Spotting Fake Licence Logos — The Complete Checklist

Casino sector guidance

We think that this 30 second transaction time, coupled with the other player protection measures that we are proposing, should ensure that the use of direct debit cards on a machine has a similar level of friction to playing with cash. Following 30 seconds, the player would be able to start depositing money onto the machine. We would suggest that the 30 second period should start from when the machine has read the card and approved the payment.

It is anticipated that under the Crime and Policing Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in February 2025, the Commission will be granted yet further powers to more quickly and effectively take action against illegal gambling websites. The usual pattern of regulatory enforcement is for the regulator to instigate a review of the operating licence in question, with the consequences described above. Have fines, licence revocations or other sanctions been enforced in your jurisdiction? Alternatively, there are exceptions in the legislation for low-level or private gambling. Operators are increasingly expected to understand the affordability of the gambling undertaken by their players, particularly where players are high spenders.

The arcade sector similarly reported that Option 1 and Option 3 would result in the removal of underused Category C and D machines, whilst Option 2 would have no impact or result in increased numbers of Category C and D gaming machines. This relates primarily to underused Category C and D gaming machines. For example, one large arcade operator projected a 20% increase in the number of Category B gaming machines under Option 1, which corresponded to a projected medium increase in GGY.

Many of the responses from outside of industry were strongly in favour of staff alerts but argued that they needed to be complemented by staff training so that they can intervene in a meaningful way. Non-industry responses were supportive of staff alerts being mandated, while views were split across industry. The Behavioural Insights Team’s response to the consultation recommended that voluntary limits that are strongly encouraged are used over mandatory limits as the evidence of the impact of the latter is limited. However, what the mandatory limits should be and how long the cooling-off period should be once the limits are hit prompted a wide range of responses. The government’s preference is for a 30 second minimum cooling-off period, but we would be content with a longer minimum time period if evidence provided in response to the Gambling Commission’s consultation suggests that longer is needed in order to protect players. Other responses from outside of industry thought that the cooling-off period should be longer, with respondents stating either 60 or 120 seconds.

As such, any change in the composition of gaming machines which results in a higher share of Category B machines will represent an uplift in GGY for operators. While we have no direct evidence on the rate of gambling harm for those participating on gaming machines in bingo and arcade venues specifically, we can use net expenditure and session length data to consider the possible risks of gambling harm. The rationale for considering this option is primarily to ensure that a truly balanced offer of gaming machines is available to customers following the loosening of restrictions from 80/20. We propose that an operator must notify the licensing authority of their intention to increase their number of gaming machines.

If a non-gambling area is to become used for gambling, then that change would require a premises licence variation. The Gambling Act 2005 (Premises Licences and Provisional Statements) Regulations 2007 (opens in new tab) requires applications for a premises licence to include a scale plan, which shows the gambling and non-gambling areas. For other scenarios, and in deciding whether an application to vary a premises licence is necessary, licence holders and licensing authorities should have regard to the following.

The Gambling Act 2005 created a partnership between the Gambling Commission and 368 licensing authorities in England, Wales and Scotland for the regulation of land-based gambling. Licensing authorities have an important regulatory role alongside the Gambling Commission in licensing local premises. Please upload any further evidence or any other information that should be considered as part of this consultation relating to an age limit on ‘cash-out’ Category D slot-style machines. Should it be a criminal offence for a person to invite, cause or permit children or young persons to play on these machines? What measures, if any, do you think venues should adopt to ensure that no under-18s play on ‘cash-out’ Category D slot-style machines if the age limit is introduced? Should ‘cash-out’ Category D slot-style machines be required to move to age-restricted areas in venues?

