In this piece, we will tell you everything you need to know about gambling in Scotland. First, we will begin with a ranking of the top 10 Scotland online casinos. You will then learn about the most important factors when choosing an operator – licences and certificates, payment methods, and game collection.

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After that, we will continue with the history of Scottish gambling, followed by a list of the top land-based casinos in the country. Next, we will brief you on the most important gambling regulations in Scotland. You will then discover the differences between playing in Scottish and English casinos, followed by some interesting facts. Lastly, we have prepared answers to the most common questions about Scottish casinos.

Top Online Casinos in Scotland for 2021

• Casimba (Best Online Casino in Scotland)
• Mansion (Great Welcome Bonus for Scots)
• Betway (Top-Rated Online Casino for Beginners)
• SlotsMillion (Best Slot Site for Scottish Players)
• Karamba (Top Live Dealer Casino in Scotland)
• 888Casino (Best Cross-Device Casino for Scots)
• Yako (Top Casino with Fast Transaction Times)
• Hyper (Best Poker Casino for Scottish Players)
• Mr. Play (Top Free Spins Bonus for Scots)
• Unibet (Great Ongoing Casino Promotions)

Things to Look for in a Scotland Online Casino

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We took into account three crucial factors when putting together the ranking of the top Scotland casinos for 2021. First and foremost, we looked into the trustworthiness of the operators by checking their licences and certificates. The second most important thing to consider is what payment methods are accepted at the casino. Lastly, we checked out the diversity of the game collections of the operators. Now, let us dive into a bit more detail about each factor.

Licences and Certificates for Scotland Casinos

It is essential to double-check your preferred online casinos’ licences and certificates to ensure that they are operating up to the latest industry standards. Players can enjoy a safe and secure gambling experience at licenced operators. Here are some of the most respected organisations in the online gambling industry.

For example, online casinos cannot operate within the jurisdiction of the UK unless they are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Another trusted and respected authority is MGA. Moreover, there are third-party auditing companies like GLI and iTech Labs, which test the casino’s fairness and products. Of course, there are organisations like GamStop and GambleAware that offer gambling treatment.

We double-checked the licences and certificates of the top online casinos in Scotland, and we encourage you to get the habit of doing this yourself, too. It is quite easy. Start by going to your favourite casino site and look for stamps by either of the trusted gambling organisations. To check the actual licence or certificate, simply click on it. Then, you get redirected to a page that shows the existing certificate and licence number.

Payment Methods Allowed in Scotland

As we mentioned earlier, another vital factor to consider when choosing a casino is its range of payment options. This is particularly important as it would be a shame if you register just to find out your preferred method is not accepted. Thus, we make sure to list online operators that take transactions arranged with cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and pre-paid cards.

Card payments are among the most widely accepted and trusted methods when it comes to online gambling. Among the most popular brands are Visa and Mastercard. However, there is a wide range of alternative options on the market, like e-wallets. Some of the most respected are Skrill, Neteller, and of course, PayPal. Also, there are online bank transfer services like Transferwise and Trustly.

Types of Games Available at Casinos in Scotland

Now, let us chat about the third criteria – game collection. In a trusted Scotland online casino, players can find a mix of slots, table games, live dealer tables, and scratch cards. In our opinion, an operator must have a rich and diverse collection to qualify for our top 10 rankings. This is why we make sure to review the types of games offered as well as which software providers power the platform.

At the end of the day, you want to join a casino with interesting and existing titles, not one with scammy games that only take your money. Let us circle back a little, aside from operators with mixed game collections; some sites focus on one or two types of games. For instance, there are plenty of top-rated slot sites in the UK.

History of Casinos in Scotland

Just as you would expect, the history of gambling in Scotland goes way back before modern-day casinos. At first, men would participate in a gentleman’s agreement, which basically means that they placed a bet or a wager between each other. Later on, in the 1800s, the first bookmakers started to come around. However, often those were illegal or under very strict regulations.

Everything changed in the 1960s with the legalisation of gambling across the whole country. Through the next 40 years, gambling establishments went into the mainstream and became a part of many people’s lives. Then came the internet, and online casinos flooded the market. Hence, the Gambling Act of 2005 was enforced, which meant that all Scotland casinos are required to receive a licence by the UKGC to operate within the country.

Best Land-Based Casinos in Scotland

While many Scottish players opt-in for playing at online casino sites, there are plenty of visitors at brick-and-mortar gambling establishments. There are about 15 gambling dens scattered across Scotland. Make no mistake; many of those are run by world-class brands. Here we have listed the top 10 land-based casinos in Scotland:

1. Alea Casino Glasgow
2. Genting Club Fountain Park
3. Genting Casino Glasgow
4. Grosvenor Casino Maybury
5. Grosvenor Casino Dundee
6. Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen
7. Grosvenor Casino Merchant City Glasgow
8. Grosvenor Casino Riverboat Glasgow
9. Rainbow Casino Aberdeen
10. The Corinthian Club Casino

Top Casinos in Glasgow

Located on the River Clyde, Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of 598,830. Throughout the 18th and 20th centuries, its economy was reliant on trade and shipping. Today, the city is considered a cultural hub and many public and corporate events are held there. Also, Glasgow is known for its thriving music scene as well as its Victorian and art nouveau architecture.

