More UK gambling casualities
The upcoming Point of Consumption Tax has led to more online casinos leaving the UK market. The latest group to announce their exodus is the Focalclick group comprising of Omni and Fly Casino. All Jackpots have already announced that they will be quitting the UK market and all players are being redirected to Betway Casino. The new licensing restrictions come into force on October 1st 2014 and are designed to ensure that all operators who face the UK pay tax on their income from UK gambling transactions. To achieve this any operators who wish to accept UK players or bets from within the UK will need to seek the necessary license from the UK Gambling Commission.
On a more positive note, William Hill and Casino Rewards Casinos have vowed to stay in the UK under proper licensing agreements. It is expected that 32red will also remain in the UK
Whilst the new regulations are being seen as negative by many of those in the gambling industry, licensing is primarily being put in place to protect UK consumers which is a laudable aim. The new act aims to stop gambling from being associated with or a source or crime, or the proceeds being used to support criminal activities. It is also designed to ensure that gambling is properly regulated and that gaming companies conduct businesss in a fair and open way. It also aims to protect minors and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
It is hoped that more companies will seek licensing in the UK in the near future, in what is hopefully a positive move which can only improve things for players in the UK
