UK iGaming License Application Support

As a jurisdiction of choice, CSB Group can provide clients with assistance in establishing their remote gaming business along with guidance and support in obtaining the appropriate licence which would enable them to provide facilities for gambling and/or advertising in the United Kingdom. 

UKGC iGaming Licence: Application Process & Support

CSB Group will be there to assist you from the very beginning in navigating the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence application process in order to assist you in gaining access to the market in Great Britain. The application process involves extensive documentation and careful attention to detail which our expert igaming team will guide you through from A-Z in order to successfully apply and obtain a license with the UKGC. In terms of timeframe, it usually takes around 16 weeks for the UKGC to process an application, provided that all required information is provided at the point of application.

How long does it take?

It takes about 16 weeks to process an operating licence application, provided all required information is provided at the point of application.

Types of gambling that require a licence

Not all gambling requires a licence from the UKGC. The UKGC licences:

• Arcades
• Betting (shops and on-course)
• Bingo
• Casinos
• Gaming machine providers
• Gambling software providers
• Lottery
• External lottery managers
• Remote gambling (gambling done either online or by phone) that uses British-based equipment.

Licensing for Different Market Segments

When running a gambling business in Great Britain, you need the appropriate licences for the specific activities your business conducts. One may operate as a B2B (business to business) or B2C (business to consumer) company all of which can be subdivided into further categories depending on the activities in question. There are three primary types of operating licences in the UK market:

1. Remote Licence
2. Non-Remote Licence
3. Ancillary Licences

You may need one or a combination of these licences to provide gambling facilities to consumers in Great Britain. CSB Group will assist you in order to assess and determine the best licence which shall best fit your business needs.

The UKGC provides licensing for the following activities:

• Arcades Licence Activities
• Betting Licence Activities
• Bingo Licence Activities
• Casino Licence Activities
• Gambling Software Licence Activities
• Gaming Machines Licence Activities
• Lottery Licence Activities

What you shall need to apply

Before applying for a licence with the UKGC, it is essential to gather and prepare various supporting documents in order to be in a position to submit a complete application to the UKGC. When CSB Group assists you throughout this licence application, CSB Group will ensure that you are sending all of the required supporting documentation when submitting the online application. Not providing the UKGC with all the information and supporting documentation required is likely to result in the application being rejected. The application fee will not be refunded, and you will be required to start the whole process again from the beginning. With that said, CSB Group is here to help you navigate your way through all of the specific supporting documents which you are required to submit - such documentation largely depends on the type of company and the company’s intended business activities, but generally include Corporate Documentation, Shareholder Information, Business Plan & Financial Forecasts, Policies & Procedures, and Technical and System Documentation.

UK Gambling License Fees

Your application will not be processed by the UKGC until all required documents are submitted and the appropriate fees are paid to the authority.

Application Fees and Annual Licence Fees very much depend on the type of licence and activities which you shall apply for and obtain a licence thereto. CSB Group will be able to specifically guide you in terms of the applicable fees which you can expect and shall be required to pay to the UKGC accordingly.

It is important to be aware that the first annual fee is due 30 days after your licence is issued by the UKGC.

Your first annual fee is due 30 days after your licence is issued to you.

Benefits of the UKGC License

Obtaining a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your business operations and credibility in the gaming industry.

Prestigious Licence

Since the UK has enacted sector-specific regulations in iGaming, the UKGC license has gone from strength to strength. This success has been the result of a co-ordinated and countrywide effort to be pro-active in an industry that, when regulated effectively, can create an eco-system that allows various local economic sectors to flourish.

Legal Compliance

Operating with a UKGC licence ensures that your online gambling business adheres to a high standard of gambling laws, protecting your business from severe legal consequences, including fines and potential business closure - allowing you to operate legally within a flourishing market.

