Online gambling in the United Kingdom started in 1994 when the first online casino was opened, offering a few simple games and a basic user interface. The number of online casinos steadily rose over the years. However, the real boom started in 2005 when the Gambling Act was created, making online gambling completely legal and allowing online casinos to advertise. This led to the online casino market value expanding to more than 8,36 billion pounds in 2008.
According to the UK Gambling Commission, the average weekly amount spent on gambling is approximately 2,6 pounds per week, meaning that the average Briton spends 135,20 pounds on gambling each year. Here are some additional gambling facts and statistics you might not know:
Since the increase in popularity of online casinos, the wins and jackpots online have increased too. Hence knowing some facts about gambling wins is a must. For instance, the biggest jackpot from online slots belongs to John Heywood from Cheshire. In October of 2015, he won a mind-blowing jackpot of 13,2 million pounds at Microgaming's Mega Moolah progressive slot. The British soldier got the prize after betting only a 25p bet, and he could not believe his luck. This massive jackpot has also made it to the Guinness Book of World Records.
As the largest jackpots in UK history come from slots, it is just obvious that slots are the most popular online casino game in Great Britain, gaining popularity ever since the start of the online casino era, so here are some gambling facts about slots.
Dating back to the 90s, online gambling has many firsts to be shared along with its evolution, so here are some online gambling facts younger players might not know.
Usage of cryptocurrencies in online casinos has recently gained more popularity as it has become more convenient. The usage of digital currencies as payment is neither officially allowed nor restricted. To make it more accessible to the players, some casinos have integrated currency exchange in the casino. Most cryptocurrencies have gained their trust due to their security, speed, and privacy as the players can stay anonymous in their transactions, adding to that it is a cost-efficient solution, having no additional fees to be paid.
Cryptocurrencies are not the only technology that's currently shaping online gambling. Several other high-tech solutions have come into online casinos, such as virtual reality, as more online casinos are offering VR-compatible games to provide the most immersive gambling experience.
- Range of games
- Licenced with the UKGC
- Good selection of bonuses
- UK-specific payments
- No live chat function available
Gambling in the UK is one of the most popular pastimes as more than 25 million brits are playing, of which 10,5 million gamble online. As almost half of Britons, that is 45%, gamble each month, it is worth sharing some interesting facts about gambling in the UK.
As gambling takes a turn from physical to online casinos, it is estimated that the online gambling market will expand with an annual growth rate of 11,5% from its current market share of 14,3 billion pounds. Thus it is vital to learn some interesting facts on online gambling to be on top of the game of this large market.
