Obtaining a Gambling License in the UK

The UK gambling market is one of the most developed and transparent globally. Annually, the market surpasses £14 billion, with tens of millions of active players. The online gambling segment is consistently growing, covering casinos, sports betting, bingo, poker, and lotteries. High purchasing power, digital culture, and loyalty to online gambling make this market strategically crucial for international operators.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulates all gambling activities, operating under the Gambling Act 2005. Its mandate includes player protection, anti-money laundering measures, ensuring fairness in games, and operator financial stability. UKGC is recognized as one of the strictest yet most effective gambling regulators worldwide.

A UKGC license is synonymous with reliability and accountability. Companies licensed in the UK automatically enhance their global market reputation, gaining access to partnerships with leading payment providers, banks, and B2B partners.

Discover other popular jurisdictions in our complete list of gambling licenses.

Benefits of UK Gambling License

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is among the world’s most reputable gambling regulators. A UKGC license offers strategic advantages crucial for successful and lawful iGaming business growth:

• Enhanced Reputation: Significantly boosts trust with banks, payment services, and major game providers.
• UK Market Access: Provides entry to one of the largest, most stable, and financially capable gambling markets globally.
• Legal Status in B2B Sector: Licensed B2B operators can legally provide software, hosting, and platform services.
• Cryptocurrency Payments: Legal crypto payment usage is permitted with strict AML and GDPR compliance.
• Transparent Tax Policy: Predictable taxation system enables better financial planning.
• Wide Range of Activities: Allows offering online casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo, lotteries, esports betting, and innovative gambling games.

A UKGC license is ideal for companies focusing on long-term strategic growth and partnerships with top international entities.

UKGC License Types

The UK Gambling Commission issues licenses based on a separate regulation principle, meaning each type of gambling activity requires a specific license. Here are the main license types for online operators:

1. Remote Casino Operating License: Allows online gambling (slots, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker, etc.). Essential for B2C casinos serving UK players.
2. Remote General Betting Operating License: Required for bookmakers accepting sports bets, esports, event outcomes, or lottery results, issued separately for fixed odds and pool betting.
3. Remote Gambling Software License: Mandatory for B2B providers developing, selling, or leasing gambling software.
4. Remote Bingo Operating License: Permits organizing online bingo and related services, potentially combined with casino or software licenses.
5. Remote Lottery Operating License: Intended for companies running online lotteries, raffles, or charity promotions in the UK.

Regulatory Requirements for Obtaining a UK Gambling License

Obtaining a UKGC license involves strict but clear requirements covering corporate structure, compliance, and responsible gambling. These standards are essential not only for acquiring the license but for maintaining it long-term.

Corporate Requirements

Your company must be registered in the UK or another UKGC-recognized jurisdiction. Applicants must prove financial capacity and disclose full ownership details — including directors, shareholders, and UBOs — with identity verification and source of funds. Key positions such as Compliance Officer and MLRO must be assigned and vetted.

Compliance Standards

A complete business plan is required, along with player protection policies (e.g. self-exclusion, deposit limits), and robust AML/KYC procedures in line with FATF standards. Operators must use certified platforms (RNG-tested), encrypt all data (SSL), and comply with GDPR.

Ongoing Obligations

Licensed operators must register with UKGC eServices, submit monthly reports, undergo regular audits, and maintain internal controls. The Gambling Commission conducts periodic reviews and audits to ensure continued compliance.

Maintaining compliance is critical for license acquisition and retention, as UKGC regularly monitors licensees through audits and information requests.

How to Get a UK Gambling License: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) license is a multi-stage process that requires detailed document preparation, risk assessment, and implementation of internal policies that meet regulatory standards. Below is a step-by-step guide tailored for operators planning to enter the UK gambling market legally.

