Gambling License in UK
Last Update: 17.11.2025
The UK remains one of the most stable jurisdictions for the gambling business. A UK gambling license serves as proof that an operator is acting legally, adheres to player protection principles, and complies with financial supervision regulations. Such a license enhances the operator’s reputation among partners, opens the way to European markets, and simplifies working with banking institutions and payment systems.
Gofaizen & Sherle guides clients through the entire process of obtaining a gambling license: from preparing a package of documents and registering a company in the UK to direct interaction with the UKGC and setting up corporate procedures in accordance with the regulator’s requirements.
A UK gaming license is a permit to conduct gambling activities issued by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This regulator is one of the most demanding in the world and sets the rules for the entire gambling sector.
The UK is the second-largest market in Europe in terms of size. According to UKGC data, Britons spend over £18.7 billion annually on gambling. To maintain control over such a large sector, the Commission applies strict standards: protection of customer interests, blocking of money laundering channels, transparency of game mechanics, and ethical advertising.
Any company that works with players from the UK needs a gaming license, regardless of the country in which the business is registered. The UKGC’s regulations apply to:
- online casinos and slot platforms,
- bookmaker services and sports betting sites,
- lotteries and bingo,
- slot machine operators,
- studios that develop software for the gambling industry.
Operating without a license is considered a violation and leads to financial penalties, domain blocking, and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.
For operators, having a UKGC license means compliance with international standards of security and fairness. The regulator closely monitors compliance with the rules and does not hesitate to impose fines. As of October 2025, an updated mechanism for calculating sanctions came into effect. The system has become clearer, and in serious situations, the fine can be up to 15% of gross revenue. This makes compliance with licensing obligations a critical task for any participant in the British market.
Obtaining a license gives the operator access to one of the largest and most economically active markets in Europe. The company gains recognition from banks, business partners, and the players themselves. In addition, a UK gambling license serves as a passport to other regulated jurisdictions, where a British license is considered proof of a high level of compliance.
Legislative framework and regulatory authority in the UK
The UK gambling industry is regulated by a multi-level system of laws, which is considered one of the most sophisticated and balanced in the world.It is based on the Gambling Act 2005, the central act defining the concepts of betting, lotteries, and prizes, the licensing procedure, and liability for violations. The law sets three key objectives: preventing criminal activity, including money laundering; protecting minors and vulnerable groups; and ensuring the integrity and transparency of the gambling market.
Based on the Gambling Act 2005, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) was established in 2007 as an independent regulator, replacing the Gaming Board for Great Britain.The UKGC regulates all major forms of gambling: online casinos, bookmakers, lotteries, bingo, slot machines, and land-based venues. The only exception is spread betting, which is supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The Commission has broad powers:
- issues operating and personal UK casino licenses;
- monitors compliance with licensing conditions and regulations;
- audits operators’ financial statements;
- imposes sanctions (ranging from warnings to license revocation and referral of materials to law enforcement agencies);
- conducts its own investigations and cooperates with other agencies;
- develops proposals for changes to gambling legislation.
Operators’ activities are regulated by several specialized acts and standards:
- License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) – defines the conditions for obtaining and retaining a UK gambling license, requirements for advertising, customer protection, social obligations, and AML control.
- Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards (RTS) – sets technical standards for online operators and software providers: game fairness, customer funds protection, responsible gaming features.
- Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 – requires the implementation of financial monitoring and reporting systems to the National Crime Agency (NCA) on suspicious transactions.
- National Lottery etc. Act 1993 – regulates the activities of the National Lottery.
- Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Codes – set standards for gambling advertising: a ban on campaigns targeting minors or vulnerable groups, and mandatory mention of responsible gaming principles.
New regulatory requirements for UK gambling licenses in 2025
The UK regulatory framework continues to evolve towards greater transparency and consumer protection. From February 28, 2025, remote operators are required to conduct financial vulnerability checks on customers with net deposits of £150 per month or more. This measure was introduced by the UK Gambling Commission as part of the update to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) and is aimed at the early identification of players showing signs of financial risk.
