Gambling goes really far back in time and even in this present moment, it is still one of the most popular activities all over the globe. As a country with strong traditions and a leading role in each significant and world-shaping event, the United Kingdom has been a main stage for all sorts of gambling endeavours throughout the last few centuries. Stay with me to find out quick facts about the British wagering traditions and how they’ve evolved over the years.

The First Royal Lottery

Around the 15th century gambling in the UK was popular among both rich and poor. The number one gambler was even a royalty. I’m talking about King Henry VIII, well-known mostly for his love-hate relationship with marriage. However, he was also one of the most passionate gamblers who regularly enjoyed playing dice and an old version of Backgammon. Even though he banned gambling for his troops to keep them away from any distractions, his daughter Queen Elizabeth I was the one to carry out the first national lottery in 1566. Her goal was to raise funds to finance wars or other war-related projects like expanding the Royal Navy and developing export ports. Lottery ticket cost 10 shillings and the jackpot was 5000, tapestries, covertures, and other quality home goods. Unlike today’s lottery, not everyone could afford to buy a ticket, it was way too expensive for ordinary people and only a privilege of the rich. Even though the risk element was missing as everyone who bought a ticket was guaranteed a prize, these were the first steps towards legalized wagers. If you think it made no sense for everyone to win, the profit payout was actually delayed for 3 years after the sale and the gathered amount was used as the perfect loan without interest. Talk about strategy! It was the ideal move with the ideal aftermath.

The modern lottery today works nothing like that, but it sure does remember its ancestor 450 years ago by devoting a good amount of money to good deeds and various charities.

Gambling in the UK Today

And now, we are about to make a tremendous jump over to 2018 where online wagers rule the gambling British universe. Skipping the era of land-based casinos and going straight to having the greatest casinos on your phone or in your living room with just a few easy clicks. Choosing between thousands of online games, offers, and promotions can be overwhelming but once you get used to the fast pace, online wagers will reveal all their shine and glory. No more ancient dice, wooden chips or war-inspired donations, it’s good internet connection, e-wallets, and 3D graphics. If this sounds somehow confusing and you feel you belong in King Henry VIII’s era, visit www.bestonlinecasinos.org.uk to find all the help you need to get in shape for this modern UK gambling reality. The platform delivers unbiased casino reviews, top bonus offers, and amazing tips and tricks for every UK-based player.