Remote casino game host operating licence
They also highlighted the importance of card account verification given the potential for stolen debit cards to be used to make direct payments to gambling machines. They also stated that individual gambling businesses should be allowed to decide if they would like to update their systems to provide direct debit card payments as it would be a significant cost to businesses to update all machines to have this functionality. We expect that operators will ensure that Category C and D machines made available to meet the ratio are available for use and have genuine customer appeal. We received some responses which suggested that Option 1 would be preferable to Option 2(a) for ensuring that a genuine offer of Category C and D machines are made available to customers.
Despite indications from operators that there would not be appetite to site more than 80 machines in a single location, we want to ensure that this is not a possibility, removing the risk that these casinos could site more machines than a Small or even Large 2005 Act casino. Gaming machines must also have suitable characteristics to mitigate against the risk of gambling-related harm, and these characteristics will be in place for any additional gaming machines. When asked about the likely impact of the proposed changes, if a new regime were to take effect with the proposed new maximum of 80 gaming machines, the majority of operators (88%) stated they would look to move onto this regime. We will allow direct debit card payments to be made on gaming machines, subject to the player protection measures outlined within this government response.
The government proposes that account verification should be required on each transaction, in line with the majority of responses to these questions. A response from an advocacy organisation opposed the introduction of direct debit card payments on the basis that there is evidence that cashless payments result in increased and unplanned spending when compared to cash. One betting shop operator was concerned that allowing direct debit card payments would minimise the interactions a customer has with betting shop staff as their current customer journey requires a certain level of interaction with a staff member. They stated that it would be an unnecessary and disproportionate burden for a low stake and low prize machine. Over 70% of responses also agreed that card account verification should be required on each transaction. The Commission will consult further on minimum transaction times, limit setting functionality, staff alerts, safer gambling messaging and the display of session time and net position.
Category D machines include a range of low stake machines, such as coin push, crane grabs and slot-style fruit machines. However, the intended objective is to allow customers to pay by the means they prefer and preserve the viability of the gaming machine sector which is at risk of being eroded by the move to a “cashless” society. Should net position be visible at all times to the customer on machines accepting direct cashless payments?
From December 2020 through February 2021, the Commission invited public comment on improving the quality and timeliness of its statistics regarding problem gambling. The Commission’s stated aims are “to keep crime out of gambling, to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and to protect children and vulnerable people”. The Commission concluded that in the period between September 2018 and March 2020 the operators did not make enough efforts to keep gamblers’ safe and prevent money laundering. It also collaborates with the police over suspected illegal gambling.The Commission replaced the Gaming Board for Great Britain in 2007.
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.
Regulatory Authority
- For example, in January 2026 the UK Gambling Commission has established a new 10x maximum wagering requirement on any bonuses provided by UKGC licensed operators.
- Reputable casinos often provide details about their license in the footer or a dedicated “About Us” or “Regulatory Information” section.
- Responses from both the arcade and bingo sector show that Category B machines generate higher GGY on average than Category C and D machines, though responses indicated that the levels of GGY were higher in the arcade sector.
- Note that Northern Ireland has separate gambling legislation and is not within the Commission’s jurisdiction.
Many sites that block GAMSTOP carry a licence, just not a UK one. If you cannot find any company at all behind a casino, that absence is itself the answer. The licence attaches to a specific company and a specific set of activities, not to the group’s reputation in general. A group with a clean UK-licensed operating company behind one brand may run entirely separate, unlicensed offshore brands under different names. The brand on the screen is rarely the company that holds the licence.
(b)the converted casino premises licence is not varied under section 187 of the 2005 Act(4) so as to relate to premises to which it did not relate on that date. (3) Sub-paragraph (2) does not apply to premises in which the floor area of the gambling area of the casino was 1,500m² or greater on 12th May 2025 provided that, after that date— (5) No gambling is permitted in the table gaming area of the premises other than gambling by way of table gaming. “(1) This paragraph applies to all premises in respect of which a converted casino premises licence has effect.”;
The demise of this site raised questions of the ability of the Commission to protect UK customers from rogue traders, although overall responsibility for UK online regulation was only given to the UKGC in November 2014. In 2014, the UK-regulated online bookmaker Canbet went into receivership, owing millions to customers. The Gambling Commission has come under fire for not preventing the spread of Fixed odds betting terminals on the high street. An investigation found that the companies failed to put in place effective safeguards to prevent consumers suffering gambling harm and against money laundering between November 2014 and October 2017.
A typical online casino requires both remote casino and remote betting permissions. A licensed operator is any company that holds one or more gambling licences issued by the Gambling Commission. 456.Subsection (7) allows the Secretary of State to use her powers via regulation to control the non-gambling facilities provided in casinos by attaching licence conditions. Large and regional casino premises licences also authorise the provision of facilities for bingo, again, provided there is a valid bingo operating licence held by the person providing the activity.
Personal Management Licences (PMLs)
For a remote casino operator with GGY above £1 billion, the annual fee is £793,729 plus £125,000 for each complete additional £500 million of GGY above £1 billion. Individuals occupying specified management roles at licensed operators must hold a Personal Management Licence (PML). To hold a host licence, the business must also hold a gambling software operating licence. Operators providing multiple types of gambling under a single entity may hold a combined operating licence.