Truth be told, the number of pubs is far more impressive than the number of casinos in the city. However, there are many high-street gambling establishments, including five brick-and-mortar casinos. At the moment, the top-rated operators in the town are Alea Casino Glasgow, Genting Casino Glasgow, Grosvenor Casino Merchant City Glasgow, Grosvenor Casino Riverboat Glasgow, and The Corinthian Club Casino.

We would like to take a moment here and tell you a little bit more about one of the most popular land-based casino brands in the UK. Founded in 1970, Grosvenor is a well-respected and trustworthy brand. Currently, there are more than 50 brick-and-mortar casinos across the UK, 5 of which in Scotland. Today, the Grosvenor online casino is among the most visited in the country. It is also among the pioneers in the iGaming industry.

Top Casinos in Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is Edinburgh, the second most visited destination in the country. The city has a very rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. Aside from that, the city centre is part of the Georgian New Town and the medieval Old Town. There are many hills around the capital; the most famous is probably Calton Hill, alongside Artur’s Seat. Let us not forget about the stunning Edinburgh Castle that looms over the city.

But there is more to Edinburgh than historical sights. Locals and visitors can find a wide range of entertainment venues, attend local festivals, cultural events. What is more, some of the very best Scotland casinos are in town. Whenever you are visiting, make sure to play at some of the following establishments: Genting Club Fountainpark, Grosvenor Casino Maybury, Genting Casino York Place, or Genting Casino Leith.

Top Casinos in Aberdeen

The third-largest city in Scotland is Aberdeen, which is located on the North Sea. It is most famous for its offshore petroleum industry which gave it the nickname ‘the oil capital of Europe’. Aberdeen is also known as the ‘Granite City’ because many of the buildings were built with the natural stone. Moreover, this area has a vibrant history dating back to at least the sixth century BC.

There is more to Aberdeen; it is the region’s educational hub, thanks to the city’s two major universities. Also, there are many entertainment venues where people can enjoy themselves. What is more, locals and visitors alike can find gambling establishments, including world-class casinos. Those of you planning a trip to Aberdeen must include Grosvenor Casino, Rainbow Casino, or Soul Casino to your itinerary.

The Scottish Gambling Industry – Laws & Regulations

Moving forward, let us walk you through the most critical regulations regarding casinos in Scotland. As we mentioned on a couple of occasions, all operators must be licenced by the UKGC to offer gambling services within the country legally. This applies for both online and brick-and-mortar casinos. The minimum gambling age in Scotland is 18, just like in the rest of the UK.

The first time you enter a Scottish casino, you will be asked to fill in your personal details, which will be added to the company’s database. This is done to prevent money laundering schemes, so do not be frightened. Speaking of money, you will be delighted to hear that you do not pay taxes on your winnings in Scotland. Actually, you do not even have to notify the HM Revenue and Customs.

Gambling in Scotland vs Gambling in England

Great Britain, also referred to as the United Kingdom, consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While the countries are united in many areas, there are still some significant differences between their beliefs and values. Today, we will solely focus on the differences in gambling between the two countries. Now, let us see how people gamble in casinos in Scotland and England.

For starters, one in three people in the UK has engaged in gambling activities within the last 12 months, according to UKGC’s report of English and Scottish gambling behaviour. Slot machines are the most popular casino games in Scotland as well as in England. On the other side, Englishmen are more prompt to play at casino tables rather than Scots. On that note, a higher percentage of people in the South play at online casinos.

Interesting Facts About Gambling in Scotland

So far, we have told you about the top online casinos in Scotland and the best land-based operators by city. Now, let us move onto some interesting facts about gambling in the country:

1. Scotland is dubbed as the gambling capital of the UK.
2. The minimum gambling age is 18 and 16 for the national lotto.
3. Players do not pay taxes on winnings from gambling activities.
4. There are 12 casinos in total in Scotland.
5. Gambling became legal on 1st Sept 1960.

FAQ Section

Hopefully, this piece has helped you decide which Scotland casinos to visit. If you are curious to learn more, keep on reading because we have prepared something extra for you. Here, we will answer the top questions about Scottish casinos and the country’s gambling industry.

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🏆 What are the top online casinos in Scotland?

Some of the best casino sites for Scots this year are Casimba, Mansion, and Betway. We took several factors into consideration when ranking the top online casinos in Scotland. Firstly, these casino sites are all properly licenced. Secondly, they have diverse game collections. Lastly, they offer great bonuses.

🔞 What is the minimum online gambling age in Scotland?

As per UK law, players must be at least 18 years old to register and play at casinos in Scotland. This applies to both online and land-based operators. Moreover, this regulation extends to betting shops, bingo halls, and racetracks, allowing young adults to participate in the Scottish gambling industry.

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🧾 Should I pay taxes on winnings in Scotland?

One interesting fact about gambling in Scotland is that you do not need to pay taxes. This is because the HM Revenue and Customs do not consider winnings as income; therefore, your prizes are tax-free. In other words, everything you win at a Scotland casino goes directly to you.

⚖️ Who regulates casinos in Scotland?

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Currently, casinos in Scotland fall under the jurisdiction of the UK Gambling Commission, or the UKGC for short. This is an executive non-departmental public body of the British government. The UKGC is responsible for monitoring gambling law and licencing casinos in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

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🎰 Is online gambling legal in Scotland?

Yes, it is. However, the history of Scottish casinos is not long. Thanks to the Gambling Act 2005, you can enjoy online gambling in Scotland and the rest of the UK. For over 15 years, players can participate in online gambling activities legally. Any legitimate Scotland online casino is licenced and regulated by the UKGC.

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