iGaming offers users a convenient form of recreation, and those hoping to participate in the UK can take specific steps to maximize the experience.

It’s no secret that iGaming is skyrocketing in popularity among UK residents. The ease and convenience of playing casino games online simply can’t be topped, and the industry grew from roughly £8.4 billion in 2011 to £14.4 billion in 2018. In 2020, new tech fuels even more gaming features, so if you’re hoping to hop on the bandwagon, it’s a good idea to learn a thing or two before you start. Read on to discover how to ready yourself for web-based play the smart way to enjoy iGaming to the fullest.

Preparing Yourself for Online Play

The casino gaming industry in Great Britain has exploded in recent years, and the online sector represents the vast majority of this growth, with many more Brits looking for online options when it comes to casino entertainment. If you want to join the ranks of UK iGamers, it’s a good idea to fully understand what’s currently on offer, and pick a suitable entry point to the online gaming world.

Mobile gambling made up nearly half of the UK betting and casino gaming market in 2018, and continues to rise in popularity as time goes on.

There’s a whole slew of casino games to choose from, and many players prefer to stick with their favorites. Of course, newbies don’t know what their preferences are yet, so it’s essential to do some research and pick a game you’ll enjoy. The title you ultimately pick will depend mainly on your tastes, though some games are more beginner-friendly than others.

Many prefer to start with games like slots, as they require little skill and can provide quite a thrilling ride. Roulette is also a popular choice, as new users don’t have to learn much beyond how to place bets. However, some players want to immerse themselves in a game that requires a bit more thinking. If that sounds like you, blackjack is the perfect place to begin. It’s simple to learn, yet advanced players will still find a challenge with online opponents.

Online blackjack is fast-paced and fun yet full of exciting challenges, sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

While you don’t have to be an expert to rack up a few wins in online blackjack, it definitely pays to have some knowledge on your side before you join a table. Discovering the basic rules, terminology, and etiquette of the game before moving on to the in-depth strategy will boost your chances of success.

Not sure where to start? You may want to begin by checking out a comprehensive guide from real gaming experts who can teach you how to play blackjack like a true professional. That way, you’ll come in armed with all the information you need to rule the virtual tables and play with ease and confidence. No matter which game you choose, the most important thing is to feel comfortable so you can have fun.

Staying Safe & Secure On the Web

Once you’ve picked your game and learned all about it, you’ll need to choose an online casino provider to host your fun. You should pay close attention to the site you pick and go with big platforms, instead of random sites that offer crazy bonuses. It’s a sad but true fact that cyber-crime is on the rise, and you need to ensure that you stay safe when you give out your information.

The tech experts at Oasis Connections give tips on how to tell if a website is secure and teach you how to protect yourself against cyber-crime on the internet.

Luckily, it isn’t difficult to discern which providers are legitimate. All casinos and betting providers offering online services in the UK must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Even if their business headquarters aren’t in the UK, they still have to have to go through the licensing process. Why is this important for players?

Licensed casinos must have their gaming software tested by a third-party entity to ensure that it’s fair and compliant with the law of the land. Furthermore, they must answer to the UKGC in case of any customer complaints or other issues. Knowing that you have a strong regulatory body backing you up will give you peace of mind as you play, and you won’t have to stress about issues if they do arise.

Where can you find licensing information for your provider of choice? If they have a license, you’ll be able to see the UKGC logo displayed clearly and prominently on their website, generally at the bottom of the page. You can usually click on it to verify the license, or you can search through the UKGC registry to find the site listed online.

You need to make sure your iGaming provider has your best interests in mind, so don’t be afraid to conduct some research before making your decision.

However, just because a site is licensed doesn’t automatically mean that it’s 100% trustworthy. You should do a quick check yourself, identifying that an SSL security encryption is present before signing up and making a deposit. In addition to this, make sure to read the terms and conditions of the site carefully to avoid any unpleasant surprises regarding their policies and rules.

Keeping Abreast of Current Laws & Conditions

Once you’ve picked your game and signed up at an online casino, you’re ready to get started. However, you still need to pay attention to UK law and take note of any legislative changes which may occur. Keep on top of UKGC announcements, and be flexible regarding new rules which come into effect.

While iGaming is perfectly legal and safe in the UK, regulations surrounding it change more than you may think. For example, a recent credit card ban enacted on April 14^th of 2020 prohibited the use of banking with credit cards at online casinos. The law changed the way many players could make deposits and withdrawals on their accounts, and those who didn’t hear the news bore the inconvenience of figuring out a new system at the last minute.

To avoid stressful situations like this one, all you need to do is stay updated on announcements and adhere to current online casino regulations. As long as you keep yourself informed, you’ll stay in compliance with local laws and be able to play without a hiccup.

Ready to get your game on? We can’t blame you. As long as you prepare for the games, pick a great provider, and pay attention to regulations in the industry, you’re good to go. The exciting world of iGaming lies at your fingertips, so don’t hesitate to dive in and start playing the smart way today.