Who Can Legally Bet on Golf in the UK? Eligibility Guide – Golf News

Betting is a fast-evolving industry in the UK and beyond, and the quick digitalization of this entertainment is among the key drivers for its popularity. The British gambling market is among the best-regulated globally, so those preferring to make their predictions on golf and other disciplines should comply with numerous requirements. Knowing the legal aspects of this risky pastime helps avoid unpleasant consequences and get the best experience, so have a look at our eligibility guide before joining the chosen online bookmaker site.

Popularity of Golf Betting among British Punters

Currently, horse racing and football are the two most popular disciplines in the UK. However, the popularity of golf is also growing. According to reports, up to 14% of risk seekers in the state prefer to bet on this sport; the loudest events include The Open and Ryder’s Cup, but golf enthusiasts can enjoy many more tournaments to try their luck and get tons of unforgettable emotions.

Betting Regulations in the UK

UKGC is the main authority controlling the gambling and betting sector in the country. This body issues licences, provides requirements to operators, and guides customers on compliance with valid legislation. Age restrictions are a point of concern in the industry since the regulatory authority aims to minimise underage engagement in betting activities. Of course, users can still take advantage of betting apps that don’t require ID that offer lots of benefits, including anonymous gambling, higher limits, and the lack of authentication procedures. However, many online sportsbooks still require users to confirm their identities when engaging in the world of excitement. 

What are the main restrictions for UK residents, and who can bet on golf without limitations?

Minors Are Blocked by Online Bookmakers

Preventing underage engagement in betting and gambling activities is the primary focus of the UK Gambling Commission and other licensing bodies. Therefore, most bookmakers require newcomers to provide relevant documents during registration or first withdrawal. Therefore, users under 18 are automatically restricted from reliable sportsbooks. This rule works for both in-country and overseas platforms, and any operator breaking this rule is fined.

Self-Excluded Customers Cannot Reach Betting Services

Gambling-related disorders are the main industry challenge, so government and regulatory bodies do everything possible to reduce risks for the population. All bookmaker sites and online casinos registered within the British jurisdiction are covered by GamStop self-exclusion and many golf players support it. This tool restricts access to potentially harmful content and providers compulsive punters with detailed guidance on coping with the disease.  GamStop members who haven’t finished their self-exclusion term cannot bet on golf or engage in any other risky activities.

Who Can Legally Bet on Golf in the UK?

Adult individuals over 18 who don’t suffer from any gaming-related problems are free to make their predictions on the best golf events and win real money if Lady Luck is on their side. It’s worth noting that betting services are available not only to the country’s residents but also to tourists, which makes the UK one of the most attractive spots for risk seekers. However, the regulatory authority aims to make the sector transparent and ensure that everyone engaged in risky entertainment can afford it. Therefore, the latest law implies financial assessment. This process requires betting enthusiasts to provide their statements to the bookmaker. The website can impose particular deposit and withdrawal limitations according to the customers’ banking information.

The UK pays special attention to youngsters’ engagement in betting and gambling activities. According to the UKGC statistics, up to 1% of respondents aged 11 to 17 confirmed they have at least once made sports predictions. The regulatory authority strives to make the sector more regulated and prohibited for minors. It’s also worth noting that adults who can legally place bets on golf should comply with responsible gambling principles.

Factors to Consider to Bet Safely

Responsible betting is a widely discussed topic globally, and multiple initiatives are held in the UK and beyond its borders. Even though multiple organisations and reputable operators highlight the need to gamble attentively and provide additional measures for customer control, it’s, first of all, the users’ responsibility. Therefore, everyone desiring to make their prediction on the golf game should remember to plan expenses beforehand and stick to the initial limits. 

Chasing losses is one of the most common problems in iGaming: many punters lose and try to win over by depositing more and placing another bet. In this case, they risk financial troubles and compulsive betting behaviours. Golf prediction fans should be responsible regarding the time and money spent on the bookmaker site, which is the key to a successful experience.

Final Thoughts

The UK betting market will be well-developed in 2024, and the appearance of its digital alternatives makes entertainment more accessible than ever. Users can reach the chosen sportsbook with a few clicks and explore the best golf odds instantly. However, the UKGC has several requirements, restricting access to bookmakers to underage individuals and self-excluded punters. This mechanism is developed to make the sector safer and fairer. Betting enthusiasts over 18 who don’t suffer from any signs of compulsive gambling can enjoy all the benefits online sportsbooks now offer.