UKGC Licences Explained

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) oversees the licensing and regulation of commercial gambling in Great Britain. Knowing how UKGC licences work is vital for players who want to make sure they are using trustworthy and secure casinos.

Who Are the UK Gambling Commission?

The UK Gambling Commission is an independent public body, supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It supervises commercial gambling activities in Great Britain, such as:

  • Online casinos and betting platforms
  • Physical casinos and betting shops
  • Bingo venues and amusement arcades
  • Lotteries and scratch card games

Different Types of UKGC Licences

The UKGC provides various licences depending on the type of gambling activity:

  • Operating Licence: Needed by companies that provide gambling services
  • Personal Management Licence: For individuals in key management roles within gambling companies
  • Personal Functional Licence: For staff carrying out specific operational duties

Why UKGC Licensing Matters for Players

If a casino is licensed by the UKGC, it guarantees:

  • Player Safety: Your money is kept in separate, protected accounts
  • Game Fairness: All games are independently tested for fairness
  • Dispute Handling: Access to impartial dispute resolution services
  • Responsible Gambling: Required tools and support for those at risk
  • Anti-Money Laundering: Strict checks to prevent illegal financial activity

How to Check a UKGC Licence

To confirm a casino’s UKGC licence, you can:

  1. Find the licence number on the casino’s website, usually at the bottom of the page
  2. Search the UKGC’s public register at gamblingcommission.gov.uk
  3. Look for the UKGC logo and licensing details
  4. Make sure the licence is valid and not suspended

What Are the Licence Conditions?

To get and keep a UKGC licence, operators are required to:

  • Prove financial reliability and honesty
  • Enforce strong anti-money laundering measures
  • Offer responsible gambling features and assistance
  • Guarantee fair and regularly audited games
  • Provide effective customer support and dispute solutions
  • Follow advertising regulations

What If a Casino Loses Its Licence?

If a casino’s UKGC licence is revoked:

  • It must immediately stop operating in the UK
  • Players’ funds should be refunded or transferred
  • Any unresolved complaints may be managed by the UKGC
  • Players can contact the UKGC for help

Warning Signs to Look Out For

Be wary of casinos that:

  • Don’t clearly show UKGC licence details
  • Have licences that are expired or suspended
  • Operate without the necessary licensing
  • Falsely claim to be licensed

Summary

UKGC licensing is vital for ensuring player safety and fair play in the UK. Always check a casino’s licence before you play and report any unlicensed sites to the UKGC.