Licensing in
United Kingdom
Gaming Gateway provides dedicated assistance with the UK licence, including compliance, corporate governance, banking and more.
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Market leader
The UK is a tier-1 jurisdiction and is regarded as one of the most prestigious and tightly regulated gaming jurisdictions in the world, ideal for serious operators.
The UK gaming licence is essential for operators targeting the UK market and its reputation holds high credibility and trust worthiness amongst players, which can provide operators with a competitive advantage.
The UK gaming licence is also aligned with the growing global demand for social responsibility and ethical gaming practices.
Key advantages
Global credibility
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is one of the most reputable gambling regulators, offering licence holders with high credibility. This boosts trust and confidence in players and eases business for UK licence operators with other partners in the industry, such as banking and software providers.
High-value market
The UK is home to one of the largest regulated gambling markets globally, with a strong online gambling culture and high player spending. UK licence holders gain access to an established gaming sector, including affiliate and payment processing ecosystems, and potential B2B partners, including content providers, software vendors, and marketing agencies.
Robust legal environment
The UK has in place a stable and transparent legal framework with advanced protections in place for operators and consumers to help to mitigate legal and reputational risk. The UK also boasts an established financial services sector, facilitating secure transactions, investor relations, and banking.
Encourages innovation
The UK have created a favourable environment for innovation to flourish within a compliant framework, this includes the exploration in emerging technologies, data-driven tools for player safety, and responsible gambling initiatives.
UK licences
This licence is appropriate for companies companies offering online casino games, like slots and blackjack. The licence costs depend on the company's Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). The licence costs for a remote casino operating licence can be found here: Remote casino operating licence
The remote betting licence is suitable for companies providing sports or general betting online. There are several betting operating licences available which cover different activities such as, real events and virtual events. More information on the types of licences and costs can be found here;- Licence activities
This licence is required for any businesses providing online bingo offerings. The licence costs for the remote bingo licence can be found here;- Remote bingo operating licence
This licence is suitable for companies who develop gambling software. The licence costs for the remote software supply operating licence can be found here;- Remote gambling software licence
This licence is appropriate for companies involved in the provision of remote gambling machine software. The licence costs for the remote gaming machine technical licence can be found here;- Remote gaming machine technical - full licence
The personal management licences are required for individuals who hold responsibilities within a gambling business including roles in strategy and finance, marketing, compliance, IT provision and security. The application fee for a personal management licence is £370.
The personal functional licences are primarily for individuals who carry out gambling activities directly, such as casino dealers or betting shop cashiers. They are more common in land-based operations than remote gaming. The application fee for a personal functional licence are £185.
Licence requirements
In order to apply for a licence, all licence holders must fulfill several legal, operational and technical requirements including establishing a UK company and completing the due-dilligence process. The licence application involves a thorough business plan including operational and financial details, and compliance policies and game certificates.
Gaming Gateway assists clients in meeting all the uk gaming licence requirements and provides dedicated support throughout the entire process. Our igaming compliance advisors are well-placed to support you in the UK's highly regulated environment.
Licence Timeframe
The UK offers an efficient licensing process which is usually completed within 4 months. Prior to the licensing process, we will work closely with you to set up your iGaming entity and prepare your licence application. This typically takes around 4 weeks, however it does also depend on how quickly you can provide us with the information and documentation required for the licence. Contact our team to obtain the uk gaming licence today.
How to obtain the Licence
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1. Book a free consultation
Speak with our team to discuss your business model and online casino licence you would like to apply for. We can answer any of your questions and outline the process in further detail.
2. Receive a bespoke fee proposal
We provide a range of comprehensive gaming licence packages. After the call, we will share with you a bespoke fee proposal which outlines your requirements, our services and the costs involved.
3. Licence application
Once you accept the fee proposal, we begin the licence application process straight away. We also request clients to complete our due-dilligence process which is utilised in the licence application.
4. Company set-up
Once you have passed our due-dilligence, we establish your company and open your corporate bank account.
5. Apply for licence
Once we have completed your licence application, including creating a comprehensive business plan, we assist with applying for the licence.
6. Go live
Once your licence application has been approved, we assist you with operational aspects, and provide support with on-going compliance and reporting.
UK FAQs
Any business that offers gambling services in the United Kingdom by any remote means, such as the internet, tv or phone.
Yes, you are not required to be within the UK to apply for a remote gambling licence issued by the UKGC. However, the company does need to appoint key personnel who may need Personal Management Licence (PML).
The Personal Management Licence (PML) is necessary for key individuals appointed within the gaming operation, such as CEO, CFO and compliance head. This involves a separate licence application.
Business plan
Financial forecasts
Ownership structure
AML policies and procedures
Responsible gambling framework
Technical and software details
Responsible Gambling measures
AML and CTF policies (including enhanced due diligence)
Data protection & security
Reporting key events to the UKGC
Advertising and marketing rules compliance (ASA/CAP codes)
A white label arrangement is when a business offers gambling through a UK-licensed platform under a different brand. You do not need your own licence if partnering with a licensed provider. However, you are still held to UK standards, and UKGC has tightened scrutiny on white-label partners.
No, however your servers must be located in a jurisdiction approved by the UKGC and if hosted outside the UK, you may be required to provide access to data or appoint a UKGC-approved representative.
If the game has no prizes or money involved, you don’t need a licence. However, if the free games are connected to a licensed product (e.g., linked to a real money game or promotion), they may still fall under UKGC regulation.
Any gaming entity that develops, adapts, installs or supplies gaming software requires a remote gambling software licence. If you use off-the-shelf software, you don’t need a software licence—but your supplier must be licensed.
Yes, an operator can operate multiple brands under one licence, however each brand must be disclosed to the UKGC and each brand must comply with the relevant regulation in the UK, including the advertising standards, responsible gambling and reporting standards.
Your gateway into the game
Our team of professionals hold decades of experience in the iGaming sector. We've assisted some of the largest global brands with their licensing and corporate service needs.
We are experts in regulation, compliance, and corporate governance. Our support is designed to simplify and ease regulatory pressures, allowing you to focus on driving business growth.
As your global iGaming partner, we are committed to exceeding your expectations and ensuring your long-term success.
Ready to licence?
If you have a licence already in mind, complete the form below and our team will be in touch.
If you'd like expert advice on choosing the right licence for your business model, please complete the form or contact our team directly.