Step 1

Initial Consultation and Strategic Planning

• Analysis of your business model and selection of the appropriate license type (e.g. Remote Casino, Betting, Software, Bingo).
• Risk assessment and pre-qualification checks for key individuals (Due Diligence).
• Development of a detailed licensing roadmap and compliance plan.

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Step 2

Corporate Structuring

• Registering a legal entity in the UK or a UKGC-recognized jurisdiction with demonstrated presence.
• Opening a bank account or setting up payment infrastructure.
• Appointing key personnel: CEO, Compliance Officer, and MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer).

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Step 3

License Application Documentation

• Preparing a business plan with revenue forecasts, market entry strategy, and partner agreements.
• Drafting AML/KYC, GDPR, and Responsible Gambling policies.
• Submitting details on company ownership, financial health, and internal structure.
• Providing technical platform descriptions, RNG certifications, supplier contracts, and data protection measures.

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Step 4

Online Submission via UKGC eServices

• Uploading all documents through the official Gambling Commission portal.
• Paying the application fee (based on license type and projected revenue).
• Assigning a point of contact for ongoing communication with the regulator.

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Step 5

Review and Assessment by UKGC

The Gambling Commission conducts a comprehensive due diligence process, reviewing company structure, ownership, and key personnel. Additional documents or interviews may be requested. If all requirements are met, the application is approved.

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Step 6

License Issuance and Business Launch

Once approved, the company receives a unique license number and is added to the public register. From that moment, the operator is officially authorized to conduct regulated gambling activities in the UK.

Average application review time: 10–16 weeks.

Taxes, AML, and Technical Requirements Post-License

After license issuance, operators must comply with strict UKGC standards:

• Tax Requirements: Remote Gaming Duty (21%), General Betting Duty (15%), specific duties for bingo and pools.
• AML Requirements: Strict customer identification, transaction monitoring, risk assessments, and reporting to NCA.
• Responsible Gambling: Mandatory player self-exclusion mechanisms, integration with GAMSTOP, bet limits, and problem gambling information.
• Technical Security: Certified RNG, SSL encryption, GDPR-compliant data handling, annual independent audits, dispute resolution mechanisms.

A UKGC license is a continuous commitment to high standards, significantly benefiting compliant operators on the global stage.

FAQ — UK Gambling License

How long does it take to get a UK gambling license?
The average timeline for obtaining a UKGC license is between 10 and 16 weeks, depending on the type of license and the complexity of your company structure. The speed of the process heavily depends on the quality of documentation and transparency of ownership.

Do I need to register a company in the UK to get a gambling license?
Not necessarily. Your company can be incorporated in another jurisdiction, but it must demonstrate a substantial presence in the UK, such as a local address, tax registration, or representatives on the ground.

What types of gambling licenses does the UKGC offer?
The UK Gambling Commission issues separate licenses for different activities. Depending on your business model, you may need one or more of the following: Remote Casino License, Remote Betting License, Software Supplier License, Licenses for Bingo, Lotteries, Pool Betting, and more.

How much investment is required to get a UKGC license?
There’s no fixed minimum capital requirement, but applicants must prove financial capability to cover operational costs, marketing, compliance, and technical infrastructure. This is part of the Gambling Commission’s due diligence process.

Can I accept cryptocurrency payments under a UK gambling license?
Yes, accepting crypto is permitted, provided you fully comply with UKGC’s AML and KYC regulations, ensure transaction transparency, and maintain accurate financial reporting. Crypto-friendly gambling operations are subject to enhanced regulatory scrutiny.

What are the fit and proper requirements for management?
All directors, the MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer), Compliance Officer, and other key persons must pass a “fit and proper” test. Individuals with a criminal history, financial sanctions, or questionable business practices will not be approved.

Can I apply for a UK gambling license without a physical office in the UK?
Yes, but your company must prove its ability to comply with UK tax, legal, and regulatory requirements. Appointing a local representative is mandatory for maintaining effective communication with the Gambling Commission.

UK Gambling License Consultant

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Licenses in Other Jurisdictions