New direct marketing rules came into force on May 1, 2025. Operators will now only be able to send promotional offers and notifications only with the customer’s explicit separate consent for each product and communication channel, as stipulated in the UK Government Consultation Report. In addition, a mandatory gambling levy was introduced in the UK on April 6, 2025, as provided for in the UKGC Levy Guidance 2025. Online companies and software providers pay 1.1% of gross gambling revenue, while land-based operators pay 0.4%. The funds raised are used for research, educational initiatives, and programs to help people struggling with gambling addiction.
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Advantages of UK gambling license
Despite the higher cost of a UK gaming license, this jurisdiction remains one of the most sought-after among online gambling operators due to a number of key advantages:
Stable legal environment
The UK has built a system where the rules really work. There are no sudden changes or administrative chaos. The UK Gambling Commission ensures a balance between strict control and a common-sense approach. For businesses, this means predictability, legal protection, and clear guidelines for growth.
Reputation and trust
A UK gaming license is considered the professional standard in the iGaming industry. It is only granted to companies that have undergone comprehensive checks and proven their financial stability. This status strengthens the brand’s reputation and makes it a reliable partner for banks, investors, and large operators.
Player protection
A UKGC license is a guarantee of transparent conditions and security of funds. Players understand that they are dealing with a company that operates honestly, adheres to the principles of responsible gaming, and fulfills its payment obligations. This strengthens loyalty and builds a loyal audience.
Financial stability and development
Having a license facilitates interaction with international payment systems and financial institutions. Regulated status reduces compliance risks and makes the company more understandable to investors. This foundation makes it possible to scale the project and enter new European markets.
Effective regulation
The commission oversees all key areas—casinos, betting, bingo, and lotteries—while supporting operators in implementing AML, KYC, and responsible gambling policies. This system does not simply supervise, but helps companies build sustainable processes and long-term strategies.
Types of UK gaming licenses
The UK Gambling Commission regulates the market through three main types of licenses. Each of them covers a separate level of responsibility. This approach makes the British system transparent and understandable for both businesses and regulatory authorities.
Operating License
The main license obtained by companies providing online or offline gaming services. This license confirms that the operator complies with UKGC standards in terms of financial stability, player protection, and responsible gaming.
Subcategories:
- Remote for online casinos, betting sites, poker rooms, bingo, and other remote forms of gambling. Required even when servers are located outside the UK if services are available to UK residents.
- Non-remote for land-based establishments: casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, and slot machines. When combining online and offline activities, both licenses are required.
- Ancillary for telephone and email betting operators, as well as software providers and marketing agencies associated with the gambling business.
Features:
- processing time is approximately 16 weeks;
- a separate license is required for each type of activity;
- the cost is calculated individually using the UKGC calculator based on the GGY (Gross Gambling Yield) indicator.
Personal License
Required for employees who make management decisions or interact with customers. It is valid indefinitely, but must be reviewed every five years.
There are two types of personal licenses:
| License type | Who it is for | Cost | Processing time | Basic requirements |
| PML (Personal Management License) | For executives, directors, compliance, marketing, IT, and planning managers. | £370 | ~8 weeks | Passport, photo, corporate documents, UK address |
| PFL (Personal Functional License) | For employees: cashiers, operators, security guards, couriers | ~£185 | ~8 weeks | Proof of identity, 5 years of residential address, UK address |
Premises License
Issued by local authorities and applies to physical premises – casinos, bingo halls, and betting shops.
Main conditions:
- Applications can only be submitted after obtaining (or simultaneously submitting) an Operating License.
- The right to use the premises must be confirmed.
- Within 7 days of submission, HMRC, the police, the fire service, the health inspectorate, the planning department, the licensing authority, and the child protection service are notified.
Requirements for obtaining a UK gaming license
To obtain a UK gambling license, companies must comply with the following rules:
- Corporate transparency
The Commission requires full disclosure of the chain of ownership from nominal shareholders to actual controlling persons. A share distribution scheme, information about management, and capital participants must be provided.
- Verification of business participants
The regulator examines the biographies of owners and top managers: the presence of court decisions, credit history, and business reputation. For foreign citizens, documents are translated and certified.
