United Kingdom Gambling Laws and Regulations
All forms of gambling in this jurisdiction are regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission under the Gambling Act 2005.
Gambling became legal in the United Kingdom in 1960 when the first Betting and Gaming Act came into effect. Even if this was a lot more restrictive than the 2005 version, the first legal land-based casino opened in 1961.
Key Points
To operate and offer services to UK players, an online casino or sportsbook has to:
- Own a UKGC licence and comply with its rules and requirements
- Pay 15% tax on all profits made on the UK gambling market
- Comply with the advertising standards imposed by the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority)
- Participate in GAMSTOP, a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme innovated by the UKGC for all UK residents.
UK Gambling Legal Age
In the United Kingdom, both online and offline gambling is available for people that are at least 18 years old.
All online casinos, sports betting websites, and gambling establishments have the obligation to verify your age by requesting your ID along with other documents when necessary.
Pro Tip
There are some scratch cards, lotteries, and football pools available to British players who are at least 16. Always check out the participation rules and requirements before attempting to play! You can learn more from our UK Gambling Laws and Regulations guide.
How to Contact the UKGC
![how to contact the ukgc for UK casinos]()
You may contact the United Kingdom Gambling Commission by
- Calling 0121 230 6666 for general queries and any complaints you may have
- Submitting an online enquiry on their official website
- Calling 0121 230 6655 to report any criminal activity
- Sending an email at licens[email protected] to reach out to the licensing team
- Calling 0121 230 6700 for the press office
The reasons why you may need to get in touch with the UKGC can vary.
If you are a casino operator, you will need to talk to the licencing team. If you are a journalist and need to write a piece, the press office will help you.
As a casino player, you may need to contact the UKGC to:
- Make a complaint if you have been treated unfairly
- If you cannot cash out even if you met the requirements and did not breach the Terms and Conditions
- Report underage gambling
- If you have a money laundering concern
- Request information
How to check the validity of the UKGC licence
Checking the validity of a UKGC licence is easy. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:
- Find the licence details in the footer of the casino site
- Check the licence registration number
- Head to the UKGC official website and look for the platform in their public register
- Check to see if the platform has the UKGC logo in the footer of their website
Short History of the UK Gambling Commission
![united kingdom gambling commission]()
The UK Gambling Commission is an executive non-departmental public body of the UK Government and it was formed in 2007 the way we know it today. Upon formation, it replaced the Gaming Board for Great Britain.
In 2013, the power of the UKGC grew as it took over the National Lottery Commission. From this point on, the authority also regulates the National Lottery.
Ever since its formation, the UKGC has been verifying, investigating, licencing, and overlooking the activity of many gambling platforms in the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the strictest casino licencing authority and its main goals are to:
- Ensure that all gambling activities are conducted fairly and with transparency
- Prevent gambling from supporting crime, being associated with crime, or being a source of crime
- Protect underage and vulnerable people from the dangers of gambling.
What happens if a casino is not compliant with the UKGC regulations?
Operators who fail to comply with the UKGC regulations will face repercussions that can include but are not limited to being fined or even having their licence revoked.
Responsible Gambling in the United Kingdom
Responsible gambling consists of a set of initiatives by the gambling industry to protect vulnerable players and reduce gambling risks.
UK online casinos promote responsible gambling through multiple measures.
![deposit limits]()
Deposit limits
You can set a maximum limit for deposits per day, week, or month. This allows you to better handle and stick to your budget.
![activity alerts]()
Activity alerts
You have the option of setting alarms and reminders so you can keep track of time and how long you have been playing. Gambling can be a very immersive experience, causing you to possibly forget to check the time and completely focus on what you are doing. These alerts help you be mindful of how much time you spend on this activity.
![limiting access]()
Limiting access
If you find yourself simply closing the alerts, you can set the casino to limit your access to a certain amount of time. Once that passes, you have to take a break.
![time out]()
Time-out
This option allows you to block your access to any online casinos for the amount of time you select. We advise you to consider this option especially if you conclude that gambling has taken over your spare time and affects you financially and personally.
![self exclusion]()
Self-exclusion from casinos
You can opt to self-exclude from a particular casino, meaning you willingly block your access to the platform. Even more, there are self-exclusion schemes that help you block your access to multiple operators at once.
Casino operators are obligated by law to offer this option. You can use GAMSTOP to exclude yourself from gambling for between 6 months and five years.
Here is how to do it:
- Sign up and provide the service with as much information as possible, including current and previous addresses, date of birth, as well as current and previous email addresses and phone numbers.