Feedback from engagement with operators has indicated that the sliding scale as proposed would benefit the majority of casinos, with over 80% of casinos estimated to benefit depending on how floor space is reconfigured. Forty responses were received to this question, with 60% opposed to venues being able to hold multiple licences. A sliding scale was proposed in the consultation which detailed potential requirements across (i) gambling space; (ii) table gaming space; (iii) non-gambling area; and (iv) machine to table ratio. All casinos will be allowed to offer betting, which was previously restricted to 2005 Act casinos. We will also permit a smaller increase in machines for venues that do not meet the size requirements, proportionate to their overall size and non-gambling area.
Respondents pointed to the need for authorities to undertake appropriate licence checks, and therefore it is essential that operators are transparent about any changes of circumstances. This will enable casinos to meet customer demand and bring Great Britain’s casino product offering more in line with international jurisdictions. They did however indicate that the presence of sports betting in venues would likely lead to an increase in revenue from non-gambling products such as sports bars. When asked about the impact on GGY from sports betting, all operators stated that this would have either a slight increase or no impact on their overall GGY. It was also highlighted that sportsbooks are a common expectation in casinos in other jurisdictions, and this move would bring Great Britain’s casino experience in line with other countries. Opposition tended to come from those who are opposed to any increase in supply of gambling opportunities in land-based premises, while the industry was expectedly supportive.
Please provide any views or any other information on the adequacy of player protections for those using gaming machines in casinos. How do you expect the measures allowing more gaming machines in 1968 Act casinos to impact the provision of other product offerings within casinos e.g. table gaming? How do you expect the measures allowing more gaming machines in 1968 Act casinos that meet certain size requirements to affect the demand for gaming machines in casinos? For example, a casino with two premises licences that meets the size and physical separation requirements could site 160 machines – more than a Large 2005 Act casino.
We do not view this as a necessary player protection for these lower stakes machines and we are conscious that it could impose a barrier to implementing direct debit card payments, particularly on machines such as crane grabs. We propose that Category D machines are not required to show net position or session time. Industry also stated that it is a different environment to online gambling where this information can be displayed at all times without impacting the customer’s privacy or influencing other player’s behaviours. In contrast, most industry responses were concerned that customers may use this information to incorrectly determine that a machine is due a pay-out and therefore could lead to people spending more on a machine.
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.
We propose therefore that these machines are allowed to stay in unrestricted areas in licensed and unlicensed FECs, and other premises including but not limited to pubs and travelling fairs. If we required ‘cash-out’ slot-style Category D machines to be moved to age-restricted areas in licensed FECs, it is likely that operators would no longer site these machines. Unlicensed FECs are entitled to make only Category D machines available, once they have successfully applied for a permit from the licensing authority (local authority in England and Wales, licensing board in Scotland). As set out in the white paper, we believe that a more precautionary approach is justified for slot-style games which mirror the mechanics of adult-only gaming machines, particularly those which pay out cash. Currently, Category D machines have no age restrictions nor area restrictions in licensed/permitted premises.
Which of the following best casino not on gamstop describes your interest in gambling policy (select up to two options)? What do you think are the potential impacts of raising licence fees on gambling companies? What do you think are the potential impacts of raising licence fees on licensing authorities? How much funding do you estimate is needed for administration and the enforcement of licences annually? We also require a better understanding of how licensing authorities will amend their fees in response to an increase in the maximum fee cap.
It comes with legally binding conditions on fairness, security, player-fund protection and responsible gambling. Mismatched names, ‘suspended’ status, or no UKGC reference at all — combined with tell-tale features like credit card deposits or bonus buys — mean you’re on an unlicensed site with none of the protections this guide describes. Scroll to the casino’s footer and find the UK Gambling Commission logo with an account number. If the name on the register doesn’t match, the licence status isn’t current, or you can’t find an entry at all, treat that as a serious warning sign and don’t deposit.
Including information on how we carry out assessments, your responsibilities under the LCCP and other gambling-related legislation. Guidance and information for running a compliant gambling business. An important part of the Gambling Commission’s work is to ensure that licence holders are compliant. We will send you a letter explaining which documents are missing and you’ll need to reapply online. We will ask you to provide information about you and your business as part of your licence application.
View licence details, trading names and authorised domains. Before allowing any wagering, operators must confirm a player’s identity. These apply to staff members who perform key roles within gambling organizations. Granted by local councils, these allow physical locations to be used for gambling. Issued by the Gambling Commission, these are mandatory for businesses offering gambling services in the UK. The Gambling Act 2005 is the central legal framework governing gambling.
In April 2023, significant changes to gambling regulations were proposed by the government, particularly targeting online slots. Apart from reviewing the activities of the licensed operators, the Commission is authorised to take regulatory actions against those licencees who breach the rules in some way. The 2014 Act changed the licensing requirements so that any company wishing to advertise gambling and take bets from consumers in England, Wales, or Scotland must hold a licence issued by the Gambling Commission. In October 2020, the Commission published the results of an investigation of BGO, GAN, and NetBet, three UK online gambling operators.