- Professional level of the team
The profile of managers is assessed: their career path in the industry, education, specialization. Experts in the field of regulatory compliance and prevention of financial abuse are particularly valued.
- Project capitalization
The applicant demonstrates solvency through six months of financial statements, discloses capital raising channels, builds a financial model for a three-year horizon, and proves the ability to guarantee payments to customers.
- Strategic vision
The business model should include a product line, audience profile, channels for attracting customers, and operational logistics, taking into account local legislation. It is also necessary to develop a set of corporate standards: methods for verifying users, combating financial crimes, mechanisms for controlling gaming behavior, and rules for interacting with customers.
- Personal licensing
Top management issues individual permits or declares personal data through regulatory forms. Persons responsible for monitoring financial transactions and social programs are appointed.
- Technological infrastructure
Gaming software undergoes independent testing for fairness of results generation. If external developers are involved, they must have their own regulatory permits.
- Information protection
Cryptographic data transmission protection is used, European privacy standards are observed, and systems for detecting abnormal activity and repelling cyberattacks are implemented.
- Financial monitoring
A system is being developed for customer identification, verification against sanctions registers and lists of public figures, analysis of payment patterns, and notification of authorities about suspicious transactions.
- Preventive measures
The platform is equipped with self-restriction tools: setting financial limits, voluntary access blocking, and breaks in play. Connection to a nationwide database of self-excluded users and strict age control are mandatory.
- Fiscal obligations
Online operators pay one-fifth of their gaming revenue, bookmakers pay 15% of their margin. Regulatory fees are paid. Having a local office and a settlement account increases the chances of approval.
- Technical specifications of online services
The system architecture, component interaction diagram, gaming content sources, and operating protocols are described.
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UK Gaming License Application Process Step-by-Step
Step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a UK gambling license:
Determine the type of activity and the required license
Step 1
Determine what services you plan to provide—online casino, betting, bingo, lotteries, or gaming software development. This will determine the type of license: remote, non-remote, or ancillary. For combined activities (e.g., online and offline), you will need to obtain multiple licenses.
Register your company and disclose its ownership structure
Step 2
Create a legal entity, prepare the founding documents, information about the directors, and a beneficiary chart. The UKGC requires complete transparency of the structure — this is a prerequisite for starting the verification process.
Appoint responsible employees and obtain personal licenses
Step 3
Managers and key specialists (directors, compliance, IT, marketing, finance) apply for a Personal Management License (PML).
Operators and on-site staff may require a Personal Functional License (PFL), which is issued separately.
Prepare internal compliance policies and procedures
Step 4
The following must be developed and implemented:
- AML/CTF and KYC policies,
- responsible gaming procedures,
- data protection rules,
- terms of use,
- complaint handling procedures.
Online companies are also required to have their gaming software certified and RNG tested in an accredited laboratory.
Prepare a financial package and business plan
Step 5
The Commission assesses the stability of the company, so you need to provide sources of capital, bank statements, forecasts for 1-3 years, as well as a policy for protecting customer funds.
Apply to the UK Gambling Commission
Step 6
The application is submitted through the UKGC online portal. All documents are attached to it, and the registration fee is paid. This stage usually takes 1-2 weeks, including the preparation of the form and attachments.
Pass the UKGC due diligence check
Step 7
The regulator assesses the owners, reputation, sources of funds, and level of compliance with requirements. The check takes an average of 12-16 weeks, but with a complex structure or additional requests, it can take up to 20 weeks.
Get approval and pay the annual fee
Step 8
After successfully passing the check, the UKGC issues a license. The operator pays the first annual fee and is entered into the public register.
Prepare for launch
Step 9
Before starting operations, set up responsible gaming tools, integration with GAMSTOP, age and personal data verification, as well as transaction monitoring and reporting systems.
Maintain UKGC compliance
Step 10
After receiving a license, the company is required to regularly update its internal policies, submit reports, and notify the regulator of any changes. Failure to comply with LCCP conditions may result in fines or license revocation.
The entire process takes an average of 3 to 5 months, depending on the completeness of the documents and the complexity of the company’s structure.
