Cultural exchange has been present in our world for ages, and many nations have benefited from it. Even similar nations like the U.S. and the UK can learn a lot from each other in almost every field. On the surface, the UK might seem like a more rigid nation, shrouded in tradition and history, but in reality, the UK is embracing a more liberal model and practices when it comes to gambling. What those may be and which can translate overseas, we'll list below.
1. Lifting the ban on debit cards
Until now, the UK was pretty reserved about the usage of debit cards for everything involving online gambling. Casinos, arcades, bingos, and others have expanded, fueled by an exponential demand from eager players, and that was one of the factors contributing to the ease of regulations. It's not a secret that our modern societies operate cashless transaction forms, so enabling debit card usage in online casino payments and deposits is the next natural step.
This will allow players to enjoy the safest betting sites our Senior Editor Ian Bruce compiled, and allow for a more streamlined experience. Player protection has been emphasized because every new liberal regulation in practice and laws requires safety nets for the end consumer. And online casinos can now expand their offer and benefits.
Fees also changed, since they too fall under the old and traditional factor, and for the first time since 2007, they've been up to a 15% increase for maximum fees issued by the local authorities for gambling premise licenses. The US can benefit from such a liberal approach to debit card usage, as it is currently highly restrictive and holding back the industry's potential.
2. The proliferation of betting
The UK can be viewed as a unified country with a more centralized form of government, whereas the US has 50 States, where each is free to govern themselves and set their laws. Online gambling, casinos, and sports betting are a mixed bag throughout the US, where some or all may be legal in one state and banned or restricted in some form in the neighboring one.
What we see today in the US regarding the matter was all possible due to the changes in the PASPA in 2018, and if the US can adopt a more unified approach to implementing online casinos and gambling like the UK, then we could see a widespread change happening. US states are adopting new laws and regulations where they are trying to appease every party involved. Progress is slow but steady, and a future in which each state has the same laws regarding online casinos and gambling is possible. Until then, local US players have to resort to playing on non-GamStop casinos, sometimes via VPN, in the states that currently prohibit or restrict online gambling.
3. Safe Gambling Practices
A centralized rule party dedicated to gambling in all the US states, which aims to unify the rules, sounds like a far fetch and a legal conundrum, but another approach that the US could use from the UK is the practice of safe gambling. The UK had more time to test and implement what works, so multiple ways exist to protect players and ensure a safe playing environment.
The gambling industry in the UK generated $ 8.3 billion in 2023, and such an achievement would not be possible if the gambling industry is not healthy and operating within high standards. Giving players an option to set betting limits gives them more agency and control over the matter, allowing them to tailor their online casino experience. While self-exclusion programs may seem counterintuitive to the industry, it's a healthy mindset that does more good overall as it creates a positive image.
As gambling opposers can slow down or restrict gambling advances, it's important to implement various safety tools, for they can then push towards a more liberal approach in various gambling policies, as the UK has recently proven.
4. Gambling sponsorships
One more practice that deserves its spot, which widely differentiates from the UK to the US is how both sides handle public endorsements of gambling. The UK is now heading to a more liberal approach with more options for players who wish to use a debit card but they prevent live sports broadcasters from promoting sports gambling and ads, as well as celebrities and advertisements that encourage gambling.
Again, on the surface, such practices may seem counterintuitive and restrictive for gambling, but the UK's current liberal gambling practices have proven otherwise. The UK has once more presented that a safe and regulated industry that creates healthy gambling practices is the way to go, and the US can learn a lot by copying such practices. In the US it's common to see popular movie and sports stars promote gambling, on stage and during performances, something that could never happen in the UK.
And while the US sees an increase in gamblers by 10% (from 15% in 2018 to 25% in 2023), it could use some toning down in the advertising aspect and build a strong foundation for future expansion, just like the UK has done.
5. Data protection
Riding the trend of conservative policies that lead to a more liberal market, the UK leads the US when it comes to user data protection in the gambling industry. The strong and robust UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) protects its users and gives them infinitely more control over their data. We say infinitely, because a similar counterpart does not exist in the US at the moment, and users have no safety nets or agency over their data usage. But it's not all gloomy, as the US is improving in the field, watching the UK's White Paper movement, and preparing its legislation and tools.
The UK's White Paper would allow for scrutinous checks in public records and recordings, allowing court proceedings to comb through bankruptcy filings and detailed bettors' financial records checks against their credit history. Going into such excessive detail, all parties involved would gain valuable data and could proceed accordingly and responsibly. Should the practice prove fruitful, there's no reason for the US not to adopt a similar approach and allow their users the same tools for data protection.
As of today, the UK stands as a good example to follow and copy from. There's no shame in copying successful policies and practices, so the US has plenty to gain. The US has a wider market potential with larger revenues, so adopting tried and tested UK gambling policies could lead to a prosperous future.