Increased fees will enable licensing authorities to undertake more enforcement and engagement activities with licensed premises. This may include increasing staff numbers, with one licensing authority stating that it would consider dedicating one full-time resource to the enforcement of licensed premises. This was reflected by licensing authority responses in regards to how much the maximum premises fee should be raised by. The majority of respondents agreed that premises should adopt voluntary test purchasing as a way to monitor under-18s activity on ‘cash-out’ Category D slot-style machines. In relation to measures that venues should adopt to ensure no under-18s play on these types of machines, responses included additional staff checks on customers, staff training and placing machines in visible areas near cash desks or prize bars. Our proposal to introduce an age limit on these machines is a precautionary measure to protect children and young people from gambling-related harm.

Almost all British casinos have some of these bonuses on their sites. One of the great perks of UKGC casinos is that they give out bonuses. Recently launched casinos, such as Justin Casino, BestOdds and 21bets, showcase the latest developments in the industry. These offshore casino sites do not operate under UK regulations and often do not adhere to the same standards. The Gambling Commission’s ongoing efforts ensure that the UK remains one of the safest environments for online gambling globally. Online casinos in the United Kingdom are subject to some of the strictest regulatory standards.

Spotting Fake Licence Logos — The Complete Checklist

Fees vary based on your casino’s Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). Each license ensures casino compliance with UKGC standards. The UKGC offers several licenses depending on your casino’s scope. The LCCP is not static, we make amendments or additions to take account of developments in the industry or emerging evidence on the most effective means of promoting socially responsible gambling.

• Lobby areas and toilet facilities may be taken into account but the non-gambling area shall not consist exclusively of lobby areas and toilet facilities. • Facilities for gambling cannot be provided in the non-gambling area. An example of a wholly automated gaming table is an automatic roulette wheel into which the ball is inserted not by a human dealer but at regular intervals by the mechanism itself, and bets are placed at touch screen terminals.

The UK Gambling Commission – The Regulatory Body

Itregulates various forms of gambling, including online gambling, sports betting, casino gaming, lotteries, and others. Many online casinos have multiple licences. While we only ever recommend online casinos that adhere to UKGC regulations on our site, there are a few things you can do yourself to verify a brand’s licence and to keep yourself safe. To keep yourself safe and to keep your gaming experience enjoyable, we recommend that you only sign up and play at duly licensed online casinos. Fees for non-remote Casino 2005 Act operating licences have been based on annual gross gambling yield (GGY) rather than the type of premises licence. An existing Small 2005 Act casino wishes to utilise the new table to gaming machines ratio alongside a reduction in its minimum required table gaming area.

Securing UKGC licenses, prioritizing AML and responsible gambling, and staying updated on UK casino regulations are non-negotiable. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, casinos must implement strict AML casino laws to prevent illicit funds from entering the gambling ecosystem. Gaming machines and gambling software extract The UKGC is a strict licensor and regulator, meaning that licensed casinos must be non gamestop casinos provably safe.

Online casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission are required to meet important safety and fairness standards. Operating licences give the operator the permission to offer a specific type of gambling product. Obtaining a gambling license for an offline casino in the UK is impossible without permission to own and operate dedicated gambling premises. The United Kingdom is one of the most developed countries in the gambling industry, where casinos and other forms of gambling are officially permitted. The Gambling Commission does not issue premises licences.

Guidance for small businesses and sole traders running a gambling business. View guidance about what you need to tell us when you apply for a licence Guidance about the information we’ll ask for when applying for a licence. Find out how much it will cost to apply for a licence and ongoing annual fees. Information about the activities we licence, the fees you need to pay and when. If you want to complain about a gambling business or need further help please contact us.

Are you happy for government to attribute responses to your organisation in a published response to this consultation? (Gambling industry professional, gambling researcher/academic, gambling treatment provider, personally harmed by gambling, affected negatively by another person’s gambling, recreational gambler, government/regulatory professional, other, prefer not to say) Please upload any further evidence or any other information that should be considered in this consultation relating to licensing authority fees. Please provide any additional views or evidence on the potential impacts of raising licence fees here. What do you think are the potential impacts of raising licence fees on the local area? (Mandatory response)10% / 20% / 30% / A different amount / I do not think fees should be increased / I don’t know

If a site lists credit card providers as deposit options, that is fraudulent. If the licence number doesn’t have a matching result on the UKGC public register, that’s one of the biggest red flags. The UKGC logo that appears in the footer of the casino site should take you directly to the operator’s info on the public register when you click on it. Here are some of the most common red flags that should cause you to pause and double check the brand’s licensing before you sign up.

