The online gambling protections for gamblers in the UK and the USA differ significantly, as highlighted by the practices of major companies like Flutter and Entain.
In the UK, stricter regulations have been imposed to protect gamblers, such as limiting VIP programs that could induce high spending and implementing net deposit limits for customers under 25. Flutter, for instance, monitors customers’ affordability of bets and intervenes when there are signs of gambling problems. These measures are mandatory and enforced by the UK government, aiming to reduce gambling-related harm.
In contrast, in the USA, these companies have not adopted many of these stringent measures. VIP programs continue to encourage increased player activity to drive revenue. Protections for under-25 customers, such as net deposit limits, are absent. The US relies more on voluntary measures where customers need to self-regulate, such as setting their own deposit limits and choosing to self-exclude.
The regulatory environment in the USA is state-specific, and there is less uniformity and rigor compared to the UK’s approach.
Top Tips for Responsible Online Gambling
- Set Limits: Always set deposit, loss, and time limits before you start gambling. This helps manage your spending and time effectively.
- Self-Exclusion: Use self-exclusion tools if you feel that you are spending too much time or money on gambling.
- Stay Informed: Be aware of the signs of problem gambling and seek help if needed. Organizations like Gamblers Anonymous can provide support.
- Balance Gambling with Other Activities: Ensure that gambling does not become your only form of entertainment. Maintain a healthy balance with other activities.
- Use Trusted Sites: Only gamble on licensed and regulated sites that offer fair play and transparent terms and conditions.
Finding the Best Casino for Real Money Online Gambling: Advice from Agamble.com Experts
Finding the best casino for real money online gambling involves considering several factors.
At Agamble.com, we recommend looking at the variety of games offered, bonus structures, withdrawal times, customer support, and user ratings.
Start by checking if the casino is licensed and regulated in your state.
Evaluate the welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions to maximize your playing value.
Pay attention to the types of games available and whether they suit your preferences, from slots and table games to live dealer options.
Finally, read user reviews and expert opinions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable gambling experience.
Current Protection Measures and Our Recommendations
Licensed online gambling operators in the USA already provide good tools like stake limits, self-exclusion, and cooldown options to protect players. FanDuel and BetMGM online casino, for example, allow users to set deposit limits and temporarily suspend their accounts. These measures help players manage their gambling activities and mitigate risks.
However, the threat from offshore sportsbooks and casinos is significant. These sites often offer bigger bonuses and better odds, leading to over half a trillion dollars in illegal wagers annually. Lawmakers should not only ban these offshore sites but also educate the public through social campaigns about the risks of illegal gambling, regardless of the attractive offers.
In our opinion, gambling companies could support these efforts by donating a small percentage of their profits to fund these educational campaigns for TV, radio, internet, and other public spaces. This would help raise awareness about the dangers of illegal gambling and promote responsible gambling practices.
By implementing these recommendations, the industry can better protect potentially problem gamblers and ensure a safer gambling environment for all.
Percentage Of Problem Gamblers In The UK And USA

In the UK, 0.7% of the population is considered problem gamblers, while in the USA, the percentage is higher at 1.6%