UK Gaming Licences -2025 Overview

The UK is an independent and well-established jurisdiction with full powers over gaming regulation, company law and tax policy. Its transparent legal framework and long tradition of regulation make it the preferred place for start-ups and established gaming operators seeking credibility and market access. The UK offers a clear and orderly licensing process and a strong reputation that attracts investors and global partners.

The current regulatory regime was developed under the Gaming Act 2005. Licensing and oversight is administered by the UK Gambling Commission, an independent body known for its strict compliance standards. According to the latest figures, more than 2000 operators hold valid UK betting licences. Holding a UK licence is widely seen as a sign of trust and expertise, strengthening a company's position in local and international markets.

Why Choose UK for a Gaming License?

The UK is globally renowned for its robust, transparent and pro-innovation approach to licensing gaming businesses. As the largest gaming market in Europe, the UK offers significant business opportunities, an advanced legal framework and a stable regulatory environment to attract and support industry leaders.

■ Europe's largest gaming market

Unparalleled opportunities for new and existing gaming.

■ More than 130 tax treaties

Prevention of double taxation, global competitiveness and investment.

■ Global reputation

Enhance your company's international reputation.

■ Non-UK residents

Licensing options are not limited to UK nationals, attracting international ownership and investment.

Type of UK Gaming Licence (UKGC)

In the UK, operators may need to apply for multiple licences for different types of gaming activities. We will focus on sports betting and licenses for online casinos (online activities require a remote license from the UK Gaming Industry Regulatory Authority).

■ Gaming (Bookmaker) Licence

Allows you to accept bets on live sports events via the Internet. The UK Gambling Commission classifies such licences as "Long Range General Betting Standard (Real Events)" covering online bookmakers. Accepting virtual event bets also requires a separate virtual event license.

■ Billiards betting licence

There is a need to operate a totalizer (quasi-totalized betting), in which all bets are pooled together and the winnings are distributed to the winners. The remote pot betting licence covers online horse racing draws, football pots, etc.

■ Gaming Exchange Licence

Applicable to the platform where players bet on each other, the operator acts as an intermediary and does not bear the responsibility of betting. The UK Gambling Commission defines such activities as "remote betting intermediaries", commonly known as betting exchanges.

■ Online Casino License

Allows you to offer casino games such as poker, roulette, blackjack, slot machines, etc. on the Internet. Each license is independent. For example, if you plan to launch a website that includes gaming and casino games, you'll need to get two licenses-one for gaming and one for casino gaming. In addition, key employees need to have personal management licenses. The strength of the UK system is its flexibility-the license covers a wide range of betting services, so you can legally cover different betting verticals.

UKGC Requirements for Applicants and Standards of Operation

The regulator has set a series of requirements for companies applying for a UK betting licence. UKGC assesses applicants on the basis of three principles: financial stability, honesty and competence, and willingness to comply with social responsibilities. The following is a complete list of key requirements:

■ Legal entities and structures

The applicant must be a registered company (in the UK or other jurisdictions accepted by the UKGC). An ownership structure chart must be provided up to the ultimate beneficiary. Companies must identify directors and officers in a transparent manner; if a trust or corporate structure exists among shareholders, their beneficiaries should be disclosed.

■ good business reputation

All owners and management personnel are thoroughly inspected to ensure that they meet the "fit and proper person" requirements. Key personnel are not required to have a criminal record and proven reliability. Beneficiary's criminal record (including certified foreign English translation) and credit report. If there are reputational or legal issues with any of the persons involved, the UKGC may say no.

■ Qualifications and experience

Companies must demonstrate that their teams have the skills required to run a gaming business. Application materials include executive resumes, industry experience, and relevant educational or professional credentials. Having expertise in compliance, anti-money laundering and responsible gaming management would be an advantage.

■ Financial resources

The regulator requires proof that the applicant has sufficient funds to start and maintain the project. Applicants are required to provide financial statements (balance sheet, income statement), bank statements, sources of funds and investor information. In addition, prepare a profit and loss forecast for the next 3 years to show the business model. The UKGC will examine this data to ensure that the business is viable and capable of paying players their obligations (such as bonuses).