- You will receive an email with all the tools and support you can access
- Within 24 hours, your self-exclusion process will be completed and you will be refused service
REMEMBER
- If you have funds you have not withdrawn when you self-exclude, these are not automatically returned to you. GAMSTOP is also not responsible for these, so you will have to contact the casino operator and find the best solution for you
- You cannot cancel your self-exclusion until the period of time you have set has passed
- When the exclusion period ends, you have to contact GAMSTOP and ask them to remove it. Otherwise, your exclusion extends until you request its cancellation.
According to the Gambling Commission, the overall problem gambling rate in the UK is at 0.2%, with the moderate risk rate at 0.9% and the low risk at 1.4%.
In September 2021, a UK Health Security Agency research estimated that approximately 0.5% of the adult population in the country has some type of gambling addiction.
The number of either problem or at-risk gamblers is around 2.2 million.
Top 3 Responsible Gambling Institutions in the UK
If you are worried about your gambling habits and need guidance or help, many governmental and non-governmental organisations can offer you the help and support you need.
Here are the top 3 UK responsible gambling institutions to turn to:
| ![gamstop logo]()
GAMSTOP |
| About: This NGO facilitates your self-exclusion from gambling sites by asking for your personal details. All UK casinos must check the GAMSTOP database for your information when you register. If your details show up, the operator has to block your access to its services. Contact: Sign up on their website |
| ![gamcare logo]()
GamCare |
| About: GamCare is part of the National Gambling Treatment Service and operates the National Gambling Helpline. Puts at your disposal all the information, support, and advice you need to overcome any gambling problems you may have. It gives you access to effective tools and all the help you need online, over the phone, or in person. GamCare also offers free and confidential treatment in your area. If you cannot find a local treatment listing, reach out to them for more ideas and further support in this regard. Contact: Their website (Live Chat, Website Form)
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (National Gambling Helpline); 020 7801 7000 (GamCare office)
Email: [email protected], [email protected] (for GamCare Forum inquiries)
Address to write to: GamCare, 1st Floor, 91-94 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8QP |
| ![gordon moody association logo]()
Gordon Moody Association |
| About: This association has helped people affected by gambling-related harm since 1971 through counselling, therapy, and effective interventions. It works with professionals in treating and overcoming gambling addiction, which allows it to offer support, guidance, and treatment to individuals and families dealing with this problem. Contact:
Their website
Phone: 0138 424 1292
Email: [email protected]
Social media: Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook. |
These are some of the best responsible gambling authorities in the United Kingdom. We strongly advise you to reach out to them if you are in need of help or guidance.
There are several other institutions making sure vulnerable people are protected, aside from the UKGC, such as:
- Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) - regulates all UK advertising and ensures gambling ads are not misleading or appealing to minors
- Be Gamble Aware - an NGO regulated by the UK Charity Commission and working closely with GamCare. It helps people who gamble by offering support and advice.
- Gamblers Anonymous - offers help and treatment to both people suffering from gambling addiction and their family and friends who are affected by it.
Playing at UK Licenced Casinos vs Non-licence Casinos
There are notable differences between playing at British online casinos with a UKGC licence and non-licence platforms:
| UKGC Licenced Casinos | Non-licence Casinos |
| Fairness is ensured through third-party testing and RNG verifications | May or may not have their games independently tested |
| They must display the RTP of the games they offer | They can choose to not specify the RTP |
| Your money is kept separate from the casino operator’s. This means your money is safe and you will still be able to cash it out in case the casino goes bankrupt. | The money in your casino account may be kept in the same account as the operator’s money. This exposes you to risks in case of bankruptcy or administrator change. |
| The casino activity is constantly and closely monitored for any signs of illegal or unfair conduct | The casino operates freely and will not face consequences from a licencing authority in case of any wrongdoing |
| The casino must have state-of-the-art technology when it comes to its security layers | Your personal and payment information as well as your casino account may not be properly protected from cyber attacks |
| The UKGC ensures all casinos licenced by them perform thorough KYC in order to prevent underage gambling, identity theft, and other such crimes | Unlicenced casinos may perform surface KYC verifications |
| Licenced casinos are obligated to be fair and honest about their promotions, terms, and rules. | Some promotions may sound too good to be true, promising more than they end up offering. |
| You can file a complaint with the UKGC if one of their licenced casinos has treated you unfairly | You cannot receive help from a licencing authority, and since many unlicenced casinos operate from abroad, you may not be able to take much legal action. |
Be aware
Gambling at unlicenced casinos can be very risky and we strongly advise against it. However, there will be no legal action taken against you if you do decide to wager your money on an unlicenced gambling site.
