Ireland vs. Great Britain: Where Does Gambling Regulation Work Better?

In order for everything to function properly in online gambling, regulation is a must. Many countries have their own governing bodies which provide licenses and set the rules for gambling online. UK and Ireland both control what happens in this lucrative industry via their governing bodies.

Both oversee the operations of all online casinos and operators who want to join. While they work in a similar way, there are many differences between them. The UK Gambling Commission is widely considered the strictest and most reputable governing body in iGaming. When it comes to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, things are quite different and worth delving into.

United Kingdom Gambling Regulations

The main legislation act in the UK regarding gambling is the Gambling Act of 2005. This primary piece of gambling regulation covers the UK, Wales, and Scotland, but not Northern Ireland. Since all gambling venues online and offline must be licensed, gambling outside of designated legal establishments is prohibited. There are also laws regarding gambling ads and restrictions for minors. All of this is concentrated in the Gambling Act of 2005, which overhauled Britain's previously dated laws.

The UK is a hotbed for online gambling, especially when it comes to online casinos. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission oversees all remote gambling businesses. Whether it's online casinos or telephone casinos, they must possess a license. Moreover, different licenses are issued for different activities, for example, bingo, poker, or online casino gaming.

The UK Gambling Commission is very strict with its rules. It's known as the strictest and most respected governing body in the online gaming industry. And, while the law is certainly very sound, there are a few surprises with it. For example, it doesn't clearly define what non-skill games are. Which level of skill is required for such a game? We don't know this per British law, which has gotten some operators and games in hot water.

Deal or No Deal, the popular TV game show, experienced some trouble regarding this part of the legislation in 2012. Per British law, games where players must pay to participate which don't require skill are classified as gambling. Per these rules, Deal or No Deal should be a gambling game.

However, since the game requires no skill, it caused a bit of a conundrum. The issue was later settled, but the UKGC remains firm on its side regarding this part of the legislation, with no plans to change it anytime soon.

Still, it's the basis for many other pieces of legislation. It goes without saying that the UKGC is the strongest and most reputable governing body in online gaming, and one that operators respect.

Northern Ireland Gambling Regulations

As mentioned earlier, the UK Gambling Act 2005 doesn't refer to Northern Ireland. The country has its own laws regarding gambling. The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries, and Amusements Order of 1985 is the primary piece of legislation. It applies to any form of betting and gambling except for the national lottery. The law is widely regarded outdated, as it doesn't apply to online gambling. This means that online casinos in Northern Ireland are not regulated. It also means that offshore casino sites can operate on the market, and that players from the country can legally access them.

On the other hand, it means that there are no regulatory measures to protect them. With no online gambling regulations, unsafe sites can operate on the market too, resulting in cybercrime cases which is why changes to the law are needed.

Republic of Ireland Gambling Regulations

The gambling regulation in the Republic of Ireland is the most interesting of the three. The government has banned land-based casino establishments in 1956. Private clubs can run game tables and slot machines for their members, and there are around a dozen of them in the country. Most of the other laws regarding gambling are similar to the UK, with the age limit set at 18.

When it comes to online casinos, the law allows them. Online gambling is legalised in the country for licensed and regulated gambling operators. Which is a bit baffling, as most countries ban online gaming and allow land-based casinos. It's the direct opposite in the Republic of Ireland. With domestic and offshore casino sites the only way players can gamble, it goes without saying that they're very popular in the republic.

The good thing is that all casino sites are licensed and regulated, so players can enjoy top-notch security services in a safe gaming setting.

Which Regulations are the Best?

If we compare the three pieces of legislation, it's clear that the United Kingdom is the winner. The UKGC is one of the top governing bodies in the iGaming industry. It has clearly set goals and rules for operators to follow, even if there are some misses in the games of skill department. But, overall, the rules are much clearer and easier to follow in the UK.

Northern Ireland has a lot of work ahead to legalize online gaming. The Republic of Ireland needs to update its laws, as it allows online casinos but no land-based venues. Overall, the UK has the best laws of the three, and with a few updates on the laws, the gambling legislation will be even better.

Conclusion

While some players or operators are not big on online gaming laws, it's clear that they're required for a safe and secure experience. Online gambling laws aren't designed for the convenience of operators. They are actually designed for players to feel safe, and give them protection when they needed.

This is why you should always seek licensed casinos, especially those regulated by the UKGC. Choose a rogue site without a license, and you'll be in more trouble than you can think of. It's not just about stealing your money – identity theft is even worse.

That's why you should choose licensed casinos. Despite the controversial parts of the Gambling Act of 2005, it's still considered the best piece of legislation in regards to online gambling.