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Best Online Casinos Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission
The United Kingdom is steeped in rich gambling history, dating back hundreds of years. This firm foundation in risk-taking is evident in their current society and culture, as England boasts gambling figures that are way above what you would expect for such a small landmass.
The United Kingdom is an Island mass that incorporates the countries of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It covers only 2.4% of Europe’s entire landmass and makes up 8.85% of the entire European population. It has double the number of online gamblers than all of the continent put together. There are an estimated 21 million registered and active online players across the lottery and casino networks.
It, therefore, stands to reason why the area has found itself strictly regulated in the modern era by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which is internationally recognised as the strictest regulatory body in any country allowing remote gambling access.
Keep reading to know more about the UK Gambling Commission and see a list of top UKGC approved online casinos.
Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.
Affiliate Disclosure: We at CasinoWow, want to ensure that you will find only licensed and regulated online casinos reviewed or recommended by our experts. However, our content has affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission payment when a player registers or deposits at a chosen online casino. This is at no additional cost to you and should not affect your gambling preference for a casino.
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The UKGC provides the strictest and fairest gambling regulation, ensuring British customer protection and satisfaction. Explore our ratings of the UKGC.
Highest protection for underage and gambling addicts
Cons
Some casino game providers are restricted by UKGC
High taxation rate for casino operators
Different licence is needed depending on the various forms of gambling
Licence is valid only for the UK
Very strict marketing and compliance rules
Contents
Contents
UK Gambling Commission Details
WOW Score: 90/100High Player ProtectionStrong & Strict Requirements
Gambling Regulation
The Gambling Act of 2005 saw the UKGC empowered to regulate all gambling within the borders of the United Kingdom.
It officially began operations in 2007, after superseding its predecessor and eventually merging with the ‘National Lottery Commission’ to ensure that all facets of gambling were held to the same ‘No-Nonsense’ codes of conduct. The regulator exists primarily to: Curb Crime in Gambling; Ensure fair play in the UK.; Make sure that vulnerable parties are kept safe.
Licensing
No casino or gambling platform may in any way service the gamblers in the UK without a valid UKGC licence that is appropriate for the type of gaming entertainment they offer.
There is no such thing as a general licence, but casino operators must rather apply for independent licences for the various forms of gambling. These include Bingo, Casino Games, Gaming Machines, Gaming Software, Lotteries and Sports Betting.
In addition to the gaming licences needed to trade in the UK, gambling operators are also required to acquire ‘Personal Management Licences’ (PML) for every individual member of their senior staff involved in making operational decisions for the casino.
Why We Rated the UKGC with WOW LicenceScore (WLS) 90/100
The UK Gambling Commission is a benchmark for the entire industry. If an operator is UKGC-certified, that's proof enough that it can be trusted. Having said that, the excellent WLS rating comes as no surprise. Still, we explain our reasoning and what was lacking for it to be perfect below:
Player Protection & RG - 97/100 - An almost perfect score is well deserved in this category. A focal point of UKGC's work is ensuring safety for players in different ways and this was reflected in the score.
- National self-exclusion (Excellent) - Players can self-exclude from one operator or via a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme. All self-exclusions are performed by the centralised service GAMSTOP.
- Mandatory tools (Excellent) - UKGC's player protection tools are a benchmark by themselves. There are reality checks, time reminders, deposit limits, payment or activity blocking, cool-off periods, and a national helpline available 24/7 free of charge.
- Affordability/SoF controls (Excellent) - Taxes and fees depend on the operator's gross gambling yield (GGY). However, taxation is generally viewed as high, as the regulator asks for 21% of the GGY.
- Player funds protection (Strong) - The regulator has divided protection for player funds into three tiers and requires all licensed operators to disclose the tier and the proper information (such as methods used for protection) in their T&Cs.
Enforcement & Supervision - 96/100 - You don't want to be on bad terms with the UKGC. The regulator is known for its strict requirements, harsh penalties, and impeccable track record of following what's right.
- Deterrence track record (Excellent) - There is a history of successful measures taken against operators not in compliance. Those include fines, sanctions, suspensions, even lawsuits and are listed publicly on the UKGC's website.
- Audit cadence & resourcing (Strong) - All audits and supervision operations are properly conducted. The Commission even has a special section with resources and tips for companies regarding audits and testing on its website.
- Publicity of actions (Excellent) - A main reason behind the UKGC's (almost) perfect score is the publicity of its operations. All data is easily accessible and timely published on the website.
Licensing Standards - 95/100 - The UK is one of the biggest gambling markets in the world. That wouldn't be the case if its regulator didn't have and impose the proper licensing standards.
- Fit & proper (Excellent) - The regulator conducts UBO and AML checks, as well as CTF and compliance staff overviews.
- Operational controls (Strong) - The UKGC is known for its strict requirements, which also cover control over the company's operations. This includes internal control systems submitted for approval, notifications of security breaches, assurance statements, LCCP notifications, and other relevant documents.
- Entry bar clarity (Excellent) - To obtain and hold a license, the operator must meet some stringent requirements. All of them are properly explained on the UKGC's channels under the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice section.
