As the new British gambling laws become effective in 2007, gambling companies are preparing to enter the British market.  So far, twenty-nine companies have received approval from the Gaming Commission to establish either land based or online casinos. These companies now need to seek local approval. When the new laws go into effect, British owners will be able to operate land based and online casinos in Britain. They will no longer be private clubs. They will be open to the public so anyone will be able to walk in off the street and gamble. There are also plans for a Las Vegas style casino in the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom is the first of the major countries to legalize internet gambling. The British already have legalized sports betting. Bingo playing is a major industry in Britain, both land based and online. But online players cannot play poker or blackjack under the current laws. When the new laws become effective in 2007, the British will be able to experience the full gamut of casinos, both land based and online. Britain is already home to many of the large gambling companies listed on the FTSE.

The British market is considered to be a lucrative opportunity for many online gambling companies, along with the rest of Europe. The U.S. law, UIGEA forced many online gambling companies out of the United States since U.S. players represented half of the online casino market. These firms are now looking for new markets and the British market is a good one.