The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulates all gambling in Great Britain. Learn why its license is so respected in the online casino world.
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The UK Gambling Commission –or just the Gambling Commission– was established as part of the Gambling Act of 2005. It began operations in 2007, taking over from the Gaming Board for Great Britain, and has since overseen nearly all gambling in the UK, including casinos, online gambling, bingo, lotteries, and sports betting.
According to UK law, the Gambling Commission was established in order to keep crime out of gambling, as well as to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and that vulnerable populations (including children) are protected from gambling harms.
As a part of that task, the UKGC has the ability to issue licenses to gaming operators, allowing them to offer online casinos and other gambling services in the UK. In the case of online gambling, the UKGC license can be given to those who keep their remote gambling equipment in Great Britain, or those who are based outside the country but wish to do business with players in the UK.
The UKGC operates as a non-departmental public body under the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. It is the supreme body for gambling in the nation, having taken over control of the National Lottery in 2013. The one exception is spread betting, which is instead regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
For players, seeing that a site has a license from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission offers a strong sign of legitimacy and trustworthiness. These casinos follow extensive regulatory rules that ensure they offer fair, transparent gameplay to players with both data and financial protections in place.
There are many reasons why players should see UKGC casinos in a positive light. Some of the benefits of playing at a site licensed by the Gambling Commission include:
The UKGC is known for having some of the strongest regulations in the gaming industry. For a casino to receive a UKGC license, it must use proper security measures, meet financial requirements, and offer fair and trusted games.
If a casino has a license from the Gambling Commission, players have the ability to contact the UKGC if they run into any disputes or other issues with that site. The UKGC has the authority to fine, punish, or even revoke the license of a casino that violates its regulations.
All UKGC licensed casinos must complete regular audits and testing from approved independent labs. This ensures that games are truly random and fair, with every spin or hand being determined as it happens.
All UKGC casinos must utilize extensive anti-money laundering protocols and Know Your Customer procedures. This helps prevent occurrences of fraud or theft, keeping your account secure.
Casinos regulated by the UKGC must provide tools and information on responsible gambling to players, including offering the option for self-exclusion, allowing players to set time and financial alerts, and taking steps to prevent underage gambling.
How does the UKGC license stack up against the competition? Let’s break down how approval from the Gambling Commission compares to two other commonly seen online casino licenses.
While the MGA license is considered one of the strongest in the world, its rules aren’t quite as strict as the UKGC’s regulations. Fees are lower for operators, and there are fewer restrictions on bonuses and promotional efforts. The MGA license is also widely accepted throughout the European Union, while the UKGC license is primarily useful in the UK itself.
A license from Curacao is cheaper and easier to obtain than one from the UKGC, but has also been historically considered weaker in a regulatory sense. Players protections and oversight are generally more limited in Curacao, though recent legislative changes in the country have strengthened the regulatory framework. A Curacao license does provide access to many international markets, making it popular for operators who want to offer online casinos in foreign markets.
It’s important to learn how to verify gaming licenses. Even casino sites without a UKGC license may claim to have one, but there are steps you can take to ensure you’re sticking with truly regulated sites. Here are a few things to look for when verifying your favorite casino’s license:
Find the Casino’s License Information: Every online casino should have its license number and other relevant information easily accessible on its website. Most commonly, you can find these details by scrolling down to the footer at the bottom of each page, though there may also be a dedicated page with more licensing details.
Check for Official UKGC Markings: All UKGC casinos will feature the UKGC logo, and should also provide links to the official site and a message stating that they are licensed to operate in the United Kingdom.
Check the License Registry: The Gambling Commission keeps a public register of all licensed operators and individuals on its website. There, you can search for information about the license of any casino or its operator, as well as see any regulatory actions that may have been taken against the site.
Watch Out for Red Flags: Be on the lookout for sites that don’t have proper licensing. This can include missing information, information that doesn’t match the UKGC’s public register, or outdated or invalid licensing. You may also wish to check public reviews to see if anyone else has found a problem with the casino in the past.
The UKGC is one of the most proactive regulators when it comes to updating their rules to reflect the changing nature of online gambling. In just the last couple of years, the UKGC license rules have been updated several times, with more changes likely to come in the future.
For one, the UKGC has imposed some strict limits on how online slot machines and other games can work. Gone are autoplay features and options that fake the illusion of control, such as slam stops. In addition, there is now a £5 maximum stake limit on every online slots spin, with a lower £2 limit applying to those under the age of 25. These changes are designed to reduce the speed of play and give players more time to react to how much they might be spending at online casinos.
The UKGC has also strengthened its financial risk and protection rules for players. As of early 2025, any user who makes a net deposit of £150 or more in a 30-day period will be subjected to a soft background check based on public data like known debts in order to help protect potentially vulnerable customers.
Some changes to rules will benefit players more directly, especially when it comes to clearing bonus offers. A new rule going into effect at the end of 2025 will limit wagering requirements to a maximum of 10x the deposit or bonus amount, making it easier for customers to complete their promotions without requiring additional deposits.
Is a UKGC license mandatory for online casinos in the UK?
Yes, a UKGC license is required for an online casino to operate legally in the UK. The Gambling Commission attempts to crack down on any online gambling sites that are operating without a license, typically by sending cease-and-desist letters before taking further legal action.
Can a UK Gambling Commission license be revoked?
Yes, the UKGC has the ability to revoke licenses from gaming operators that have violated its regulations. While the commission can also levy less severe punishments, licenses can be revoked for issues like criminal activity by an operator, failure to pay necessary fees, or repeated instances of lesser violations.
How can I be sure that an online casino I choose has a valid license?
Any casino holding a UKGC license should have its licensing information visible on its website. You can then verify that license by comparing it to the public register on the UKGC website. There, you can confirm that the license is valid, current, and that there have been no regulatory actions taken against the casino.
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