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Online Gaming And The UK Casino Industry

There was a time when gambling in the UK was very much restricted to the elite. Thankfully that is certainly not the case today. The casinos can be found in most major UK cities are now more accessible. You can even try your hand at winning on a slot machine when you go to the pub for a drink!

There is little doubt that the way we view gambling and gaming in the UK has changed. Having a bet on the horses or a taking a punt on the football is now widely accepted across society.

The relaxation of gambling laws in the UK, in the early 2000s, is one reason why so many people are now able to bet and gamble. But it’s the access to online gaming that has really played a major part in the growth in popularity of the UK Casino industry across the board.

We are going to take a look at how online gaming has helped to revolutionise the UK casino industry.

The Availability Of Online Gambling

You only need to switch on the TV in the UK to see how many online gambling opportunities are now available. There are several advertisements around for the top brands. It does not matter what type of gaming you prefer, from bingo to slots and table games to live dealer options, you can find them on legal UK gambling sites.

This growing availability of online gambling has led to a more diverse gambling population. There are now far more recreational players and more women are participating in the online fun and excitement.

The relaxation of gambling laws has led to a growth in the number of online casinos and sportsbooks which are fully regulated and provide a safe environment for play.

The Overall Effect On Gambling

Initially, it was thought that the greater the increase in online gambling, the steeper the decrease in visits to real-world casinos. This proved not to be the case. If anything, interest in gambling overall has been a good thing for the casinos.

Many of them have relaxed membership and dress code, making them far more accessible to everyone. A lot of the big casino brands also link their online and in house bonus schemes. So the likes of Mecca Bingo offer linked games online and in their bingo halls. Anybody can win, no matter where they are playing.

The increased accessibility to gambling has also turned it into a socially acceptable, widely used form of entertainment. A visit to the casino is now a popular activity for birthday celebrations and stag and hen parties.

It’s fine to sit at home and have a few spins on the slots. You may even want to improve your poker game in peace and quiet. But ultimately, if you want real casino action, you often have to go to a real casino.

Since the UK gambling regulations were relaxed the online gaming industry has grown significantly. This increased familiarisation with gambling has led to a growth in the UK Casino industry overall.

How Much Is Gambling Worth In The UK?

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that the gambling industry in the UK is worth a small fortune. Between October 2018 and September 2019 the total gross gambling yield (GGY) of the gambling industry in Great Britain was a staggering £14.3 billion. Nearly £4 billion of that figure was made up of lotteries!

GGY, or the Gross Gambling Yield is the amount retained by gambling operators after the payment of winnings but before the deduction of operation costs. Those costs include rent, rates, taxes, overheads, employee deductions, salaries etc…basically everything you need to run a business.

In the same period, land-based casinos had a GGY of £1.1 billion. However, it’s online counterpart was nearly triple that on £3.3 billion. A lot of the difference has to do with location. If you don’t live near a casino it’s so much easier to just jump online and play a few games.

However, you prefer to visit a casino, there are games with budgets to suit everybody. There are also plenty of things to remember. Only spend what you can afford. Don’t chase your losses. Play to have fun.