Type of Licenses
The Gambling Commission makes a difference between gaming, betting, and the participation in a lottery and regulates each of them differently to a certain extent. They are governed by the principle that all gambling is illegal unless provided by operators who hold the relevant operating licenses.
In order to offer online casino games to residents of the UK, operators are required to obtain one of the following licenses depending on their business:
- a casino operating license;
- a bingo operating license;
- a general betting operation license;
- a pool betting operation license;
- a betting intermediary operation license;
- a lottery operation license.
Application Requirements
The process under which an applicant applies for a remote operating license is detailed and thorough. First of all, the applicant must identify the activity which he or she intends to be authorized for by the license. Then the operator needs to specify an address in the UK at which the documents can be served to them. It is also necessary to state whether the applicant or their relevant principles have been convicted of an offence.
Any potential applicant must carefully consider, and seek legal advice on the application process, the forms they must complete, and the details they must supply.
When considering the suitability of an applicant, the Gambling Commission takes into consideration the following:
- Identity and ownership
- Finances
- Integrity
- Competence
- Criminality
Licensing Authorities
Licensing authorities play a vital role in the regulation of gambling in Great Britain. They issue premises licences, regulate gaming machines in clubs and pubs, register small society lotteries and much more.
The Gambling Commission publishes a monthly Licensing Authority Bulletin which contains useful information for licensing authorities, police services, local councillors and community safety teams.
List of Licensees
You can search for details of operators whose licences have been granted and applicants for a licence at the official website of the UK Gambling Commission. There is a separate section on their website dedicated to making this search easier.
Dispute Resolution
The Gambling Commission has the authority to act as a mediator between an online casino and a player. Taking players’ safety seriously, they have a detailed frequently asked questions sections, and if this does not help, the players should contact them.
However, this service should be used as a last resort for the vast majority of disputes can be resolved simply by talking to the casino or through an affiliate such as AskGamblers.
Contact Information
Address: Gambling Commission
Victoria Square House
Victoria Square
Birmingham
B2 4BP
Fax: 0121 230 6720
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 0121 230 6666
Website: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/Licensing-compliance-enforcement/licensing_compliance__enfo.aspx