Gambling Act 2005 Explanatory Notes
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.
A casino site with a high Domain Score and a high Trust Score is in the strongest position across both dimensions. The screenshot confirms the domain was serving active gambling content and wasn’t pointing at an error page, a parked domain, or an unrelated site. From the operator page, you can access the full Trust Score, licence history, any enforcement record, and the corporate structure cross-referenced with Companies House.
On the basis that the demand from these machines comes largely from adults, we expect a limited impact on GGY from these machines as a result of this measure, especially with machines remaining where they can be played by adults who are accompanied by children. Granular data is not available on how many of these are ‘cash-out’ slot-style machines, which are in scope of this measure. Any more restrictive changes could potentially exacerbate the impact on places like seaside arcade economies by making these machines inaccessible to adults accompanied by children. Making it an offence for a person to invite, cause or permit a child or young person to use these machines should act as a further incentive to abide by the rules. The current industry voluntary code allows these machines to remain alongside all other types of Category D machines. Moving them to an age restricted area would disproportionately impact small businesses who are reliant on streams of income from all of their different types of machines.
Casinos originally licensed under the 1968 Act are limited to a maximum of 20 gaming machines of Category B, C and D if at least one machine is Category B, or an unlimited number of Category C and D machines. The sectors which pay these fees are casinos, bingo halls and bingo-licensed arcades, adult gaming centres, family entertainment centres and betting shops. Unlike most commercial gambling, Category D gaming machines, which include coin pushers and crane grabs, are not restricted by age.
The Risks of Playing at Casinos Without UKGC Licenses
Industry responses suggested that the projected uplift in GGY under Options 1 and 3, and conversely, the decrease or no impact in GGY under Option 2, corresponds directly with the ability to site Category B gaming machines. A central objective behind the reform of the 80/20 rule is to enable operators to have greater commercial flexibility over their product offer of Category B, C and D gaming machines. This means, for example, that operators will be able to site 2 Category B cabinet gaming machines to a minimum of one Category C or D gaming machine. The government intends to amend the current gaming machine ratio to allow operators to make 2 Category B gaming machines available to a minimum of one Category C and D gaming machine. Equally, we want to ensure that customers receive a genuine offer of lower staking gaming machines as an important mitigation against gambling-related harm.
Securing a license also depends on a casino’s approach to player protection. Money laundering is a huge risk in the gambling industry, and the UKGC has strict anti-money laundering requirements. Should a casino collapse, customers mustn’t lose their deposits, and that’s why robust financial guarantees are a must. The Commission needs to be satisfied that all key figures are trustworthy and capable of running a gambling operation responsibly. This varies depending on the projected gross gambling yield (GGY).
While it is acknowledged that the risk of gambling harm may increase somewhat following a transition to 50/50, the stipulation outlined in Option 2 would ensure that operators offer a balance of higher and lower stake gaming machines. Under the ‘available for use’ guidance, for the purpose of calculating the Category B machine entitlement in gambling premises, gaming machines should only be counted if they can be played simultaneously by different players without physical hindrance. Should the operating and premises licence fees that apply to 2005 Act casinos also apply to 1968 Act casinos that increase their gaming machine entitlements? Operating and premises licence fees for 1968 Act casinos that increase their gaming machine entitlement should match the operating and premises licence fees charged for 2005 Act casinos. These changes would only come into effect if 1968 Act casinos elect to make more than 20 gaming machines (including at least one Category B machine) available to the customer.
Not regarded as gaming where there is no prize offered in “money or money’s worth”. Fantasy betting (payment to back a ‘league’ or ‘portfolio’ selection over a period of time, for example in relation to sport) Sports/horse race betting (if regulated separately to other forms of betting)
UK online casinos are required by law to keep their responsible gambling resources easily accessible for its users. LicensedUK online casinoshave their own dedicated responsible gambling sections available. The ancillary licence does not authorise a remote link with gaming that takes place on another set of premises. With the exception of the previously stated restricted circumstances, any other provision of facilities for remote gambling will require a remote casino operating licence. It was created in 2001, and it oversees both land-based and online gambling operators licensed in Malta.
In practice, this means that 2 Category B gaming machines on a cabinet device type can be made available to a minimum of one Category C or D gaming machine on a cabinet device type. This measure will apply on a device type basis, meaning that the ratio applies across the 3 different types of device on which gaming machines content is currently offered in arcades and bingo halls, namely cabinets, in-fills and tablets. Introducing an age-limit on certain types of Category D gaming machines – draft affirmative statutory instrument.
Valentino Castillo is a well-respected name in the online casino world, known for his expertise as a new online casino analyst and reviewer. The UKGC was formed under the Gambling Act of 2005 and in collaboration with other licensing authorities, regulates all commercial gambling in Great Britain. The UK Gambling Commission will not directly get involved with complaints, but they can review cases made against a casino to check if the operator fulfilled its licensing obligations. You may also search the UK Gambling Commission’s website for more information about a casino’s licence status.
Please see the casino (host), bingo (host), general betting (host) (real events) or general betting (host) (virtual events) licences for further details. Some gambling software businesses provide facilities for remote gambling by making their games or betting content available to customers of other operators. Independent, hands-on reviews of UK Gambling Commission–licensed online casinos.