■ Business Plan

Requires submission of a detailed business plan that describes the product strategy, target markets, marketing, operational processes, and types of games in the plan. The plan must take account of UK legal requirements and measures to comply with licence conditions. Having a solid plan shows that the operator understands their goals and how to achieve them.

■ Policies and Procedures (LCCP)

Applicants must have a set of internal policies that comply with the licence conditions and Code of Practice (LCCP). These policies include anti-money laundering and CTF policies, KYC procedures for customer screening, responsible gaming policies (self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, problem player identification), fair gaming and gaming integrity rules, user agreements and gaming rules. These documents must be ready at the application stage and meet the standards of the UK Gaming Regulatory Commission.

■ PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT LICENSE

Key personnel of the operator (e. g. Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Compliance Officer, etc.) must hold a personal license issued by the UK Management Council-Personal Management License (PML). Alternatively, certain individuals may be required to submit a detailed Annex A form with personal information attached. Companies must appoint an MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) in accordance with the AML policy. The company must also appoint a person responsible for social responsibility. All designated persons must meet the UK Anti-Money Laundering Council's "fit and proper person" test.

■ Information Technology Systems and Platforms

It is essential for online operators to have a tested and certified IT platform. The software (gaming platform, RNG, games) must comply with the UK Gambling Commission's remote technology standards. RNG certification and game testing usually need to be performed by an accredited laboratory. The system architecture must have data protection, redundancy, operational logs, and the ability to generate reports for regulators. If third party software is used, it should be ensured that the supplier has a gaming software license issued by the UK Gaming Regulatory Authority.

■ Data and transaction security

Platforms must be highly protective of players' personal and financial data (e. g. SSL encryption, modern cybersecurity standards). Data processing must comply with GDPR. Operators must have fraud detection systems and DDoS protection in place to ensure uninterrupted service.

■ Segregation of client funds

According to the player protection principle, the operator must hold customer deposits. It is common practice to hold client funds in a separate bank account, separate from the company's operating account. Alternatively, other safeguards (insurance, trust funds) may be used and the UK Gating Regulatory Commission informed of the method chosen. The level of client money protection (basic, medium, high) must be published on the company's website as required by the regulator.

■ Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

Licence applicants must comply with the UK Anti-Money Laundering/Transnational Crime Framework regulations. A robust KYC process must be in place to identify customers, including verification of identity and address. Sanctions lists and PEP screening must be implemented. Internal procedures must support the monitoring of transactions and the reporting of Suspicious Activity (SAR) to the UK Financial Intelligence Unit. The Financial Services Authority wants operators to have a clear understanding of their anti-money laundering obligations, including appropriate staff training.

■ Responsible Gambling and Player Protection

Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles of responsible gaming. Operators' websites and services must provide tools for responsible gaming: self-opt-out options, deposit/bet limits, time-outs, session reminders, etc. Operators must integrate with the GAMSTOP National Self-Exclusion System (which must be used by all online operators in the UK). Responsible betting policies must prevent underage betting-there must be strict age verification measures before allowing access to betting. Information about betting risks and support services (such as GamCare) must be displayed on the website.

■ Local Presence and Taxation

Although the UK Gating Commission issues licenses to foreign companies, operators active in the UK market usually become UK tax residents. Betting tax obligations must be registered: remote betting tax (21% of GGY) applies to online casinos, general betting tax (15% of gross betting profit) applies to betting, etc. Companies must also pay UKGC fees (application fees and annual fees). The company should have an office in the UK or at least appoint a local representative to oversee communications. The UK office and bank account are favourable conditions when assessing applications for permits.

■ Compliance with technical standards and reports

Once licensed, operators must comply with all licensing conditions and technical standards of the UK G. This includes the timely submission of regulatory reports (financial data, accidents, player complaints, etc.), audits, and notification of any changes to the company (including structural or key person changes, which require prior approval).

