It is a legal requirement that all online gambling sites dealing in real money gaming must be regulated by the government of where the games are hosted - for example; many online bookmakers operate out of countries such as Gibraltar due to laxer laws, as well as lower taxes and are therefore under the jurisdiction of the Gibraltan authorities for remote gambling. Many of the larger online bookmakers are proud to boast they host their servers in countries such as the UK or Australia, and therefore are more heavily regulated by the stricter laws and regulations of these countries.

Laws and restrictions vary from country to country - some may let members bet higher or more over a period of time, where they may be limits in some countries due to the worry of developing gambling addictions or debt. As well as this, there is the key issue of the age restrictions on a gambler - a player must be over the age of 18 to legally gamble in this country, but lax verfications and the ability for younger and younger people to possess credit cards has caused great ripples in the online gambling world, with reports recently of children as young as 11 having the ability to sign up to online gambling sites.
When playing online games, such as online bingo, always be sure to check the website thoroughly before signing up and giving away your payment details - looking out for security as well as double checking where they are licensed from, and if they have any other additional regulators or credentials.

UK Gambling Regulators and Useful Contacts

There are several regulators based in the UK, that handle all issues relating to online gambling and their restrictions. As well as this, there are several charities and Government run schemes that are available to help gamblers that may have an issue with gambling, or suspect foul play in a UK based online bookmakers. These organisations include:
NCH, GamCare and Citizencard - Childrens charities that deal with under-age gambling and undertake regular checks on online bookmakers websites.
The Financial Services Authority - www.fsa.gov.uk
Phonepay Plus - www.phonepayplus.org.uk
The British Horseracing Authority - www.britishhorseracing.com
The National Lottery Commission - www.natlotcomm.gov.uk
Ofcom -www.ofcom.org.uk
The Gambling Appeals Tribunal - www.gamblingappealstribunal.gov.uk
The Charity Commission - www.charity-commission.gov.uk

Overseas Gambling Regulators
If you are concerned about a online bookmakers you use, that is not based in the UK, there are several governing bodies that may be able to help or take action if they feel the laws have been broken. These include:
The Gaming Regulators European Forum -
The International Association of Gaming Regulators
The International Association of Gaming Attorneys -