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. As in all other services and solutions we offer, when it comes to consultancy services for our remote gaming clients, we are set to provide a total online gaming solution to interested parties, providing prospective clients with all the elements necessary for their successful gaming venture.

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.

UKGC iGaming Licence: Application Process & Support

You need an operating licence from the UKGC if you want to provide gambling facilities to players in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). This includes providing facilities for remote gambling, online or through other means, and advertising to consumers in Great Britain.

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.

What you shall need to apply

As the application for an operating licence is based on the activities you want to provide, we have provided a summary of all the information we may require to complete your application.

You shall be asked in the application to upload supporting documents for your application which we shall guide you through from start to finish.

What you shall need to pay to the UKGC and when

You shall need to pay an application fee when you submit your application. This fee is calculated when you've chosen the activities you want to apply for a licence to provide.

First annual fee

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