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The UK Gambling Commission’s gaming licence is undoubtedly one of the most reputable gaming licences in the entire gambling industry. The best feature of the UK’s gaming licence is that casinos that operate under the licence can provide their players with tax-free winnings.
Consequently, many online casinos where Europeans like to play at, operate under the licence. However, the UK gaming licence is primarily used in the UK’s gambling market today because of its hefty licence fees.
Legal notice
The contents of this page are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise.
What Is the UK Gambling Commission?
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the main regulatory authority responsible for the issuing of gambling license UK and monitoring of gambling activities within the confines of the United Kingdom.
It emerged after the Gambling Act 2005 was established with the aim of making sure that all licensed and regulated gambling operators follow the stipulated regulations. Regulations pertain to the protection of player details, such as their personal and financial details, a high degree of transparency, such as having significant terms listed next to each promotion and ensuring fair gaming, by having the casino’s games regularly audited by independent third-party auditors such as eCOGRA.
The Gambling Commission licence is one of the most prestigious licences in the world. Thanks to its strict nature, players can expect complete transparency and a fair gambling session when playing at UKGC casinos. If you want to find all the online casinos with the UK’s gaming licence, you've come to the right place.
UK Gambling Commission's Role and Responsibilities
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission has a number of duties and roles. As the leading authority for gambling licensing and UK gambling regulations, all online gambling sites must go through it before they become legal and start operating.
For players, the British Gambling Commission is there to safeguard their interests and to ensure that they are protected from the moment they land on these sites. Be it any personal information shared on the site or any financial transactions, these are protected by encryption technology.
UK licensed casinos must also ensure that any marketing or advertising is as straightforward and as honest as they come. They cannot dupe players and terms and conditions must always be displayed clearly.
When making a transaction online at an online casino license UK site, all funds are protected and processed in a safe manner. If something goes wrong during this transaction, players are entitled to a cashback.
All sites with a UK online gambling license must also prevent money laundering. There are various requirements that are heavily discussed in detail in the Terrorist Finance and Transfer of Funds and Money Laundering regulations.
The Gambling Commission Contact Details
Should you have any UKGC complaints, you can get in touch with the Gambling Commission UK as follows:
Official name
The UK Gambling Commission
Founded
2005
Headquarters
Victoria Square House, Birmingham, B2 4BP
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Motto
Keep gambling fair and safe
Parent department
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS
Website
https://www.gamblngcommission.gov.uk
History of the Gambling Commission UK
The Gambling Commission in the UK was founded and established in 2005, out of an incessant need to address an ever-increasing need for a regulatory body to not only manage but also to oversee the rapidly-growing gambling industry in the United Kingdom.
With the number of online gambling websites as well as many technology advancements on the rise, it was of crucial importance that responsible gambling practices and player protection were given prominence.
The Gambling Commission emerged with the issuing of the Gambling Act of 2005, marking a very important step in the approach towards gambling regulation in the UK.
With the aim of providing tight safety, complete transparency and fairness, the UK Gambling Commission has played a pivotal role in shaping the operational standards as well as the gambling industry’s ethics.
Why UKGC-Licensed Online Casinos?
Opting for a UK-licensed gambling site provides you with a number of advantages that benefit you and your gambling session. As mentioned, the UK Gambling Commission is one of the most stringent authorities in this world, which also means that licensed operators must also abide by strict standards as stipulated by the authority. Since the authority is continually monitoring these casinos, players are guaranteed that the games are fair and the results are not manipulated.
Another key benefit is high player protection. UK-licensed operators are obliged to implement various measures to prevent problem gambling and protect both the players’ personal information as well as funds. It is not unheard of for players to randomly receive emails from casinos when they play at non-UK-licensed casinos. With UK casinos, this is not an issue and your information is never passed on.
UK casinos are also player-friendly and keep up with the latest advancements in technology. Players can enjoy gaming from a host of devices, be it desktop or mobile devices. Thanks to the user-friendly interfaces, players can navigate between different sections with ease. You are never more than a couple of clicks away from your destination.
How to Choose the Best Casino Licensed by the UKGC
There are numerous options out there, so choosing a casino that is licensed and regulated by the UKGC needs some research. Follow our list of steps to make an informed decision and pick the best one.
1
Select a casino
Browse through the list of gambling sites with a gaming license UK displayed above.
2
Read reviews
Pick a few casinos with an online gambling licence UK and read some reviews.
3
Read the terms
Take the time to read the terms and conditions of any websites with a UK casino license that interest you.
4
Register and deposit
Once you have picked one, you can proceed to sign up for an account and make a deposit via one of the available payment methods.
5
Play
As soon as your payment goes through, you can start playing your favourite games.
Player Protection in UKGC-Licensed Casinos
UKGC-licenced online casino sites provide player protection through a number of security measures and reliable practices. These measures are in place to help players enjoy a safe gambling experience without having to worry about their information getting compromised.
