Think of the United Kingdom as one of the world’s most secure gambling and betting jurisdictions.
In this country, gambling is legal, subject to strict laws that are updated regularly. Surprisingly, the online gambling industry in the United Kingdom was not regulated until 2005.
New licensing laws have allowed the proliferation of a completely legal and safe online betting and gambling industry.
If you wish to start an online gambling business in the United Kingdom, you must follow the laws and carry a gambling license. When applying for a license, you are mandated to show you have various protections that are in place to avoid criminal or illegal acts and protect your customers.
The Gambling Commission regulates the gambling industry. You have to get a license through it and pay the corresponding registration fee. You can apply online so you can streamline the process.
Types of gambling licenses
Essentially, there are three types of licenses that the commission issues in the United Kingdom. The business activity you are proposing will determine the license that you would be applying for.
These are:
– an operating license
– a personal management license
– a personal functional license
These licenses cover various activities such as arcades, casino, lotteries, gambling machines, betting, bingo and gambling software programs.
You may also need a premises licenses which your local licensing authority could issue.
For low-level gambling activities, local licensing authorities can also give you permits for pubs or establishments.
Application requirements
Application requirements include a business plan, financial prognosis, among others.
Expect to have the operating license application process to last around four months, assuming you have the complete documents and correct information.
If your application gets rejected because of, say, incomplete information, you would get a refund and an explanation from the commission on which documentation or file was missing. If this happens, you can re-register and include the documents you missed.
How to submit a complaint
You should also be transparent to the commission on how you plan to directly address complaints from customers. You should provide clear and transparent terms and conditions to your customers.
Your business should also be able to provide them with the right contact information and monitor their complaints procedure whether via email or online. You should also be able to resolve their complaints as fast as possible.
How to reach out to the UK Gambling Commission
For more information about the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission, you may visit its website here: https://beta.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/
If you are applying for a gambling license or a current licensee, you may also find the frequently asked questions about the commission on this link: https://beta.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/contact-us/guide/faqs-for-operators-during-covid-19
They are also available on social media, including Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
List of regulated online betting sites
Here are some of the best regulated online betting sites in the United Kingdom, according to various online bookers.
- Betway
- VICKERS
- 10Bet
- 32Red
- Bet-at-Home
- Bet365
- Betfred
- Betiton
- BetRegal
- Space Sports