Enhanced Trust and Credibility

A UKGC licence adds a vital layer of trust and credibility to your brand. Customers are more likely to choose a UK licensed company, knowing that the company is regulated by a highly reputable authority that enforces fair play, responsible gambling practices, and appropriate safety protocols.

High Standards of Player Protection and Responsible Gambling

The UKGC places a strong emphasis and an extremely high standard in relation to player protection. Licensed companies must provide fair play, promote responsible gambling, and offer tools that help players manage their gambling behavior. This commitment to responsible gambling ensures that your customers are safe, supported, and are able to enjoy your services responsibly.

Market Access and Growth Opportunities

A UKGC licence grants access to one of the largest and most profitable online gambling markets in the world. It also offers international recognition, which can certainly open doors to other markets and global partnerships.

Stable Economy

A strong business needs a strong and stable economy to flourish. The UK’s ability over the years to continuously pursue growth at different levels, increase its GDP, reduce unemployment and contain inflation are all indicators of a country that has set its eyes on a continuous, stable and consistent growth approach.

UKGC Regulatory Compliance

The credibility gained from obtaining a UKGC licence comes with its obligations such as annual reporting requirements, security audits, adherence to responsible gambling and customer protection practices. 

A compliance assessment can be requested by the UKGC at any point in time which will typically consist of a website review, marketing and advertising review, interviews with key personnel, a review of key policies and procedures and controls and how they are implemented in practice. Including anti-money laundering and safer gambling reviews which would include thorough reviews of a sample of various customer accounts.

Failure to comply with the obligations set out by the Gambling Commission may result in suspension of operating licence, a review of the licence or financial settlement, issuance of a warning or special measures, or a fine.   

CSB Group will provide you with expert assistance and guidance which shall be specifically tailored to meet your specific on-going compliance requirements and any ad hoc requests in relation to compliance assessments conducted by the UKGC.

How CSB Group Can Help You Obtain and Maintain the UKGC License

CSB Group offers comprehensive assistance in establishing and operating your remote gaming licence in the UK. We provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire process, from obtaining the necessary gaming licence to ensuring ongoing compliance. Our 360-degree service covers pre-application preparation, licence acquisition, and post-launch compliance support, ensuring your business meets all UK regulatory requirements.

The iGaming Industry in the UK

The UK’s pro-active, trail-blazing approach in regulatory matters has led it to become the destination of choice for the large majority of serious iGaming operators. Since the inception of the iGaming industry in the UK, the country has responded to market needs to provide a suitable regulatory framework which in turn has transformed the UK into a strong hub for numerous iGaming licensed operators.

In addition to the well-regulated iGaming ecosystem, the UK is uniquely attractive for the pro-business environment that offers a fertile ground for operators to start and grow their business. The UK Gambling Commission is the government body responsible for supervising and regulating all legal gambling activities in the United Kingdom. Formed following the Gambling Act 2005, the UKGC has become one of the most highly-regarded gambling authorities in Europe. 

By 2005, online casinos and sports betting were already big business, and it was clear that the laws needed to be updated to reflect the changed landscape. The Act’s primary objectives were threefold; to ensure that gambling was not associated with crime, to guarantee fairness, and to protect youth and vulnerable persons from being negatively impacted by gambling.

The cornerstone of the new Act was the formation of the UK Gambling Commission, an executive public body of the British government sponsored by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The UKGC is responsible for the oversight of all legal gambling activities in the UK, both online and in physical establishments, as well as regulating the National Lottery. The Commission replaced the Gaming Board for Great Britain from 1968.

The UKGC has the power to verify that providers comply with the codes of practice established by the Act and to investigate whether offences have been committed. It can also pursue legal action against any such infringements. Licenses are granted, refused, and revoked by the Commission.

Online gaming is one of the most profit-making segments in the gaming industry today and this is especially true of the UK market. The UK market is expanding year-on-year making gambling the major industry and contributor to the UK economy. In fact, the UK is arguably leading the development of the online gambling industry across the world.