- It was also raised that these machines can be converted to adapt a card reader for contactless payment, but adding a chip and pin device for every transaction in most cases would either not be technically feasible or cost effective.
- It sets out the mandatory licence conditions and the social responsibility codes of practice (SRCPs) with which operators must comply.
- For example, if a casino has 400sqm of gambling space, it would be required to have at least 200sqm of table gaming space.
- Please note that the Commission expects that all customers in casino premises are treated as casino customers under the Regulations.
More widely, operators are expected to implement processes designed to identify when customers are exhibiting signs of potential harm and to interact and intervene in a way that is proportionate to the risk identified. The bulk of the social responsibility obligations imposed upon British gambling licensees are set out in the second part of the LCCP, as referred to above. At present, there is an acute regulatory focus in the UK on the advertising and promotion of gambling, and the industry is under considerable pressure in relation to the amount and the content of gambling advertising, particularly where there is a perceived attractiveness to children or young persons or where there is the potential for customers to be misled. For example, so-called “Novelty Bets” are permitted on non-sporting events and, as mentioned above, betting on lotteries (apart from the British National Lottery) is also permitted.
Player Safety & Responsible Gambling
If a gambling company fails to comply with the regulations, it can face substantial fines from the Gambling Commission. All licensed operators must comply with the License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). Ancillary licenses apply to operators that provide telephone and email betting. The Commission has the authority to investigate and enforce regulations, impose penalties for non-compliance, and address concerns related to problem gambling. All of the legal UK casino sites we recommend hold a valid UKGC licence and meet these requirements.
This change, which came into force in November 2014, ended the previous „white-listing“ regime under which operators licensed in certain approved offshore jurisdictions could serve UK consumers without a UK licence. Guidance and information for complying with licence conditions and regulations for running a gambling business. Information and guidance about the licences we provide and the fees relating to gambling activities. You will need to apply for an operating licence, before you apply for a premises licence from the local licensing authority.
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.
Information requirements from licensing authorities
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.
Therefore, allowing casinos to provide sports betting services will open up a new section of the market to them. In addition, the current GGY derived from betting in casinos where it is permitted, is very small. All casinos to be permitted to offer sports betting. We would not permit betting in Scottish 1968 Act casinos until Scottish Ministers have had the opportunity to consider what (if any) restrictions or protections they would like to put in place by way of amendments to the Mandatory and Default Conditions Regulations. While permitting betting in 1968 Act casinos is not a reserved matter, as outlined above, we intend to impose a limit on the number of SSBTs that can be made available in a casino.
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).
The regulator has indicated that it may be less inclined to “settle” regulatory enforcement actions, particularly where operators have been made the subject of prior regulatory enforcement action, leaning towards the imposition of sanctions and penalties or, in more serious cases, suspensions and revocations of licences. For instance, since 28 February 2025, online gambling operators have been required to undertake a financial vulnerability check where a customer’s net spend exceeds £150 in a rolling 30-day period and, following the passing of secondary legislation, since May 2025 maximum stake limits per spin for online slot games are in place (£2 for those aged 18–24; £5 for those aged 25 and over). The main legislation governing gambling in the three forms identified in English law (gaming, betting and participating in a lottery) is the Gambling Act 2005. Free-to-play casino games with prizes are regulated as gaming and require a licence. The outcome of the Commission’s consultation on changes to financial key event reporting – which closed in March 2024 – is pending.Finally, in June 2025 the UK Government announced that it plans to introduce a “Voluntary Code” for prize draw operators whose offerings do not require a licence under the gambling framework because of the presence of a free entry route.
The stated aims of the Commission are to keep crime out of gambling, Ensure it is conducted in a fair and open manner and to protect the vulnerable. On receiving the application, we may make a representation to the local licensing authority about it. Details on the information that we require from licensing authorities.
If you are looking for a casino with a safe and fair gaming environment, these casinos are the choice for you as player safety and casino not on gamstop game fairness are never jeopardised. A statutory levy is now applied to all licensed operators to fund gambling research, education, and treatment services. From September 2025, online slot machines will be capped at a £5 maximum stake per spin. Companies that supply gambling software or provide essential support services to licensed operators must comply with these requirements.
In order to ensure local authorities can continue to carry out their licensing and enforcement duties effectively, we are proposing to raise this cap by either 10%, 20% or 30%. This included a number of measures to adjust outdated regulatory restrictions applying to the land-based gambling sector. The Gambling Act Review white paper published in April 2023 set out the government’s plans for modernising the regulation of gambling in Great Britain. This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated.
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.
The government will introduce regulations through a draft affirmative statutory instrument to ensure that, for every 2 Category B gaming machines sited in AGC or bingo premises, at least one Category C or D gaming machine of a similar size is also sited on the premises. Both policy options are variations of Option 2, meaning that they focus on addressing the practice of operators siting increased numbers of Category B cabinet gaming machines by making lower staking Category C and D content available on in-fill and tablet gaming machines. A substantial number of responses drew upon the higher levels of customer spend which is evidenced on Category B gaming machines by comparison to Category C and D gaming machines, particularly as this relates to potential indicators of gambling-related harm.
