Despite being funnelled through new portals, there are no restrictions barring poker players from competing against players from other licensed regions. These figures are then needed for taxation purposes.įrom a player’s perspective, the changes haven’t altered the way in which UK residents access their favourite online games. Doing this makes it easier for online operators to monitor their UK-based players and determine localised revenues.
As is now common, players based in the UK are filtered through a specific portal before given access to a site’s range of games.įor example, UK players that once anted-up via PokerStars’ US portal are now ushered through a UK domain. Once an application has been processed and accepted, the company is not only free to offer gaming services in the UK but advertise to UK residents.įollowing these changes, many of the online poker and casino industry’s major operators have adjusted their platforms to comply with the new regulations.
To gain a licence an online operator must apply to the UK Gambling Commission. Part of a two-step process, the initial change forced remote operators to apply for a licence to offer services in the UK. In November 2014, the UK government enforced a new set of policies related to online gaming sites. UK Licensing Laws: Why It’s a Safer Bet for All