Register of gambling businesses

The regulator will now look at rule breaks using a five-level severity scale, with each level meaning different things for how big the penalty will be. We publish registers of licensed businesses, individuals, regulatory actions and premises. With a potential reform of the gambling tax system on the horizon (possibly introducing higher tax rates) many operators are viewing the current climate as a deeply uncertain and challenging time for the UK market. A shift toward the unregulated market would be a troubling development, as it offers significantly lower levels of customer protection and does not contribute gambling taxes on profits. The desire to protect younger players has been shown by the stake limit for those in the age group, only being £2.

Sports Betting Gambling Laws

From 31 October, all licensees must prompt customers to set a financial limit before making their first deposit. A number of UK operators have similar deposit limits already in place, but this UKGC update will ensure the measure is enforced across licensed operators. However, it would be a mistake to assume that the current reforms mark the endpoint of regulatory scrutiny. As with the legal profession’s cautious adoption of AI, which has not been helped by high-profile errors like the infamous ChatGPT-generated fake cases, the gambling industry’s future hinges on its ability to rebuild public trust. Each regulatory breach or instance of gambling damage fuels calls for even tougher measures, including potential bans on certain forms of online betting and gaming.

With games of skill struck off, the public turned to horse racing and to lotteries. England launched its first lotteries in 1569, which were exclusively for the rich. Interestingly, the top prize was £4,000 and a get-out-of-jail-free card – for any crime except treason or murder. It was not long before more lotteries were made and the public got stuck right in. The company has already faced claims of helping unlicensed activities in other parts of the world such as Asia, which brings in a lot of its revenue. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently fined Evolution $25,000 for a surveillance lapse at its live dealer studio and banned 17 individuals for various violations.

One area of particular interest is the surge in demand for pre-transaction regulatory due diligence. With the Gambling Commission’s enhanced authority, acquirers and investors are scrutinising targets for historical compliance issues that could result in hefty fines or license revocation post-acquisition. Cross-border considerations, especially for operators that are based inGibraltar and Malta but serve the UK market, add another layer of legal complexity.

Stricter regulation and enforcement by the UK Gambling Commission

The prohibition on mixed-product bonuses aims to resolve the confusion that arises when players receive multi-platform curacao casino license promotional offers. Under the current system, many operators bundle different gambling verticals together, making it difficult for players to track wagering requirements and fully understand which activities contribute toward bonus fulfillment. To date, the Gambling Commission has not imposed a financial penalty or reached a payment in lieu of a financial penalty (as part of a regulatory settlement) in respect of a personal licence. The Gambling Commission keeps a regulatory sanctions register, which contains details of sanctions imposed on personal licence holders following licence reviews.

The initial application cost does not include the annual fees required to maintain the license after it’s issued. Prospective applicants should always consult the latest data from the UK Gambling Commission’s official website, as these fees are regularly reviewed and may change. The legal foundation is anchored by the Gambling Act 2005 and enforced by the UK Gambling Commission. This framework ensures that all operators uphold fair, transparent, and responsible practices. Online platforms must implement robust identity checks, self-exclusion tools, and spending limits. Additionally, gambling transactions via credit cards are prohibited across all platforms.

Furthermore, the UKGC mandates Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures for licensed operators. KYC checks are designed to verify the identity of customers and prevent underage gambling, while AML procedures aim to detect and prevent the use of gambling for money laundering or other illicit activities. These comprehensive measures underscore the UKGC’s commitment to fostering a gambling environment where fairness and safety are paramount. Key milestones in the UKGC’s evolution include the implementation of stricter advertising standards, enhanced age verification processes, and the introduction of affordability checks aimed at preventing gambling-related harm. The Commission has also faced ongoing challenges, such as regulating the increasingly complex online gambling market, addressing concerns around gambling advertising’s impact on children, and adapting to technological advancements in the industry.

It has asked licensed operators to check their suppliers, a job industry players say is tricky and needs a lot of resources. The regulator has stressed its aim to go after groups like internet providers and payment companies to try to stop illegal gambling. Today, gambling is broadly recognized as a mainstream leisure activity in the UK, with options ranging from online betting platforms to traditional racecourses, bingo halls, and casinos.

The first three months of 2025 saw an online gross gambling yield of £1.45 billion. It said as a result of the levy, the Commission would remove its code which requires operators to make annual financial contributions to a list of research, prevention and treatment organisations. This can be seen in the sheer volume or casinos, sportsbooks, and game developers who get licences to spread their content over the country. Most sites should have a big collection of casino titles that come from the most reputable developers around. To accommodate this change,  the Commission will remove its existing requirement for operators to make annual financial contributions to research, prevention, and treatment organizations.

• When it comes to dealing with operators, the UKGC is there as a means of regulation and obtaining a licence.
• Though the licences require a lot of paperwork, the market is open to game software providers, ancillary betting operations, host betting operations, and lots more.
• The UKGC only regulates the industry and considers online gambling illegal only if an operator is conducting business in the U.K.
• Also, the lack of a permit will certainly affect the number of your customers, as well as relationships with game content providers, banks, and other operators.
• If you ever need to reach out, then they should also supply links to organisations such as BeGambleAware, GamCare, and the like.

The UKGC publishes details of its enforcement actions to promote transparency and deter future non-compliance. Beyond licensing, the UKGC exercises comprehensive regulatory oversight over licensed operators. This includes monitoring compliance with license conditions and codes of practice, ensuring fair gaming practices, and scrutinising advertising and marketing materials. The Commission employs a range of tools to maintain oversight, including regular audits, investigations, and ongoing dialogue with operators.

John Pierce, who heads up enforcement and intelligence at the UKGC, said these changes will make regulatory action fairer and more effective. He stressed that the new system will help make sure enforcement decisions stay consistent, fit the situation, and push for compliance before things get worse. Pierce also pointed out that while GGY-based fines will cover most operators, they will use other methods for society lotteries, charities, and personal licence holders, keeping in mind their unique financial situations.

Equally transformative is the formalisation of a statutory levy on operators to fund research, education and treatment (RET) for gambling harms. For years, contributions were made on a voluntary basis, leading to accusations of inconsistency and insufficient funding. With a mandatory levy set as a condition of licensing, operators must now factor these costs into their financial planning. From a legal perspective, this change is prompting a wave of advisory work around structuring contributions, auditing compliance and general managing disputes over the allocation of levy funds. Beyond immediate regulatory actions, the UKGC plays a crucial role in Policy and Research. The Commission is responsible for advising the government on gambling policy and contributing to the development of gambling legislation.