Online betting and gambling in Britain is skyrocketing, according to figures from the UK Gambling Commission, the government watchdog that oversees the sector and is also responsible for regulating the National Lottery. Increasing numbers of people are using their mobile devices to place a bet and play digital casino games, many of which are live.
The Commission’s most recent figures show the online sector now has a 37.1% market share in the UK, including online betting, bingo and casino games. This comes as the number of physical betting shops decreased, by 239 to 8,320, and six bingo halls closed, leaving 651 still operating. There were two more bricks-and-mortar casinos, however, giving a nationwide total of 154, and overall, the sector is worth a whopping £14.4 billion — robustly demonstrating the Brit’s love of a flutter.
So what’s so great about online gambling? Are people who have never been to a casino or betting shop now indulging because it’s available wherever they happen to be — on their phones, tablets and laptops — as a sort of lifestyle choice. Perhaps they also think they can potentially make some money?
Reasons Why Online Gambling Is Popular
One of the most basic answers to the soaring popularity of online gambling and betting is it’s just so easy to do. You can be on your sofa, in bed, at work — or anywhere else — and play roulette, slot machines, blackjack or anything else that takes your fancy. And you don’t have to stick at it till the game is done, because you can pause a game and continue later.
Cost is almost certainly another factor, as there’s no need to travel to a physical casino and no need for expensive accommodation at a hotel either. Why fly to gambling mecca Las Vegas when you have all the fun right there in your pocket?
Another attraction of online gambling is there are lots of freebies. Many, if not all, gambling sites offer new players free bets up to certain amounts, and you can keep up to date with the latest promotions and bonuses at live casinos comparison sites. Restrictions are in place to prevent underage or harmful gambling, as casino operators are required to verify someone opening an account is 18 years or older, that they don’t have a problem with gambling and have self-excluded. They also need documentation to prove someone’s identity.
Variety, The Spice Of Online Gambling
Then there’s the anonymity of playing at online live casinos — no one knows what you’re doing except you. This can be a real bonus for someone who enjoys gambling and betting but doesn’t want to be seen out doing it, for whatever reason. Additionally, online casinos are required to have various safety measures in place, to ensure their customers’ cash is protected at all times, and they must pay out any winnings promptly.
Another attraction, it seems, is the wide variety of online gambling games now available, so you can choose and switch at will. Many people will be familiar with classic games like poker, but you can also play versions such as Tri Card Poker as well as such games as Vegas Three Card Rummy, Craps, Caribbean Holdem and a whole host of others. Advances in internet technologies now mean many operators’ sites are sophisticated and players can even interact with dealers as games are played.
These days we carry around our entertainment with us and do many things on their phones and other mobile devices that previously would have been unthinkable — everything from banking to booking travel and accommodation. So it’s no surprise that gambling at online live casinos is now part of the mobile mix.
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