(b)lobby areas and toilet facilities may be taken into account in calculating the non-gambling area; but the non-gambling area must not consist exclusively of lobby areas and toilet facilities, Have a gambling area, the floor area of which is no less than 200m², and The UKGC carries out regular reviews, audits, and investigations to ensure that operators continue to meet all requirements. Misleading advertising has led to several high-profile fines for operators in recent years, and this shows just how seriously the UKGC takes this. They must actively monitor player behaviour to identify signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary.

Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Explore casino KYC requirements, verification process… Besides imposing financial penalties, the Commission has also revoked several gambling licenses in recent years. The Gambling Commission is prioritizing the enforcement of AML regulations by investigating non-compliant companies. Additionally, gambling companies need to comply with the Financial Action Task Force’s Recommendations. According to these rules, gambling companies must assess the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing in their business.

More widely, operators are expected to implement processes designed to identify when customers are exhibiting signs of potential harm and to interact and intervene in a way that is proportionate to the risk identified. The bulk of the social responsibility obligations imposed upon British gambling licensees are set out in the second part of the LCCP, as referred to above. At present, there is an acute regulatory focus in the UK on the advertising and promotion of gambling, and the industry is under considerable pressure in relation to the amount and the content of gambling advertising, particularly where there is a perceived attractiveness to children or young persons or where there is the potential for customers to be misled. For example, so-called “Novelty Bets” are permitted on non-sporting events and, as mentioned above, betting on lotteries (apart from the British National Lottery) is also permitted.

• (Mandatory response) A large increase in GGY / A small increase in GGY / No impact on GGY / A small decrease in GGY / A large decrease in GGY / I don’t know
• The Commission has become aware that in some instances, operators who hold a combined non-remote casino licence and betting operating licence, have looked into converting part of their casino premises to betting premises.
• The current maximum amount of cash that can be inserted into a machine at one time is £50 as this is the highest denomination of bank note.
• Energy costs per machine will be estimated in the final stage impact assessment using an energy calculator.

Subsequent annual fees are due on each anniversary of the licence issue date. The first annual fee is due 30 days after the licence is issued and is reduced by 25%. In 2024–25, 3,491 personal licence applications were submitted, with 95% processed within eight weeks. Personal licence applications require identity documentation, address history, employment history, a police report, a credit report, and (in some circumstances) a statement of assets and liabilities. In the 2024–25 reporting year, 156 new operating licence applications were submitted and 75% were processed within 16 weeks. Small-scale operators (SSOs) may be exempt from the PML requirement and instead hold an Annex A authorisation.

The government intends for operating and premises licence fees to be harmonised between 1968 Act casinos and Small 2005 Act casinos. This will help ensure that operators are operating within the regulations and enable licensing authorities to undertake appropriate licence checks. Currently, 1968 Act casinos are not required to have a table gaming area so the premises plan will need to be updated accordingly. It will not be possible for a licensee to rely on an ancillary remote betting licence, even where the SSBT offer is alongside a non-remote offer as the ancillary licence is bound to a betting premises licence.

For casino products, this creates specific product design obligations. UKGC’s LCCP Social Responsibility Code 3.4.1 requires licensees to interact with customers showing signs of gambling-related harm. A long-established proprietary casino domain reflects years of continuous operation under a consistent ownership structure. Domain age is one of the lower-weighted components in Domain Score, but it reads differently for casino platforms. When a white-label casino carries WHOIS privacy and a recently registered domain, it can be harder to trace accountability back through the corporate chain. For white-label operations, WHOIS records sometimes reflect the platform provider rather than the licensed operator, or are obscured entirely.