iGaming is one of the most fun and popular hobbies across the UK with a 2024 survey finding 38% of the population partake each month¹. Players can make sure they stay safe while playing by using responsible gambling measures and security features. These can include time and spend limits, self-exclusion and encryption tools. Let’s explore some of the best methods players can utilise to stay safe when they are iGaming.
Responsible Gambling Measures
The gambling industry is always evolving to make sure they stay up to date with new responsible gambling measures. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulates the iGaming industry and often introduces new legislation aimed to keep players safe. Let’s look at some of the current and upcoming tools players can use to stay safe while gambling.
Time and Spend Limits
One of the easiest tools that players use to make sure they gamble responsibly is the use of time and spend limits. They are able to set limits on how much they want to spend across a period of time like a month or week. iGaming sites have to make sure that players don’t exceed this limit by only letting them deposit up to the set amount. There are also set limits on spending within the UK. As of 2025 the maximum stake for each round of slots will be £5 and £2 for those below the age of 25².
Currently, spend and time limits are opt-in with only the players who set up limits themselves making use of this tool but following the conclusion of the review into the 2005 Gambling Act, limits will become opt-out. When a player sets up an account with a provider, they will automatically be asked to choose their maximum spend limits. They will also be prompted to review their limits and transactions every six months.
Time limits work in the same way as spend limits with players setting a maximum amount of time they want to spend on a site. Further changes to time limits were set out in the 2024 reforms to the 2005 Gambling Act. These changes include making it a legal requirement for providers to show a clock and the time a player has spent on a game while they’re playing. By utilising time and spend limits, players can stay safe and aware of their maximums when iGaming.
Self-Exclusion
iGaming activities should always be viewed purely as fun, not as a way to gain income and should never interfere with a player’s life or relationships. When players recognise they are exhibiting high-risk gambling behaviours, including overspending or lying about gaming habits, there are a number of tools they can use to restrict themselves from providers.
One method that players can utilise to maintain their safety is the self-exclusion app GAMSTOP³. When using the app, players are prevented from signing up or logging into any gambling providers licensed within the UK. Users can also decide how long they want to be excluded for, from months to years.
Players are also able to self-exclude from individual sites through their ‘Responsible or Safer Gambling’ section. In this area, players should be able to find the method to self-exclude from the specific site. All licensed providers must provide self-exclusion information and methods.
Further Help
For players who want help with their relationship with iGaming, there are a number of ways they can get it. Firstly, each licensed gambling provider should provide content regarding responsible gambling, highlighting how players can maintain a healthy relationship. Through these resources players can access further help, including helplines and support groups.
As well as finding help through providers, players can look to external resources like GamCare who provide help to those impacted by a gambling problem. They highlight a number of tools to help players through their website, including live chats, online communities and local support groups⁴.
Staying Safe Online
Responsible gambling measures are only half of the story when it comes to players making sure they stay safe when iGaming. It’s also important to understand the practical security features of a site, such as data protection and multi-factor authentication. In this section we’ll explore some of the top tools players can utilise in order to stay safe.
Site Selection
All licensed online gambling providers within the UK will have measures to ensure player’s safety and security when gambling online. Therefore, it’s important for players to make sure they are using a reputable, licensed site.
Players can help find whether a site is trustworthy by checking ‘blacklisted’ sites – those which don’t adhere to UK regulations – by searching the UK Gambling Commission’s public register. Another good way to check the reliability of a site is by looking at customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot. A site which has lots of negative reviews is one to be avoided of course!
Enhanced Authentication
When players set up an account through an online provider, they will be asked to give some key details in order to verify their identity. This can include information like their birthdate or address and include uploading supporting documents like passports to verify identity.
Players may be asked to provide answers to basic questions, like which primary school they attended, to be used for multi-factor authentication purposes. This means that if someone gains access to a player’s username and password, they aren’t able to access their account without additional information.
In recent years, there have been a number of advancements within this area in order to heighten security levels. Some casinos have started using biometric authentication involving things like fingerprints or facial recognition.
One way that online casinos have been increasing security methods is through the introduction of Inclave. According to CasinoDetective, Inclave improves player safety by requiring biometric and multi-factor authentication⁵. These methods help to ensure that only the player has access to their account.
Encryption and Software
Having some level of encryption on their data means that player’s information can’t be unscrambled without a specific key. It can sound intimidating and technically advanced but it’s actually relatively easy for players to boost their levels of encryption.
Firstly, Inclave, who we mentioned earlier, encrypts all data between the player and the provider to ensure that any inputted information is secure. Another option that increases security is using a VPN which encrypts all of the user’s data⁶. VPNs have other security benefits like masking a player’s IP address by rerouting traffic across their servers in other places. It can be helpful to use a VPN so players can protect their information from others.
It’s also a good idea for players to regularly update their versions of a site. If a provider has a security problem they will fix it through software updates, so it’s vital to use the most up to date version of an app or site.
As well as updating apps it’s important to make sure features like firewalls and antivirus software are regularly updated. Firewalls are a great way to prevent dangerous traffic from accessing a user’s network, but it’s important to have the most up to date version which can protect against any new threats.
Staying Safe While iGaming
Player safety while iGaming consists of both responsible gambling measures and online security. In order to make sure they stay safe while iGaming, players should make the most of responsible gambling tools like spend and time limits and self-exclusion tools. It’s important that players can reflect honestly on their relationship with iGaming and reach out for help if they need it.
As well as responsible gambling measures, players should make sure they’re safe when gambling online through security methods. Starting with the basics, players should always use licensed and reputable providers. In order to enhance their security when iGaming, players can look to tools like multi-factor authentication, VPNs and Inclave. In the future- when iGaming- players should make sure to utilise the top security tools to make sure they stay safe.
4: GamCare Forum, Written by GamCare, Published by GamCare.
5: Inclave Casinos- Enhanced Security Features, Written by Iria Mon, Published by CasinoDetective.