One of the main aspects of player protection is the implementation of the most advanced encryption technologies. These technologies safeguard the most sensitive data by converting it into unreasonable code, making it impossible for any unauthorised parties to decipher the information. This encryption technology is applied to all aspects, including account details, financial transactions as well as any other sensitive data exchanged between the casino’s servers and the players.
As is required by the gambling authority, UK casinos must also run various verification practices. This is done to ensure that no minors are gambling as well as to present any fraudulent activities such as identity theft. The verification process generally starts from the moment a player registers for an account, but players may also be requested to provide further documentation, such as proof of address, payment method and identity.
Furthermore, UK-licenced casino sites must also practice responsible gambling. They do this by equipping players with the necessary tools to help them stay in control of their gambling session. This includes various limits, such as deposit, loss and wager limits, self-exclusion and cooling-of periods.
Casino Dispute Resolution Under the Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission issued a number of requirements and standards which online casinos must meet. This also pertains to UK Gambling Commission complaints. UK casinos must offer dispute resolution by an independent third party or ideally, an Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider.
If the player is not happy with the response to their complaint, they can also seek an ADR provider. As part of the Gambling Commission services, the ADR is a free and completely independent service. Generally, the casino will inform the player which ADR provider to use and the player is then supplied with their contact details.
How to Check a Casino for the Gambling Commission Licence
Checking the validity of a Gambling Commission licence is important to make sure that the online casino you are considering is legit and trustworthy. Just because a casino has a UK Gambling Commission logo in the footer, does not mean that it is valid, though that is generally a good sign. Here are some steps to ensure that the casino is properly licenced:
Logo in the footer: As mentioned, look for signs of a valid UKGC licence in the footer. You may also want to check and validate the authenticity of the licence by looking it up on the UKGC website.
Licence details: Check that the details of the casino match the information available on the UKGC site, including the trading number and licence number.
Rogue websites: Some websites claim that they are UKGC-licenced but if you can find no matching results on the UKGC site or the licensing information cannot be verified, consider this a red flag.
Use official channels: To avoid falling victim to a rogue casino site, use the official UKGC websites directly and use the provided tools for licence verification.
Mr. Gamble: Our team at Mr. Gamble verifies all the licences of the UK casinos promoted so you can skip the research and hard work and focus on gameplay.
New UKGC Casinos 2024
New UKGC casinos are continually emerging on a regular basis. These online casinos have undergone thorough checks and obtained all the necessary licensing to ensure the highest standards. Check out the below new casinos to get started.
Casino Rules and Regulations by the UK Gambling Commission
The UK Gambling Commission is responsible for the establishment as well as the implementation of a set of rules and regulations. These cover a wide spectrum of services for both online and land-based casinos, including accepting Gambling Commission, licence fees and requirements, play protection, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling policies, amongst others.
A UK gaming license is a must for any operators interested in offering their products and services in the UK. All platforms with an online gambling license UK can accept players from the UK. Some of these sites can also have a valid gambling licence issued from other gambling authorities, such as the Malta Gaming Authority.
One of the main responsibilities that comes with having a gambling licence UK is that casino promotions must be fair. This means that the terms and conditions must be clearly available and players cannot be duped by any false information. For example, a casino with a gambling license in UK cannot advertise a no deposit bonus and expect players to make a deposit.
Moreover, any illegal actions by these gambling sites can result in hefty fines. As the main gambling regulator UK, it also stresses that all gambling sites must not promote any misleading adverts. All marketing materials must be straightforward, legal and true.
The UKGC Licence: Pros and Cons
The UK gambling regulator is one of the strictest gambling authorities in the world, so it comes as no surprise that UK licensed online casinos are some of the safest around. Here are the pros and cons of this regulator.
✔️ Pros
❌ Cons
Player protection: Gambling sites with a UK gambling licence must provide fair play and responsible gambling practices.
Bureaucracy: The UKGC can be bureaucratic and can lead to time-wasting procedures for operators.
Transparency: UK-licensed casino sites must display the most significant terms next to all casino bonuses and promotions without duping players.
Market restrictions: The regulations can be limiting for some operators, leading to decreased competition.
Trust: A casino regulated by the UK Gambling Commission ensures that players are provided with the right safety protocols ensuring that players have a fair gaming session.
Enforcement: The commission enforces compliance with regulations by imposing fines and sanctions if required.
Why You Should Get the UKGC Licence in 2024
To obtain a UKGC licence, the right Gambling Commission application must be filled out in order to operate within the UK market.
Amongst some of the benefits, a UKGC licence acts as a hallmark of trust and credibility helping the casino to establish its brand and reputation. Players can also expect a high degree of operator standards, including protection and responsible gambling tools as well as fair gaming.
A UKGC licence also unlocks access to a large player base as UK players tend to sign up for an account at licensed and regulated gambling sites. Compliance with such regulations also ensures complete transparency, prevention of criminal activity and ethical conduct.
