UK Gambling Regulation Casino Laws in UK
Data provided for a London casino over a four-week period in October 2019 showed a clear correlation between average dwell time and occupancy rates. Casino licences originate from two legislative regimes – the Gaming Act 1968 and the Gambling Act 2005. In order to ensure local authorities can continue to carry out their licensing and enforcement duties effectively, we are proposing to raise this cap by either 10%, 20% or 30%. We are also seeking views and evidence on what the impact would be if the 80/20 rule were to be removed completely.
The government is also clear that the ‘aim to permit’ requirement in Section 153 of the 2005 Act does not prevent the refusal of licences or the introduction of controls as necessary or desirable to minimise risk. We will look to take forward legislation when time allows to bring the regime for gambling licensing more in line with that of alcohol licensing. The government fully supports licensing authorities in their role as co-regulators of the 2005 Act and appreciates the local expertise that they have which guides their regulation of gambling in their communities. Applicants must consider the specific risks that pertain to the zone they would like to open a new premises in and how they will mitigate those risks.
Further, the terminal must only allow participation in one activity at a time and should not permit simultaneous bingo and machine game play. Retail bingo clubs have highlighted that recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been slow and fragile due to the vulnerability of many of their customers and that the proposals set out by the sector could allow clubs to modernise and extend their offer to customers. It said that side bets on a main stage bingo game could allow customers to increase their opportunities for a return (for example, on the colour of the final ball, the number of the final ball to be drawn or which segment of the room the winner of the house will be sat). The sector cited evidence of the social and community benefits of bingo (particularly for older people).
Some respondents felt restricting children from playing all Category D machines would protect them from harm, but the research on this is mixed. The government will challenge the remaining operators who allow 16 and 17-year-olds to buy their products to stop this practice so that there is no online or widely and easily accessible scratchcard gambling for under 18s. Our intent is that the most easily accessible lotteries should only be available to adults to further reduce the risk of gambling-related harm to children.
However, according to the Gambling Commission’s data, none of these casinos currently offer customers the ability to bet in their venues. This change will enable the continued viability of the high-end sector of casinos, and allow these casinos, and others that transact with these overseas based customers via cheques, to continue to contribute to the tax and tourist economy. Some casinos outside of this small group, mainly based in central London, also conduct business with overseas customers via cheques, although it is a lower percentage of their total business. The vast majority of customers in high-end casinos are high net worth individuals based overseas, who typically gamble in several jurisdictions.
We do not believe that a 10% increase is sufficient to future-proof licensing authority funding in line with the recovery of the land-based sector from the challenges of COVID-19 and rising energy prices in recent years. Increased fees will enable licensing authorities to undertake more enforcement and engagement activities with licensed premises. We believe that on balance an increase to the maximum cap on premises licence fees by 15% is proportionate. A low number of premises visits may also be indicative of the lack of funding received by licensing authorities to fully undertake duties, such as inspections, alongside other administrative and enforcement functions. However, premises visits are only one aspect of a licensing authorities regulatory work. A number of these responses acknowledged the financial pressures placed on licensing authorities, which was reflected by the substantial number of industry responses that advocated for a 10% increase.
There is evidence of a concerning trend across these forms of advertising whereby those at the greatest risk of harm have the highest exposure. The limited high-quality evidence we received shows a link between exposure to advertising and gambling participation, but there was little evidence of a causal link with gambling harms or the development of gambling disorder. In particular, individuals with personal experience of gambling harms provided personal accounts of feeling ‘aggressively’ targeted with large quantities of direct marketing and online ads and being ‘groomed’ into problem gambling by VIP scheme managers.
Under the Act, licensing authorities in England and Wales have the role of issuing premises licences for casinos and monitoring those licences. It is noted that, for the casino sector, this proposal will be taken forward in the context of plans to harmonise the operating and premises licence fees between 1968 Act casinos and 2005 Act Small casinos. The consultation sought evidence as to the current level of funding received by licensing authorities in the form of gambling premises fees, alongside the number of premises licence applications which they receive and the number of live premises licences in their areas. We believe that the implementation of voluntary test purchasing is an important safeguard for ensuring that premises are abiding by the proposed ban on the use of ‘cash-out’ Category D slot-style gaming machines by those aged under-18.
Cutting-edge technologies are transforming the UK gambling industry, making it crucial for entrepreneurs to stay abreast of developments. Exploring the future of casino regulation in the UK isn’t just about compliance; it’s about anticipating shifts that could redefine the industry. The UK government has been actively reassessing its approach to casino regulation, aiming to strike a balance between consumer protection and industry growth. Given the overall success of online gambling in the United Kingdom, it’s no surprise that nations all over the planet look in our direction for guidance. The UKGC is also developing new rules to govern betting on widely popular e-sports and other forms of social gaming. Given the number of legitimate sites, there isn’t really an incentive to visit rogue or otherwise unregulated casinos.
