Licensees Hub
Unlicensed sites may delay or deny withdrawals, manipulate outcomes, or share your information without consent. To check if a site holds a valid casino license that UK players can trust, simply visit the UKGC’s website and use the license search tool to verify details directly. Its main purpose is to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, that crime is kept out of the industry, and that players are protected. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the official regulatory body responsible for overseeing gambling activities in the United Kingdom. Further information on “partially automated gaming table” can be found in The Gambling Act 2005 (Premises Licences and Provisional Statements) Regulations 2007 (opens in new tab).
Currently, no more than 20% of the total number of gaming machines on these premises can be Category B; the remaining machines must be of a lower category (i.e. C or D). Furthermore, we do not consider that providing software to customers in licensed casino premises, which the customers download onto their own devices to participate in remote gambling, falls within the scope of the casino ancillary licence provided for by the Fees Regulations. In order for converted casino operators to take advantage of the new entitlements for gaming machines, the casino must contain a table gaming area.
For 1968 Act casinos that meet the same size thresholds as Small 2005 Act casinos, we have proposed introducing a 250sqm table gaming area requirement. However, those casinos that would be allowed to keep their current gambling space would have more flexibility in terms of the layout of their venue compared to Small 2005 Act non gamestop casino casinos, which may be deemed unfair by casinos without this advantage. Option (2) would not require currently operating casinos to reduce their total gambling space. However, it would be disruptive and potentially impose additional costs onto those casinos with a gambling area of 1,500sqm or more that are already established.
According to data from Health Survey England from 2012 to 2018, 25.7% of those who played on slot (electronic gaming) machines were classified as at-risk gamblers. Should separate table gaming areas of 12.5% or more only be allowed to count towards the total table gaming area for 1968 Act casinos under the new regime? Which approach do you think should be taken in relation to the maximum gambling area for 1968 Act casinos? Should the minimum table gaming area for Small 2005 Act casinos be reduced to 250sqm?
UKGC License Verification FAQs
These conditions are ones which apply to a licence unless the licensing authority decides to exclude them (in which case the authority can impose alternative conditions relating to the same matter). Where the licensing authority rejects an application for a licence, the applicant may appeal. Where the licence is refused, the licensing authority must give reasons for their decision. 436.Where the licensing authority determines to grant the licence, they must give reasons for the attachment or exclusion of any conditions. 435.Following the grant or rejection of a premises licence, the authority must notify the applicant, the Commission, any person who made representations, the police, and HM Customs and Excise of their decision as soon as reasonably practicable. The procedures vary, depending on whether representations have been made, and what the licensing authority proposes to do with regard to licence conditions.
This question elicited the most detailed responses in this chapter from a wide variety of respondents. This proposal will help build a picture of the customer’s play and is already standard in betting shops. The Behavioural Insights Team highlighted some research they had undertaken on individuals’ experiences of gambling management tools.
The consultation asked the following questions on licence fees. We would expect operators to inform the Commission that they are intending to move onto the expanded regime as these changes will have a material impact on an operator’s business. Operators moving onto the new regime would almost certainly result in a material change to the layout of the premises.
We propose to move the voluntary commitment into legislation, introducing a legal age limit of 18 on Category D ‘cash-out’ slot-style machines. In order to future proof the gaming machine industry and adapt to modern payment technologies, we are seeking views on a range of player protections that will ensure players can use modern payment methods whilst mitigating the risk of harm. Without intervention, there is a risk that machines could become obsolete as we move towards a “cashless” society. The white paper proposed to reform the 80/20 rule in response to evidence that the current rule does not allow operators to adequately meet consumer demand, while still providing a balanced product offer to customers.
- Casino operators found to have misrepresented bonus terms have faced both regulatory sanction and advertising bans.
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With regard to venues currently operating with a gambling area of 1500sqm or more, the strongest preference from consultation respondents was for these venues to be made to reduce their gambling area below 1500sqm. Some respondents used this section of the consultation to further highlight their opposition to the minimum table gaming area requirement. This section of the consultation received 43 responses.
How to Check if a Casino is UKGC Licensed: Licence Types Explained
Operator licence fees are different for 1968 Act and 2005 Act casinos. We do not intend on changing any of the requirements placed on operators for when a variation to a premises licence may be required. Currently, the Gambling Commission’s guidance to licensing authorities states that an application for a variation of a premises licence will only be required where there are material changes to the layout of the premises.