Testing & Game Integrity - 76/100 - UKGC hasn't skipped on policies about games and their certification. Still, we feel something is lacking, especially when we compare with those of other authorities.
- Approved labs & scope (Strong) - The regulator has submitted a thorough list of over 10 different approved test houses to be used by operators when certifying their games.
- RTP policy (Mixed) - The regulator requires RTP information to be displayed to the player. Other than that, it doesn't list any other specific requirements about it.
- Change management (Mixed) - Information about change management is a bit dated, especially when compared with other sections on the UKGC's website. Still, it includes a thorough list of requirements from operators about changes being documented and peer reviewed, but nothing about recertifications.
Transparency & Guidance - 91/100 - The regulator might have some issues, but being transparent and open about its operations isn't one of them.
- Clarity of rulebooks (Excellent) - All documents about rules and regulations are detailed, clearly structured and easy to access on the regulator's website.
- Public registers (Excellent) - As is the case with all other information, UKGC provides public records and registers, which include status history, licensee databases, etc.
- Update velocity (Mixed) - Updates are easy to find on UKGC's channels but not always easy to implement, as the organisation and the market it oversees are huge, which requires more time to bring changes about.
Banking & Crypto Compliance - 40/100 - The regulator claims it's open to digital and alternative payments, but we find it hard to believe, as crypto isn't overseen and there are no formal regulations about it, hence the score.
- Clarity & safeguards for crypto/open-banking (Weak) - The regulator has high standards for all transactions and funds handling. It says it's open to blockchain technology, even though its actions speak otherwise, which explains the lower rating.
Licence Application Procedures
Applying for and purchasing a gambling licence to service Britain is no easy affair. Below is a list of the requirements needed in order to apply for a licence under UKGC legislation:
Submission of a concise business plan.
Submission of a complete company structure, including a list of all shareholders owning more than a 3% equity in operation, as well as a list of employees paid over £200k in the last 12 months.
Submission of the details of all the individuals for the sake of credit checks, criminal checks, etc.
Evidence of Funds available to run the operation adequately.
Submission of all software and other gaming mechanisms for testing to ensure that they meet the industry benchmark. Here, all of the supplier details will need to be submitted for remote casinos.
Provision of a list of policies and procedures in place to service clients, as well as a system diagram for an end to end processes (remote gambling).
A 3-year projection analysis with supporting assumptions and strategy.
Currently, existing operators must provide 3 years of audited financial statements of the business.
As of the 31st March 2020, all gambling operators, both current and prospective, are required to sign up with the GamStop self-exclusion online scheme as part of their licensing conditions. This service must be offered to all of its customers.
Taxation
Like the old adage states: “There are only two sure things in this world – Death and Taxes”. Unfortunately, taxes are part and parcel of all business life. The generation of taxes by the UKGC ensures that the government can continue in the safe and efficient vein of regulation they are known for.
Most remote casinos and gambling businesses are taxed in the countries where they reside. In the UK, even remote gambling agencies must pay the UKGC taxes in order to serve their country. You would think that this would put off myriads of remote casinos and sportsbooks, but it doesn’t. The sheer market share in the UK is deemed worth the paying of taxes by most top casinos.
The consumption of tax laws for offshore casinos is currently a flat rate of 15%. However, an increase in the tariff is set to be implemented from October 2019, escalating the levy to a whopping 21%.
Benefits of the UKGC Licence for Operators
Some casinos pass up the opportunity of becoming a UKGC licence holder, as the taxes are quite high, and the processes involved demand a lot of effort. But, for those who acquire the licence, hold within their grasp a number of advantages. These include:
Status: The UKGC licence is a true mark of prestige. Most gamblers recognise this as a mark of trustworthiness and premium quality because of the severe vetting process involved in acquiring certification.
Market Share: The UKGC licence opens up a massive new gambling market for vendors. Operators have access to the largest online gambling market in the world. The annual revenue to be shared amongst the current 1,000 operators is around 4.5 billion GBP.
Strong Currency: Even with ‘Brexit’ looming, the Pound Sterling currency is still among the strongest in the world. The investment opportunity for offshore operations is tremendous.
Protection: The protection offered by the UKGC is a two-sided coin. Casinos are also given a secure fall-back to protect them from consumer abuses and mistreatment. Even VIP players go through a detailed verification process before becoming such.
Benefits of the UKGC Licence for the Public
The UK Gambling Commission is in place to give gamblers peace of mind that their interests are being looked out for. They now have a place of recourse, should they find that they cannot settle problems with vendors themselves.
The commission focuses specifically on 7 areas of protection for the public, and constantly push casinos and betting vendors to make sure that they follow suit in order to provide the best Responsible Gambling environment.
Funds Management: Players’ money must be separated from operational money. Casinos are not allowed to use player deposits to pay overheads, etc.
Under-Aged Gambling: The UKGC and its vendors go to great lengths to ensure that minors are not able to gamble on their platforms. Aside from interventions on the side of the vendor, parents have a responsibility to secure their devices and are liable by law to ensure that their children are safeguarded in this respect. There are now stricter age verification processes applicable at all online casinos. These processes must be followed even if free games are being enjoyed.