UKGC Licensing Process (Roadmap)

Applying for a betting licence in the UK is a step-by-step process, which usually takes around 16 weeks if the application materials are complete and correct. Here is the roadmap for obtaining a license-the main stages

■ Company Registration

Applicants must conduct business through a registered legal entity. Usually a company (private limited company) is incorporated in the UK or other jurisdiction permitted by the UK government. At this stage, the corporate structure has been formed and directors and officers have been appointed.

■ Document preparation

The most time-consuming phase. A large number of documents and information about the company must be collected: ownership structure (ownership chart), statutory documents (certificate of incorporation, memorandum and bylaws), information on top management and beneficiaries, confirmation of their identity and reputation (passport, criminal record, credit report, etc.). Prepare financial documents: 6 months bank statement and confirmation of availability of project funds. A detailed business plan and 3-year financial forecast must be developed, as well as internal policies and procedures (AML/KYC, in-game responsibilities, game rules, user terms and conditions) that comply with UKGC and LCCP requirements. For online operators, technical documentation is also required: description of the software used, IT system diagram, remote access policy. If the company has a gaming licence in another country, a copy of these licences must be attached.

■ Submit an application to UKGC

Applications are made through the UKGC online service and the application fee is non-refundable. As of March 2025, the basic application fee for the UK Gaming Regulatory Commission is £ 3000, but remote casinos and bookmakers are subject to additional fees based on projected turnover (GGY). All prepared documents must be attached to the application. At the same time, you will also need to submit an individual license application for the principal management personnel (PML), or complete the form in Annex A for each responsible person. Once the application is submitted, the formal review begins.

■ Due Diligence

The Gaming Commission conducts a thorough review of the information provided. The regulator assesses the financial position of the company, the transparency of the structure and source of funds, the business reputation of the beneficiaries and managers (criminal record, industry experience). Particular attention is given to readiness to comply with responsible gaming and anti-money laundering rules. During the inspection, the UKGC may request additional information and clarification. The quality and completeness of the application largely determines the speed of review-an incomplete package of documents or a complex ownership structure may increase the review time.

■ Decisions and licensing

If the regulator successfully passes the review, the regulator will approve the application. The applicant must pay the first annual licence fee within 30 days. Once the payment is successful, UKGC issues an operating licence to commence operations. Permits are issued indefinitely, but require annual contributions and strict compliance with licensing conditions. If a permit is denied, the Commission gives reasons and the applicant can make up the shortfall or appeal.

Once licensed, the operator must continue to comply with all the requirements of the UK regulatory authority. The licensee is required to report to the regulatory authority, submit an annual regulatory report, update all internal policies in a timely manner, and be audited for compliance. Violation of the regulations may result in fines or revocation of licences.

Clear and transparent UK gaming licence pricing

• Fully prepare the required documents for submission to the Gaming Commission
• Legal Compliance Check
• Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorist Financing Policy Development
• Agent and handle all administrative procedures up to the issuance of a license
• Dedicated customer support throughout the process

• Application for All-inclusive Gaming Licence and Follow-up
• Register a company in the UK
• Develop a comprehensive business plan and risk assessment
• Customized AML/KYC policies and internal procedures
• Professional management training on compliance and gaming regulations
• 12 months of ongoing support and regulatory updates

• Priority processing of applications and faster document processing
• Perfect UK Gaming and Company License Processing
• Provide address of premises for provision of regulatory documents
• Prepare and submit audits, financial forecasts and internal documents
• AML/KYC compliance systems and integrated support
• In-depth consultation, training and unrestricted regulatory and administrative assistance (18 months)
• International Tax Recommendations and Strategies Inclusion of Double Taxation Treaties

UK Gaming Commission remote licence fees

Note: The price is the approximate price of a license startup project. The final pricing will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the scope of work and the size of the enterprise. Rengang Yongsheng offers transparent pricing-"turnkey" means no hidden fees and full service.