UK Online Gambling Law Is Weak, Finds XTN Data

Only 20% of people think that the Government is doing enough to regulate online gambling, according to research consultancy XTN Data. The news comes ahead of introduction of the Gambling Act next year which for the first time allows internet casinos to based in the UK.

The Act also places responsibilities on gambling websites to ensure they're not being access by under 18's. XTN Data found that internet sports betting sites were the worst for keeping children away from their sites.

The survey which question 1,000 people also discovered that 35% thought overseas based gambling sites were less trustworthy than if they were based in the UK.

Last year saw continued growth in online gambling with three major internet gambling flotations including Party Poker which was valued at £4.64bn. It therefore comes as no surprise that the Party Poker brand was recognised by nearly half of people surveyed and the destination of nearly a third of online poker players.

While the research found that people planned to use the internet to gamble more, over 50% didn't know how to play most casino games and most Online Casinos were failing to help. Greig Harper, founder of XTN Data noted, "As online gambling becomes more mainstream gaming operators need to do everything they can to attract new users including teaching them basic strategies for games."