings across the UK.
– GambleAware: GambleAware is an independent charity funded by donations from the gambling industry. They provide information, advice, and support for problem gamblers and their families, as well as funding for treatment and support services.
– GamAnon: GamAnon is a fellowship of men and women who are relatives or friends of compulsive gamblers. They provide support and understanding to those affected by someone else’s gambling problem.
Is gambling bad for you?
Gambling can cause addiction, which in turn can lead to various financial and mental problems. Gambling can cause similar reactions in your brain as addictive substances like drugs or alcohol. If you notice any signs that you’re not in control of your gaming habits or are compulsively thinking about gambling, you could have a problem.
Are there ways to prevent problem gambling?
First, it’s important to be aware of the risks gambling involves. If you know you’re prone to addiction, we suggest you just skip gambling altogether. Knowing that gambling can be a highly addictive pastime allows you to incorporate tools to prevent your gambling habits from getting out of control. All regulated gambling platforms offer various tools and limitations that you can use to keep yourself in check.
You can, for example, set daily or weekly time limits or spending limits for yourself. You can also request a timeout on your account or add yourself to a voluntary self-exclusion list.
Is online gambling worth it?
It all boils down to what you’re looking to gain by gambling. If you are financially stable, have funds to spare, and are looking to gamble just for entertainment purposes, then online gambling can be fun. However, if you are thinking about taking up gambling to make money, then you’re on the wrong track. Do not resort to gambling as a method to get rich. It is not sustainable.
