The United Kingdom belongs to the group of territories with a long history of gambling regulations. As soon as the online world craze began in the 90s, the UK was among the first to regulate online gambling.
That explains why several pioneers in the gambling space are based in the UK. It early allowed people to play Mega Vault Millionaire slot and other similar casino games on online gambling sites. That’s just scratching the surface, as table games and live dealer titles are equally popular today. The same goes for bingo, scratchcards, and crash games.
All this was made possible by strict regulatory bodies. One of the things that the UK can be proud of is its Gambling Commission. Their regulatory bodies are among the most respected in the gambling industry. The reason for this is strict requirements from regulators to ensure complete safety for UK players. No matter if we’re talking about casinos that let players try with 150 free spins for $1 or others that have higher minimum deposit requirements, they all have to hold a UKGC license to operate in the United Kingdom. Due to the strict requirements, not everyone can get a license. Let’s take a look at the basics and explore how long it usually takes to get one.
UK Casino License Basics
A UK online casino license is required for all casino operators seeking to operate in the United Kingdom. This applies to all types of gambling businesses, which we’ll explain in greater detail in the license types section.
The basics are that you have to go through the process of applying for an operating license. Not everyone can do this, as the requirements are rigorous. The most important thing is that it costs £370 to apply for a license. This fee is non-refundable if you need to withdraw your UK casino license application. The applicant must be 18 years or older.
Additionally, depending on the business type, you’ll have to submit different documents. A sole trader can submit identity documents, but an LC will have to submit a longer list of documents.
You can find the complete list on the UKGC site. It’s crucial to cover all the basics to ensure a smooth application process and help reduce the time needed for UK online casino license approval.
License Types Explained
If you’re looking for online casino license UK information, you should start by learning that there are three main types of casino licenses for this market.
- Non-remote – As its name suggests, this is for operators looking to offer wagering and betting inside shops, tracks, and courses.
- Remote – This refers to all remote platforms. All operators who wish to offer casino games via television, smartphones, and online platforms will require this type of license.
- Ancillary – All operators planning to offer telephone and email betting require this license.
You’ll need a specific license depending on what kind of operator you are looking to be. These regulations are strict because real money is involved, and regulators want people to have access to secure platforms that offer fair conditions. This applies to all the other financial businesses in different industries, such as a regulated crypto derivatives platform.
Application Process
The application process is simple. After you’ve prepared all of the documentation, it’s time to apply for an operator license. Head over to the UKGC official website and find the apply button to begin the process. After paying the required fees and submitting all the necessary documents, the commission will review everything you’ve submitted.
Keep an eye on your lines of communication, as UKGC representatives will reach out for clarification or to request additional documentation.
After it all goes through and you receive a license to operate in the UK, it’s time to launch your brand.
Core Requirements
Requirements vary depending on the types of applicants. So, different information is needed for sole traders, limited companies, partnerships, or trusts. Here are some core requirements for particular applicant types.
LC company requirements:
- Management structures
- Ownership structure diagram
- Memorandum of Association
- Certificate of incorporation
- Articles of association
Remote license requests:
- Operational model map
- Gambling software supply method and details
- Bank statements for the past six months
- Proof of funding
- Business plan
Please find the full list on the UKGC’s official website, where you can view all the costs associated with applying.
Approval Timeline
Approval timeline ranges from 2 to 16 weeks. It depends on the type of application you are creating. For example, a personal license application takes 8 weeks, whereas an operating license application takes 16 weeks.
Please note that these are placeholder periods and may vary. It might take less time to have your application processed.
Delay Factors
As you might imagine, there are several factors that will affect the processing time of your application. These are:
- Application quality – Ensure that all required documents are included in your application and that they’re accurate.
- Application complexity – The more complex the company structure behind the application, the longer it will take to be processed.
- Suitability – Whether all people tied to the application are suitable for this type of license. Individuals involved in criminal activity are ineligible to obtain a license.
- Links to other applicants – This refers to cases when your application is connected to different applications.
- Demand – If the demand is high at the time of your application, the whole process will take longer than usual.
Other Countries
The process is similar in other countries, but the UKGC is very stringent when it comes to giving operator licenses. Ontario, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia also have strict regulatory bodies to offer the best online gambling conditions to their players as possible.
One important thing to note is that the licensing process is similar in all countries. The difference lies in requirements and application costs. That’s why operators who plan to offer their services internationally opt for licensing authorities that are less stringent than the UKGC.