Gambling Licence Types Offered by the Gambling Commission
The UK Gambling Commission provides three main types of gambling licences that a business may need. If you have any questions, we recommend you contact the Gambling Commission, so you can get a proper account of all the licences available.
Operating Licences
An operating licence is required to provide any type of gambling services in the UK. There are two main types, namely remote and non-remote. Remote operating licences are mandatory for online gambling, while non-remote are required for land-based gambling facilities, such as betting shops and arcades.
Personal Management Licences
Personal Management Licences are required by persons who may occupy specific management positions within a licenced gambling business. This is to ensure that any gambling sites with a UKGC licence are in good hands and that any key personnel are not involved in any criminal activities.
Personal Functional Licences
Personal Functional Licences are mandatory for persons who have specific roles, such as cashiers, dealers and customer support. As such, they are available to personnel who will be handling money, so it is more applicable to offline casino personnel than online. The list of employees includes cashiers, croupiers, security staff and gaming supervisors amongst others. Applicants would be required to submit police and credit reports as well as verification documentation.
Premises Licence
This is a special type of licence that is issued to brick-and-mortar casinos and offline gambling businesses, such as arcades and bingo halls.
The Gambling Commission Requirements
To obtain a gambling licence from the UKGC, you would need to meet a number of criteria, including:
Financial stability: Applicants must be able to showcase their financial stability as well as the ability to manage funds securely. Players’ winnings should also be protected.
Player protection: Online casinos must implement various measures to ensure fair play, and prevent underage gambling.
Anti-money laundering: A strict AML framework, as well as verification processes, must be in place to stop any money laundering activities.
Advertising: Operators must also abide by strict advertising standards, so promotional materials are in no way misleading or target vulnerable groups.
Customer support: Customer support services must be available to assist players with any issues or questions they may have.
How to Get a Gambling Licence From the UKGC
To obtain a gambling licence, you must undergo a comprehensive application process. The steps to acquire one include:
Initial inquiry: Interested parties must first make an initial inquiry with the UKGC to express their interest in obtaining a licence.
Application: Operators must submit a detailed application that includes various information, including ownership, business structure and plan as well as financial stability.
Background checks: The UKGC runs various background checks on individuals involved in the company, such as the directors and shareholders.
Financial checks: The financial stability of the applicant is assessed to ensure that they have the financial capacity to operate and to cover player winnings.
Licence fees: Applicants must pay an application fee based on the type of licence they wish to obtain.
Technical testing: Operators must showcase their systems, software and games. They should be able to prove that the games produce random outcomes.
Licence terms: The UKGC will highlight the terms and conditions of the licence, including the gambling activities allowed and any extra requirements.
Gambling Commission Licence Fees
If you are looking to obtain a licence, the UK Gambling Commission will provide all the necessary information and guidance about the licences they provide and the fees relating to gambling activities. As mentioned, three types of licences can be obtained. The application cost for a licence is £370 and the fee must be paid by credit or debit card online.
Once you have an operating licence, you must also pay an annual fee to keep it. The Gambling Commission generally issues an invoice 6 weeks before the fee is payable.
Both the licence application and the annual fees are not refundable.
FAQ
Does the UK Gambling Commission make laws?
The UKGC is an executive public body of the UK government, and thus, responsible for the regulation of gambling and gaming law in Great Britain.
Does the UK Gambling Commission help?
Yes. The UKGC provides assistance to both individuals and businesses that are looking to offer gambling services in the UK. If you have a complaint about a specific casino, you can get in touch with the commission.
When did the Gambling Commission start?
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 and took full rein in 2007.
How to get a UK gaming licence?
Casinos with no UK licence can apply by first choosing the type of licence they require, preparing the necessary documentation, complying with the licence conditions and codes of practice, and paying the application and annual fee.
How long does it take to obtain the Gambling Commission licence?
The entire process can take circa 16 weeks.
Is crypto allowed with the UK Gambling Commission?
While there is an interest from stakeholders in the use of crypto, applicants are finding it difficult to evidence the source of funds when it comes to crypto assets.
Do I have to register with Gambling Commission?
If you are a player, you don’t have to register with the Gambling Commission.
What are the UKGC requirements on security?
Various technical standards and security requirements apply, such as the annual security audit which must be carried out by an independent auditor.
How do I contact the Gambling Commission?
You can get in touch with the UKGC via the Contact Us page.
How do I complain to the Gambling Commission?
You can submit your complaint to the UKGC on its site, where you must provide all the necessary details about any issues you may be facing. This in turn will be reviewed and any necessary action will be taken.
How to get licensed by the Gambling Commission?
You would need to undergo a detailed application process, by submitting various documentation, such as your business plan and financial information.
How long to get a license from Gambling Commission?
The entire process can take up a period of 16 weeks.
Silver Portugov is the Chief Business Officer at Mr. Gamble with a wealth of experience in the iGaming scene. The knowledge Silver has acquired in the industry allows him not only to come up with and implement successful business initiatives but also to build strong relationships with partners...