For operators, the updates introduce new reporting requirements, updated consumer law references, and operational guidance. For bingo operators, the tax change reduces administrative work and removes a dedicated duty on bingo revenue. For operators, this clarification may reduce levy payments if they generate significant revenue outside Great Britain. The Commission has also clarified how the statutory gambling levy should be interpreted. For operators, the complaint-handling framework will change once the new system launches.
In at least some of these instances, customers in this country are incidental to the main purpose of the arrangement which is often to attract customers in overseas jurisdictions to the brand. In these instances, the target market is mainly customers in Great Britain, and the licensee is leveraging the third-party’s brand to expand its appeal. It is the licensee which contracts with any customers and is responsible for providing the ‘facilities to gamble’ as set out in the 2005 Act, in spite of any branding on the website.
With regard to casinos that currently operate with a gambling area of 1500sqm or more, these casinos will be permitted to remain open with their current gambling area. When asked about the reduction in minimum table gaming area in Small 2005 Act casinos from 500sqm to 250sqm, more respondents were in favour of this being applied than opposed. A fairly even number of respondents were for and against the 12.5% rule applying for 1968 Act casinos, whereby any table gaming area would only count towards the minimum table gaming area if it constitutes 12.5% or more of the total table gaming area in the venue. Any 1968 Act casinos that wish to remain on the existing regime will be able to do so and are not required to adjust their product offering (unless they decide to take up the opportunity to offer facilities for betting). Feedback from engagement with operators has indicated that the sliding scale as proposed would benefit the majority of casinos, with over 80% of casinos estimated to benefit depending on how floor space is reconfigured.
Online casinos, for example, must prevent underage gambling, display the return-to-player (RTP) percentages for all games, and promote fair and responsible gambling. This includes poker, roulette, blackjack, and other casino games, as well as online slot games.” In addition, all online casinos must use software from suppliers that hold a license from the Gambling Commission. Now, all firms that wish to advertise and provide gambling services to customers based in the UK must obtain a license from the UK. All other machines, namely Categories A, B, and C (including Category B3A lottery-style machines), are restricted to those aged 18 and over. Online casino operators are required to carry out age and identity verification procedures (updated in 2019) for all newly registered customers. It also regulates the remote gambling sector, which includes online bookmakers, bingo sites, and casino websites.
This has increased substantially since then and during the course of the Review the Betting and Gaming Council offered to further increase voluntary contributions across its wider membership representing 90% of the industry. When we last considered this issue in 2018, much of the debate centred around the quantity of funding provided by industry. This would impose a specific reporting requirement on gambling licensees to notify the Commission if they become aware of a customer’s suicide, even if there is not an obvious link to their gambling. DHSC will engage with key stakeholders, across both the gambling and health sector, during this process. DHSC recognises that many stakeholders will have contributed to the previous consultations, including one on mental health, and will set out opportunities to contribute further in due course. The Welsh Government has worked with key partners to undertake a gambling health needs assessment which it published in February this year and will inform the development of specialist treatment services in Wales.
We have reviewed and analysed the evidence received through both consultations to arrive at an evidence-based policy position which we believe meets our objectives. Evidence was received in response to the land-based gambling consultation and through an additional supplementary consultation which focused on this reform specifically. Operators will also need to be able to demonstrate that their new gambling and non-gambling areas abide by the updated rules in the Mandatory and Default Conditions, which will include the sliding scale and other restrictions on the sizes of different areas of the casino.
Figure 22: Restrictions on gaming machines in casinos in other European countries
We also welcome international evidence. If you cannot access the link, please send responses to in a document format like PDF or Microsoft Word. Is any of the information you have provided confidential, commercially sensitive or otherwise unsuitable for publication (including in anonymised)? Which of the following best describes your interest in gambling policy (select up to two options)?
Offshore and Unlicensed Casinos
There was broad support amongst respondents for alignment, including from the Lotteries Council and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Little evidence was received to support the inconsistency between the minimum age of 18 to play the National Lottery and the minimum age of 16 for large society lotteries. We also received specific evidence on the vulnerabilities of the under 18 to 24 age group which are considered in Section 5.4 below. Some operators highlighted policies to limit access to VIP/HVC incentives for young adults, and reported that they set lower deposit limits and intervention triggers for those aged 18 to 24. We expect operators to continually review and improve their age verification procedures as new technologies or capabilities are developed, such as digital identity, which is discussed in section 1.2 above.
UK Online Casino Regulations 2026: What Every Player Should Know
(c)facilities for gambling must not be provided in the non-gambling area, and (b)lobby areas and toilet facilities may be taken into account in calculating the non-gambling area; but the non-gambling area must not consist exclusively of lobby areas and toilet facilities, Have a gambling area, the floor area of which is no less than 200m², and The gambling business has made arrangements to protect your money if they go bust. All gambling businesses must make it clear which level applies to you. You can also find more information about different topics relating to money and rights when gambling in our guides.
