Online poker casinos in the UK: Are they legal?
Like other forms of gambling in the UK, poker is completely legal, whether it is played online or at a brick-and-mortar establishment. Poker games, events, and tournaments are regulated under the same liberal laws as sportsbooks and casinos. Thus, the prevalence of numerous online poker uk sites.
Citizens of territories in the United Kingdom are unrestricted when it comes to gambling. They are free to play poker in any land-based or online casinos. The only two stipulations you have to meet are that:
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You must be 18 years of age and above.
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The online poker provider has to be licensed under the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Are Winnings Taxed?
Most gamblers often wonder if winnings from UK Internet-based poker rooms are taxed. The liberal laws surrounding gambling and betting exempt online players from any tax levy. You will receive your payments in full, whether you win ten pounds or a million.
However, this only applies to UK residents. It is better to check with the gambling rules in your country of residence to ascertain if winnings are taxed. Players from some European countries and in the rest of the world may be charged a certain percentage of gambling wins.
Why Should You Play Online Poker?
Now that we know the legal status of poker in the UK, why should you play online instead of visiting a ground-based gambling room? Let us look at some significant advantages of online poker.
The most notable benefit has to do with the convenience factor. All you require is Internet connectivity and a laptop or smartphone you have permission to use. No need to dress up, drive through traffic, and observe strict house rules. Once you pick a reliable website or download an app on your phone, you sign up and pick from the myriad of poker series available. And with the advent of mobile-friendly casino apps, accessibility has been enhanced.
As mentioned earlier, UK online poker sites are licensed and regulated under an adequate governing board. This makes them more credible. They are often run on secure platforms to ensure your entertainment and money are safe at all times.
Moreover, playing poker online is more enjoyable. Comparably, the game’s pace is much faster as you forgo the physical dealer who consumes valuable time during the collection of chips, distribution of pots, dealing, and shuffling of cards. There is also a more comprehensive range of stakes, giving you a higher win rate by the hour. Not to mention the tons of bonuses and promotions offered, such as Rakeback deals, which increase your chances of winning big.
Finally, online poker sites collaborate with major financial institutions to facilitate safe and secure cash transactions. There are several withdrawal and deposit options. Take your pick from e-wallets, bank transfers, and payment cards.
Last Word
Other than UK-based punters, many players on UK online poker sites are from European countries and the rest of the world. And they, too, are allowed to gamble and bet on UK poker sites. However, this doesn’t apply to players from the United States, where gambling is banned.