The first two matters are not, and cannot be, delegated to a licensing committee, and must be taken by the authority as a whole. 416.Under legislation repealed by this Act, it has been a requirement that the grant of certain gambling permissions should take account of whether there is unfulfilled demand for the facilities. The new licence for the track can only be granted at the same time as, or after, the original licence has been varied. 412.In Scotland, the powers of the Secretary of State in relation to the form of the licence are to be carried out by the Scottish Ministers. It also provides prosecution powers for licensing authorities in relation to their licensing functions.
In 2024, the market generated over £15 billion in gross gambling yield (GGY), with remote (online) gambling accounting for more than half. All casinos reviewed are UKGC licensed. All UKGC-licensed casinos must now prompt new customers to set deposit limits during the account registration process.
Remote betting intermediary operating licence Remote betting host virtual events licence Remote betting host real events licence Remote general betting standard virtual events licence Remote general betting standard real events licence Navigating the complex web of UK casino laws is essential for new operators aiming to succeed.
427.These sections prescribe the procedure for making an application for a premises licence. 426.In addition to responsible authorities, a wider group of people may play a role in the premises licensing process under this Part. This is the case, for example, for a casino licence under Part II of the Gaming Act 1968 or a bookmaker’s permit under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963. 415.This section sets out the principles that licensing authorities should apply when exercising their premises licensing functions under this Part. Other sections in this Part give permission for particular kinds of premises licence to authorise more than one type of activity. The effect of this requirement is to limit the principal activity on the premises to the provision of facilities for a particular type of gambling activity.
The Commission works alongside local licensing authorities, which are responsible for issuing premises licences for land-based gambling venues. Established under the Gambling Act 2005, the Commission oversees all commercial gambling in Great Britain — from high-street betting shops and land-based casinos to online slots, poker rooms, and sports betting exchanges. You can apply to us for a licence to provide casino games in a premises (non-remote) or online (remote). It requires remote gambling operators selling into the British market, whether based here or abroad, to hold a Commission licence to enable them to transact with British consumers. The legislative changes also introduced changes to gaming machine entitlements for converted casino premises. For casinos which exercise the extended entitlement and other larger converted casino premises, a new mandatory condition in paragraph 4 of Part 5 of Schedule 1 to the 2007 Regulations requires that the floor area of the gambling area is less than 1,500m².
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is a respected EU regulator many operators also hold, but on its own it doesn’t provide UK-specific protections like GAMSTOP. Complain to the casino first, and if you’re not satisfied, escalate for free to its independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider. Reports from players help the Commission identify operators that breach the rules, even though it doesn’t resolve individual disputes directly. The UK Gambling Commission can investigate and take action, including fines, additional conditions, suspension or revocation of the licence. Casinos that accept UK players without a UK Gambling Commission licence are operating outside UK regulation, so they don’t provide UK player protections such as GAMSTOP, fund safeguarding or independent complaints. It guarantees audited, fair games, protection of your deposited funds, age and identity verification, required safer-gambling tools including GAMSTOP, honest advertising with capped wagering, and access to independent dispute resolution.
This means that the casino operates under guidelines for player safety, data protection, and player protection. The UKGC implemented this to prevent players from becoming addicted to gambling and spending more than they can afford. We may earn a commission if you click on one of our partner links and make a deposit at no extra cost to you.
Respondents had differing views on the impact on other gambling products. Contrastingly, respondents from local government, campaign groups and academia were more cautious about any measures which could be seen as increasing the supply of gambling opportunities, due to links between rates of gambling participation and gambling-related harm. We will work with the relevant trade bodies and operators to understand the feasibility of this proposal and the frequency of any reporting to DCMS. This includes ensuring that appropriate safeguards against gambling-related harm are in place. In addition, operating costs have risen significantly over this period, especially as a result of rising energy costs, which have increased by over 225% for some operators.
To preserve the integrity of this large industry, national authorities continuously revise their approach to gambling oversight and player safety. The United Kingdom holds a significant place in Europe’s gambling economy, with annual spending reaching around £14 billion. Your trusted partner for gaming license acquisition and compliance across premier jurisdictions worldwide. The UK market rewards operators who take compliance seriously. Explore more gaming license guides for additional market entry strategies.
The government proposes that account verification should be required on each transaction, in line with the majority of responses to these questions. A response from an advocacy organisation opposed the introduction of direct debit card payments on the basis that there is evidence that cashless payments result in increased and unplanned spending when compared to cash. One betting shop operator was concerned that allowing direct debit card payments would minimise the interactions a customer has with betting shop staff as their current customer journey requires a certain level of interaction with a staff member. They stated that it would be an unnecessary and disproportionate burden for a low stake and low prize machine. Over 70% of responses also agreed that card account verification should be required on each transaction. The Commission will consult further on minimum transaction times, limit setting functionality, staff alerts, safer gambling messaging and the display of session time and net position.