License renewal and revocation UK gaming license
Unlike many other jurisdictions, UK casino licenses are valid indefinitely and do not require formal renewal. However, this does not mean that there is no control – the regulator retains the right to conduct regular checks for compliance with current standards.
The Commission may revoke a license in the following cases:
- Non-compliance with updated licensing standards; the regulator may consult with law enforcement agencies if violations are suspected
- Problems identified in the operation of the facility during the previous license period
- Unjustified refusal to allow authorized inspectors access to premises or documentation
- Systematic violations of operating conditions
In serious cases, the Commission has the right to suspend or revoke a license, for example, in the event of financial risks, AML/KYC violations, or non-payment of fees.
Before revocation, the UKGC sends a notification with the reasons and deadlines. The operator has the opportunity to remedy the violations or appeal to the tribunal.
It is important to keep the regulator informed: any change in ownership, management, or business direction must be reported promptly. Failure to report changes is a common reason for sanctions.
Costs and Taxes Overview: UK Gambling License
British gambling companies are required to pay annual license fees, taxes, and social security contributions calculated based on gross gambling yield (GGY).
Main payments for the UKGC license
| Operator category | Approximate GGY | Initial fee | Annual fee |
| Small companies | up to £1.5 million | from ~£940 | from ~£2,400 |
| Medium operators | £1.5–100 million | £3,000–£7,000 | £4,000–£20,000 |
| Large corporations | from £1 billion | from ~£7,000 | £900,000 + £150,000 for every £500 million GGY |
The amount of fees depends on the type of activity (online, offline, combined), the number of licensed categories, and the geography of operations.
Taxes for a UK gaming license
- Online gaming (Remote Gaming Duty) – 21% of gross profits. The Point of Consumption principle applies to UK players.
- Bookmaking (General Betting Duty) – 15% of gross profits. Applies to all bets placed by UK customers.
- The RBGD reform is currently under consultation. In April–July 2025, consultations were held on the unification of rates for the remote sector. We are awaiting the results and the final model.
Approximate other operator expenses
- Personal licensing: £185–£370 per employee.
- Software and RNG certification: £15,000–£50,000.
- Compliance and reporting: £50,000–£100,000 annually.
- Bank fees: 2.5–4% of transaction volume.
Failure to pay fees or taxes may result in the suspension or revocation of the license, so financial planning should be part of the operator’s strategy.
Conclusion
The UK Gambling Commission strictly monitors compliance with licensing requirements. The regulator conducts regular checks on operators and does not hesitate to apply sanctions. In recent years, fines for companies have reached tens of millions of pounds, and in some cases, licenses have been revoked entirely. The British market is only open to those who operate transparently, with a clear financial structure and understandable compliance processes.
Gofaizen & Sherle help operators build just such a system. We prepare documentation, review AML and KYC policies, support the process of interacting with the UKGC, and help maintain compliance after obtaining a UK gaming license. If you are planning to enter the UK market, our team will conduct a readiness audit and develop a strategy to ensure that the licensing process goes smoothly.
FAQ about Gambling License in the UK
What is a UK gambling license?
A UK gambling license is a permit from the Gambling Commission to legally offer betting, casino, lottery, or bingo services to British players. The license confirms compliance with technical and financial standards and responsible gaming requirements.
Who needs a UK gambling license?
Any operator offering gambling services to UK customers (online casinos, bookmakers, poker rooms, lotteries) must obtain a UK casino license. Both remote and land-based businesses are licensed, and B2B providers are licensed depending on their role.
How long does it take to obtain a UK gambling license?
The UKGC reviews applications within 6-16 weeks after submission for a UK gambling license. The full cycle, including document preparation, compliance setup, and software testing, usually takes 6-12 months from project start to license receipt.
Why choose the UK gaming license?
Access to a market with a GGY of £14+ billion, recognition of payment systems and B2B partners, investor confidence, and transparent regulation. The UKGC license works as a global mark of quality and simplifies entry into other jurisdictions.
What are the requirements for obtaining a UK gambling license?
A company, verified sources of capital, a certified platform and RNG, AML/RG policies, segregated player accounts, qualified management with PML, proof of financial stability, and a compliance infrastructure.