Checklist: Choose the Best Online Casinos in the UK
You can choose the best online casinos in the United Kingdom by using this simple checklist:
Use filters we offer on our UK casinos page
We only display sites that accept UK players. You can choose to only display the ones that have exclusive Chipy deals, offer no deposit promotions, or have been launched within the last 12 months.
In addition, you can sort your results by the number of ratings, the latest added to the list, or the highest rating.
![uk casinos filters on chipy]()
It is fully licenced
When choosing from Chipy.com, you will not have to worry about this aspect. All online casinos listed on this page are fully licenced and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
However, as a general rule, when browsing UK online casinos on the Internet, always check for their licence before playing.
Offers promotions
Casino promotions are fun to use and they can make any gambling session more enjoyable. Make sure a casino has such deals and that they appeal to you.
You agree with the T&C
Take your time to thoroughly read the Terms and Conditions of any UK casino you wish to join. Only sign up if you agree with the terms.
Allows payments with GBP
UK licenced online casinos offer the possibility of making deposits and cashouts in pounds sterling. However, we advise you to always check for this option to avoid paying exchange rates.
Offers your preferred payment option
Whether you prefer to use your debit card, e-wallet, or pay by phone using services such as Boku, check for them on the banking page of the casino.
Quick Guide: 5 Steps to Join a UK Online Casino
![5 steps to join a uk online casino]()
Follow these simple steps to join an online casino in the United Kingdom and start having fun:
- Choose a gambling site from our list of UK casinos after reading their details, player reviews and checking their rating on our casino reviews list
- Sign up using your real and up-to-date information
- Go through KYC by providing the casino with the required documents
- Make a deposit using any of the available payment methods you prefer
- Claim a deal and enjoy the games the casino has in store for you.
Casino KYC Requirements in the UK
All online casino players have to go through the KYC and AML process to be able to play and cash out.
This allows online casinos that accept players from the UK to determine if their new customer is of legal age to gamble, is not currently excluded from playing, or is known for criminal activities.
Once you sign up on a new gaming site, here is how to successfully complete the KYC:
- Access the KYC Tools tab or wait for the pop-up to appear
- Provide proof of identity (ID, driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate, voter ID card, etc)
- Provide proof of address (utility bill not older than 3 months, bank statement, etc)
- Proof of ownership for the selected payment method (a scan or picture of your debit card with some of the digits covered, a void cheque, bank statement, etc)
- Wait up to 72 hours for the documents provided to be verified by the casino staff.
Remember when completing the KYC
Keep an eye on your email address as you may be required to send more documentation or new pictures or scans of the ones you have already sent.
This is sometimes necessary when the quality is not great or the document cannot be verified.
PLEASE NOTE
You will not be able to play any games, not even in demo mode, before you verify your age.
If you skip the KYC, you will not be able to make deposits, enjoy free-to-play games, cash out or use casino promotions.
Online Casino Games Available in the United Kingdom
You and all other players from the United Kingdom can enjoy any Biritsh online casino games you may think of. You can play:
- Table games - Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat, Craps
- Live Casino Games
- Bingo
- Keno
- Slots and Progressive Slots
- Scratch Cards
- Special games - Spin the Wheel and others.
The top 3 most popular game types in the UK are the following:
1. Slots
Slot machines are very popular all around the world, especially in the United Kingdom. This applies to both land-based and online casinos, where players enjoy a variety of slot machines.
Some of the most popular ones are Starburst and Jackpot 6000 by NetEnt, as well as Book of Dead, one of Play’n GO best online slots. You can play them on the best online casinos that pay out in the UK.
UK casinos with no deposit deals may offer extra spins for slots. These can add extra entertainment to your gaming session.
![jackpot 6000 by netent uk casino]()
2. Poker
Poker is very popular among British players, as it gives more options during play compared to slots, where all you can do is bet on the existing lines and spin the reels. Caribbean Stud Poker is one of those Evolution Gaming live casino games that players truly enjoy.
Brand new UK online casinos may also offer Live Casino no deposit deals to use on such games.
![uk casino poker]()
3. European Roulette
It is no news that British players enjoy European Roulette over the American one, as it has a lower house edge. A great example is the Live European Roulette by Evolution Gaming.
Roulette variations are available on the most popular UK online casinos.
![uk casino roulette]()
REMEMBER
Live Casino games cannot be tried in demo mode. Also, to try online slots or any table games in the United Kingdom, you have to first verify your age.
