UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission) is the official regulator that controls the activities of gambling establishments in the UK. The licensor controls land-based gambling establishments, lotteries, and online casinos. The only exceptions are sports and e-sports betting. They are not administered by the UK Gambling Commission but are overseen by another entity.
The law regulating the UK online gambling and gambling in general was adopted in the UK in 2005. The activity of the normative act was aimed at creating transparent conditions for the operation and licensing of online casinos, as well as protecting players and preventing the spread of gambling addiction. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission itself was organized in 2007. The main function of the new body was to regulate the operation of gambling establishments offering slot machines, board and arcade games. UKGC regulations are also involved in online casino licensing.
At the same time, gaming platforms and operators licensed from the British regulator are considered among the most reliable. So, when issuing permits, UKGC carefully checks the licensing and operation of the gaming software presented on the site, all simulators must strictly operate on the basis of an RNG. He also carefully monitors the security system operating on the site, the transparency and level of protection of the transactions, the work of the support service.
In 2013, the National Lottery Commission joined the UKGC. From the same year, changes were made in taxation. So up to this point, operators with a foreign license paid taxes “at the point of delivery,” that is, in the country of the regulator. After the amendments, the tax was introduced “at the point of consumption”, that is, from now on, all providers must pay tax in the amount of 15% of gross profit.
Today, the Gambling Commission UK is considered a non-departmental government agency operating on the basis of the local Department of Culture, Media and Sports. The Commission issues licenses allowing the operation of land-based and online casinos, in addition, it has the right to revoke them, as well as to impose fines on operators.
Only online casino servers located in the UK can become UKGC license holders. Operators whose equipment is located outside the country, but who want to advertise their services to local gamblers, must necessarily have a license from a regulator from the white list of jurisdictions. This allows UK gamblers to place bets at non UKGC licensed casinos. However, there are ongoing discussions on this issue. Some experts are of the opinion that all operators providing services and advertising themselves among British gamblers must obtain a UKGC license.
The UK Gambling Commission issues the following types of licenses:
One institution can hold several licenses from UKGC regulations at once. In addition, large operators offering online gaming also require a Remote Personal Management License (PML) issued to senior employees. Permission must be obtained by specialists who determine the overall strategy of the non Gamstop casino, the compliance of the institution with regulatory requirements, and who are responsible for security. Before obtaining a license, employees are tested.
UK gaming license is considered one of the most reliable licensors in the online gambling industry. UKGC activities are aimed at:
The UK Gambling Commission strives to create the safest possible environment for British gamblers. In casinos licensed by UKGC, there is usually a wide range of slots, comfortable conditions for making bets and playing bingo.