How are new betting sites regulated?

Last Updated on March 3, 2023, written by Amelia Cassiday

As the growth of online betting continues at a rapid rate, more and more sites are launching each day. This is all good news for players, who have more options than ever before at their disposal when it comes to betting sites.

For those already considering where to place their bets in the new year, there is a list of new betting sites for 2020 that contains some great choices that adhere to the all-important regulations. Indeed, the recent boom in online betting has seen an increase in the number of sites that do not comply fully with UK betting regulations, with players suffering as a result.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the ways in which new betting sites are regulated in the UK and why sites must follow a strict code of conduct when it comes to gambling and advertising.

So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at how new betting sites are regulated…

Do all UK betting sites need a UK license?

According to the gambling commission, all sites that provide gambling services and advertise to people in Britain need a UK license. This helps to ensure that consumers receive fair treatment from sites that have been deemed fit to operate under strict regulations.

New betting sites, gambling codes of conduct and advertising

In order to receive a license, new betting sites in the UK must follow the gambling codes of conduct as set out by the gambling commission. There are four types of license conditions, namely; that general licence conditions can be applied by the Gambling Commission to an individual operating licence or a class of operating licence. Second, that Individual licence conditions can be applied by the Gambling Commission to an individual operating licence. Third, that conditions imposed by the Secretary of State may be applied to a class of operating licence using statutory instruments. Finally, statutory conditions imposed by the Gambling Act 2005 may be applied to a class of operating licence.  

In addition, betting sites in the UK must follow advertising regulations, too. This means that advertising gambling products and services must be undertaken in a socially responsible manner. Essentially, sites must comply with the UK Advertising Codes. This includes not advertising overtly to young people, limited advertising through sports and sponsorships and the responsible placement of digital adverts.

Other UK regulatory requirements for online bookmakers

In addition to these conditions, new betting sites in the UK are regulated in a number of other ways. For example, sites are expected to uphold certain standards around money laundering to prevent this kind of activity. It is known in the online betting industry that many new sites are used as a front for laundering money, often for nefarious purposes such as drug dealing, weapons trade and even international terrorism. 

In addition, new sites face a range of technical requirements in order to keep their license, such as ensuring that software is up to standard. Finally, sites must follow strict regulations in terms of social responsibility to help prevent gambling addiction and problems such as underage gambling and suicide.