Problem Gambler Protection: Vulnerable players will be protected as best as possible. Online betting operators are required to have the best controls in place to identify and protect vulnerable players.
Marketing: The UKGC is notorious for its stance against misleading marketing. No flash and pizazz can be linked to gambling in any way. For this reason, you will notice that UKGC casino sites are not as flashy as casino sites in other jurisdictions. The commission does not tolerate ‘bait and switch’ style tactics in advertising either. A UKGC accepted advert will explain all the terms of a bonus in solid and straightforward language so that the player knows exactly what they are being offered and will never have fine print ‘catches’. To take things one step further, the UKGC placed a ban on all betting advertisements during live televised sporting events at the end of 2019.
Money Methods: UKGC casinos all employ the most secure and efficient banking methods on their sites in order to protect your money when it is transferred to and from the platform.
Customer Service: All UKGC casinos have streamlined methods for the public to seek recourse and log complaints. Top resolution procedures are a big part of the UKGC ethos.
Best Platforms: Casino and vendor software is audited, which ensures that operators maintain their programs and devices to ensure trouble-free gaming, as best as they can.
Top Casino Operators regulated in the UK
There are over 1,000 registered gambling establishments of which around 270 UKGC approved casinos, so it can be very difficult to choose where you should invest your money for the best bang for your buck. Below, we have provided you with a list of top 5 casino brands that are guaranteed to carry the UKGC mark of approval.
Virgin Games casino has catered to the gambling industry since 2013. Operated by Gamesys Operations Limited, they have grown to become one of the biggest and most user-friendly online casinos in the UK.
Established in 2017, PlayOJO has become one of the most recognizable UK casino brands. There are no wagering requirements, no maximum win, no minimum withdrawal, and all wins are paid in cash. The lucrative site interface just uses ‘happy gaming’.
In business since 2013, All British casino is conditioned for the modern casino gambler, offering top desktop and mobile content in the form of over 1000 game titles. Whether slots are the order of the day or table games are your fancy, you will be able to find these and stacks more at All British Casino.
Under the umbrella of Aspire Global Limited, PlayFrank provides a fun and colourful casino environment that offers software from Betsoft Gaming, Evolution Gaming, IGT, Microgaming, and Net Entertainment, to name a few.
HeySpin Casino is licensed by leading gaming authorities and is available on desktop, tablet, and mobile platforms. With a robust selection of over 1,000 games from renowned providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, and Play'n GO, players can enjoy everything from slots to live casino games.
The UK Gambling Commission represents the true benchmark in safe regulation and fairness. Casinos and betting vendors carrying their certification are generally amongst the top businesses in the trade, who uphold the established ethos with pride and dignity.
UK Gambling Commission FAQ
For difficulties with your gambling operator, you should use the free online tool “Resolver” to help in filing your complaint formally with the organisation. Provide full details of the complaint and any evidence you have, keep copies. Failing satisfaction within 8 weeks, you may escalate the issue to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider, which offers a free service.
Normally there are no deposit limits imposed, but in response to the Covid-19 epidemic, some temporary regulations have been proposed. These have been suggested to include a mandatory bet limit for online slot games of between £1 and £5 in the UK, together with an overall limit per month of £100 on total deposits.
Yes, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission has offered licences to online casinos that accept cryptocurrencies. Therefore playing with Bitcoin is not illegal in the UK, as long as you are playing at a licensed and regulated casino that offers Bitcoin as a payment option.
Applying for a gambling licence with the United Kingdom Gaming Commission involves a rigorous vetting process, compliance with regulations, and a great deal of administrative work. It is therefore an arduous and time-consuming process that normally takes 3 to 6 months to complete. The UKGC licence is consequently held in high esteem.
In issuing its online gambling licences and enforcing their provisions, the UKGC engenders a safe, fair and transparent gambling environment for players. Licensees must administer the funds and the personal information of players in a secure manner. They participate fully in the mandatory protocols of self-exclusion of players and blocking of underage players. In addition, the UKGC participates in a complaints system.
You need to sign an agreement, enforced by all UKCG licensees, which spells out the gambling sites you wish to exclude yourself from, and for what irrevocable minimum period. You can access this facility through your personal account page or under the head “Responsible Gambling” or “Safer Gambling” on the casino’s menu page, or through the UK GamStop service.
New application and annual fees came into effect on the 1st of October 2021 for the UKGC licence. They are based on the Annual gross gambling yield of the company and vary from about £4000 to £90k for an application fee and from about £4000 to £800k for an annual fee.
More useful info about the UK Gambling Commission
Below, you'll find additional useful information on the UKGC, such as news related to the regulator, guides that give more insights into how it works, and other related content you might find helpful.
Here is an additional comprehensive list of all the global online gambling regulatory bodies and licenses other than the UKGC, you can discover and learn more about.
The Malta Gaming Authority offers safe and fair gambling to over 180 jurisdictions, ensuring that it remains a benchmark in casino and lottery regulation.
The Jersey Gambling Commission provides world-class regulatory oversight for gambling operators based on the European island of Jersey. See how we rated the JGC.
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