The LCCP imposes extensive obligations upon licensees in, amongst others, the fields of social responsibility, anti-money laundering and the prevention of terrorist financing, consumer fairness and transparency, responsible advertising and obligations to comply with various technical standards that apply in respect of both non-remote and remote forms of gambling. It is important to note that this instrument does not extend to Northern Ireland, where legislation based on the Gaming Act 1968 (namely the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (NI) Order 1985 (as amended by the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022)) continues to apply. Local authorities (for Premises Licences).Sports/horse race betting (if regulated separately to other forms of betting)As above.As above.Fantasy betting (payment to back a ‘league’ or ‘portfolio’ selection over a period of time, for example in relation to sport)As above.As above.LotteriesLotteriesThe Gambling Commission.The Gambling Commission (for Operating Licences). It is free to use and one of the most effective responsible gambling tools available to UK players.
While we understand the industry’s desire to remove these limits, we still think that they provide a valuable and proportionate point of friction for the customer that is important, particularly when using a cashless payment method. Industry’s perspective was mixed, with some responses stating that the limits for cashless payments should mirror the current ones to minimise the risk of delay to implementing the relevant legislation. In relation to taking a cautious approach, we think that a £100 limit is appropriate considering that our aim is to try and replicate the process by which someone uses cash to play on a machine. This will act as a safeguard in case someone tries to put more than £100 onto the machine. Using a debit card on a machine is a different experience for the customer compared to cash or tickets where a process such as going to an ATM has been undertaken before the person can put money onto the machine.
You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Some respondents pointed out how this voluntary albeit multifaceted arrangement varies from the finance sector, where the FCA publishes guidance on how financial promotions must present information about risk (an example is in Box 10 below). However, the limitations of such tools are documented in research, and further research is needed to understand the risk of unintended consequences such as distorting player perceptions of risk (explored further in the previous chapter’s section on safer products).
- The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) have provided detailed information on each casino, including floor space and the number of existing machines.
- The volatility of cryptoasset prices may also impede safer gambling measures, including setting financial limits and identifying unaffordable gambling, and can effectively create a double unknown where the theoretical value of the stake fluctuates alongside the actual bet.
- Firstly, much of the available data on children being able to access age restricted forms of gambling comes from their own self-reporting which may be unreliable.
- Several operators submitted information on their current approaches to preventing unaffordable gambling, which often already involved some form of financial vulnerability (FV) and enhanced checks (albeit triggered at different thresholds).
- In January 2020, the Gambling Commission approved several organisations for these compulsory funding contributions, ensuring that operators direct their financial support to recognised entities working to mitigate gambling harms.
- A further 25% remote betting duty is scheduled to arrive in April 2027.
We will not accept licensees simply stating that GDPR means that they are unable to comply with an aspect of gambling regulation, or otherwise take certain steps to protect the public interest. Thorough consideration of transparency requirements will also assist data subjects, and assist data controllers to demonstrate compliance with obligations relating to accountability. We do not anticipate that the need for such measures will cause a significant barrier to complying with gambling regulation.
Cryptocurrencies facilitate faster transactions, appealing to tech-savvy customers and ensuring smoother payment processes. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency add layers of transparency and security to the industry. Players seek convenient access, leading to the proliferation of apps and platforms offering seamless gaming experiences. Introducing stricter regulations, including meticulous age and identity verification, complicates compliance. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for adapting to the industry’s future dynamics. The evolving landscape of casino regulation in the UK presents significant changes and challenges for entrepreneurs and businesses in the sector.
The high-end casinos are not distinct in legislation, and all have licences based on the 1968 Act; but their business model is very distinct in practice from that of most casinos in Great Britain and gaming machines contribute just 1% of their GGY compared with 20% to 30% in mainstream casinos. In support of its case for additional machines, the industry provided evidence that the current low availability of machines can in fact increase the risk of gambling-related harm, as customers play for longer on machines due to fear of losing their place. Gaming machines are permitted in a variety of locations, including casinos, licensed betting offices, licensed bingo premises, adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres and members clubs. Alcohol licensed premises, including pubs, are also able to offer two Category C and D gaming machines in reliance on their alcohol licence, or more if they apply to the licensing authority. Where casinos whose licence originates in the Gaming Act 1968 meet the requirements of a 2005 Act Small casino, including for size and non-gambling space, they will be eligible for the same gaming machine allowance and we will align fees and mandatory premises licence conditions as appropriate.
Most spend small amounts which are similar to or less than spending on other leisure activities and do not report experiencing any harm from gambling. We also need to have the right controls in place on the products people can be offered, safeguards covering how those who gamble are treated by operators, and the right safety nets in place to stop harm where it occurs. We recognise that people should be free to spend their money as they choose, but when gambling poses the risk of becoming a clinical addiction the government needs to ensure there are proper protections. Adults who choose to spend non gamstop sites their money on gambling are free to do so, and we should not inhibit the development of a sustainable and properly regulated industry which pays taxes and provides employment to service that demand. Millions of us enjoy gambling every year and most suffer no ill effects, so state intervention must be targeted to prevent addictive and harmful gambling. We are enormously grateful to all of those who have contributed to our Review, especially those with personal experience of gambling-related addiction and harms who have spoken out about their own struggles or those of people they love.
