Cyfraith Hapchwarae

Gambling Commission — The independent regulator with power to grant, review, suspend, and revoke operating licences and personal licences for gambling operators and key personnel.

Licensing Objectives — All gambling must be conducted consistently with the three objectives: (1) preventing gambling from being associated with crime; (2) ensuring it is fair and open; (3) protecting children and vulnerable persons.

Operating Licences — Any person providing gambling facilities must hold an operating licence from the Gambling Commission. Types include remote (online), non-remote, and general betting operating licences.

Premises Licences — Physical gambling premises (casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, adult gaming centres) require a premises licence from the local licensing authority.

Online Gambling — Remote gambling operators targeting British consumers must hold a Gambling Commission operating licence, regardless of where they are based (Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014).

Self-Exclusion — Operators must participate in self-exclusion schemes (e.g., GAMSTOP for online gambling) allowing consumers to block themselves from gambling.

Advertising — Gambling advertising is permitted but subject to ASA/CAP codes, Gambling Commission conditions, and the requirement not to target children or vulnerable persons.

Affordability Checks — Following the 2023 White Paper, the Gambling Commission is introducing enhanced financial risk checks to identify potentially harmful gambling patterns.