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Operating Licences

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The process to apply for an operating licence is complex and lengthy. Our experts are here to assist you in preparing the application documentation, filing it and dealing with requests for additional information.

By contacting our team of experts, your application will have the best chance of being granted.

If you intend to provide remote gambling facilities direct to British consumers (B2C) you will require a Remote Operating Licence. Where gambling facilities are to be provided on a B2B basis where there’s no direct relationship with the end-user, a Remote Operating Licence or Game Host Licence (B2B) must be obtained from the Gambling Commission. A game host licence, for example to operate the random number generator within online games, can only be granted to the holder of or applicant for a remote gambling software licence.

Applications for Remote Operating Licence applications are broken down into different licensable activities:

  • Casino games (including slots and poker)
  • Bingo
  • Betting
  • Lotteries.

Where approval of more than one activity is sought, for example casino games and sports betting, then if granted the Commission will issue a combined Operating Licence covering both activities.

Our team constantly stays up to date with updates to gambling legislation and linked regulatory requirements, which are constantly changing. We are also able to assist you with on-going compliance with the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice attached to an Operating Licence once granted.

Legal experts with over 30 years' experience in licensing
A comprehensive service covering all aspects of gambling licensing
Offices around the country
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Philip Somarakis National Head of Regulatory & Partner Meet the team

Operating Licences - More Information

Under the Gambling Act 2005, the Gambling Commission is required to have regard to the licensing objectives when considering applications for all gambling operating licences as well as forming and having regard to an opinion as to the suitability of the applicant to carry out the licensed activities.

The Licensing Objectives are:

(a) preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime.

(b) ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.

(c) protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

The assessment of suitability is broken down into distinct areas:

(a) The integrity of the applicant or of a person relevant to the application.

(b) The Competence of the applicant or of a person relevant to the application to carry on the licensed activities in a manner consistent with pursuit of the licensing objectives.

(c) The financial and other circumstances of the applicant or of a person relevant to the application (and the resources likely to be available for the purpose of carrying on the licensed activities).

Your application must be made online. Along with your application, you’ll need:

  • Ownership structure of the applicant company including full disclosure of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner and the source of funds used to fund the application and initial trading.
  • Group structure of all companies under common ownership.
  • The management structure of the applicant company.
  • A financial declaration from anyone who holds 10% or more equity in the applicant company.
  • Details of anyone who holds 3% or more equity in the applicant company.
  • A detailed business plan, including financial projections (in the case of a new company) or audited accounts for an existing operation.
  • Copies of all licences held by the applicant and group companies.
  • Policy documentation demonstrating how the applicant and management team will comply with the Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (known as LCCP), the 2005 Gambling Act and related consumer protection legislation, including GDPR and advertising codes.

You’ll also need an Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) risk assessment. The risk assessment is then used to produce policies and controls to mitigate those risks. You must update the risk assessment and review the AML policy at least annually.

It’s a condition of B2C Remote Operating Licences, that gambling software is only sourced from a Gambling Commission licensed software provider. Details of the supplier(s) must be included in the application and if the software is to be developed by the Operating Licence applicant, then a separate gambling software licence application must be submitted at the same time.

Like with remote gambling, the Gambling Act authorises the Gambling Commission to grant operating licences to authorise non-remote gambling by sector. These are broken down into:

  • Casinos
  • Bingo Venues
  • Betting Shops
  • Adult Gaming Centres
  • Licensable Family Entertainment Centres.

However, when applying for a licence, the applicant must identify one or more premises where gambling activity will take place. Similar supporting documentation to that required by remote operators, including an AML risk assessment and policy documentation, must be submitted with the application.

Once an Operating Licence is granted a gambling premises licence application will need to be made to the Licensing Authority Area in which the premises are situated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose us?

We’ve a team of experts with specialist legal knowledge to support from start to finish. Our in depth understanding of the statuary process means we can help you with all legal aspects of licensing.

With over 30 years of experience combined, our team have overseen lots of operating gambling licence applications. With our wealth of knowledge, we’ll be able to predict any issues you’re likely to face.

Our team will work to best meet your needs. If you’d prefer us to come to your offices, we can. If you’d prefer us to organise a video or phone call, we can.

Do I need to start using my gambling licence within a certain time?

Yes, if you’ve not started operating within 18 months, the Commission will ask for evidence that you still need a licence.

If they don’t think the licence is needed, they’ll request the operator surrenders it or begin a Section 116 review, to exercise its powers to revoke the licence.

About Irwin Mitchell

Founded in Sheffield in 1912, Irwin Mitchell has always been a bit different. Our advisers really get to know the people and business that we help.

We have offices around the UK so wherever you are, our experts can help.

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