5 Most Popular Software Providers in UK Casinos
The most popular casino software providers in the United Kingdom you can find in the vast majority of online gaming sites are:
| ![igt logo]()
IGT |
| IGT was founded in 1990 and has its headquarters in London, England. With offices in Nevada, Rhode Island, and Rome, they are mostly known for their high-quality slot machines. The company is also listed on the New York Stock Exchange. All IGT casino games have a nice visual design and gameplay. |
| ![microgaming logo]()
Microgaming |
| Microgaming is a very popular software provider founded in 1994. It has many very famous online slots such as Immortal Romance, the Mega Moolah series, and Thunderstruck II. This game developer was also the one that launched the first online casino. Now, you can play Microgaming online slots on a variety of gaming sites. |
| ![netent logo]()
NetEnt |
| NetEnt is a very big name in the casino software developing industry, with over 200 active customers from all around the world. You can enjoy 200 NetEnt games created in its over 20 years of activity. |
| ![playtech logo]()
Playtech |
| Another very popular software developer is Playtech, delivering top-tier slot machines to many UK online casinos. It was founded in 1999, it is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It is also a constituent of the FTSE 250 index, meaning it is one of the largest companies listed on the LSE. The Playtech slots are easy to spot thanks to their impressive visuals. |
| ![yggdrasil logo]()
Yggdrasil |
| Yggdrasil was founded in 2013, being one of the younger software developing companies on this list. It innovated the industry by adding new game mechanics such as MultiMax and GIGABLOX. It has received the IGA Innovator of the Year award four times in a row. Outstanding Yggdrasil online slots entertain British players both on desktop and mobile devices. |
United Kingdom Casino Banking Options & Currency
If you want to play online casino games in the United Kingdom, you should know that fully licenced gaming sites allow you to make payments using GBP. We strongly advise you and all UK residents to play in this currency to avoid paying any exchange fees.
The most popular payment options in the UK are the following:
| ![paysafecard logo]()
Paysafecard |
| Paysafecard is an online payment method that is based on vouchers and you pay by typing in the voucher PIN code. This was founded in 2000 and there are many Paysafecard casino sites in over 40 countries. It implies some small fees for account administration, paying in a different currency than the one associated with the PIN, or for the reimbursement of any credit remaining on the voucher. |
| Boku |
| Boku was founded in 2009 and it is a mobile payment method available in over 70 countries, including the United Kingdom. You can join Boku online casinos and use this option to make a deposit. This will either appear on your next carrier bill or you can pay through the mobile wallet. In 2011 and 2013, only a few years after its launch, Boku was listed among the 25 most promising companies in America by Forbes. |
| ![paypal logo]()
PayPal |
| PayPal has been around since 2000 as we know it today, but it was established two years before, in 1998, as Confinity. This offers its users the possibility to pay or transfer money worldwide. This is maybe one of the most popular e-wallets around the world with many PayPal casino sites for you to choose from. Forbes ranked it 143rd in its Fortune 500 list for 2022. |
| ![debit cards logos]()
Debit Card |
| In the United Kingdom, you may play casino games using your debit card, be it a Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard or Maestro. For example, you may choose any of the MasterCard online casinos and make easy payments by simply typing in your card info. You can even save them to your account and make quicker and simpler payments in the future. |
| ![entropay logo]()
EntroPay |
| EntroPay was established in 2003 and it was the first European virtual prepaid card payment option. It was available on every website Visa and MasterCard were available. Now, you can use this payment method on a large variety of EntroPay casinos and millions of merchants from many countries. |
Important note about Skrill and Neteller
Skrill and Neteller are often also available for payment on online casinos in the UK, but most times, payments made via these options are excluded from promotions.
This means that your first deposit with any of these will not qualify for a welcome package.
UKGC Regulations on Payment Methods
- As of April 2020, old and new UK online casinos and physical gaming halls are no longer allowed to accept credit card payments from players.
- In 2022, the UKGC banned reverse withdrawals. This function allowed players to change their mind and play with money they have already requested to withdraw. This is no longer possible in the UK.
Why Casino Sites in the UK Can Refuse to Pay Out
Even the best online casinos for UK players may refuse to pay out for various reasons which include:
- The personal information in the registration form turns out to be incorrect or cannot be verified
- You have not met the promotion requirements
- You have not gone through the KYC process
- The payment method you have used is not available or does not belong to you
- The casino staff noticed suspicious activity on your account such as certain playing patterns or making deposits and withdrawals without playing
- You have used a VPN to sign up or to play
- You have reached the daily, weekly or monthly cashout limit stated in the Terms and Conditions of the casino
- You have recently self-excluded from all gaming sites
- You have created duplicate accounts
Popular Promotions from Best Online Casinos UK
![uk casino promotions]()
When you are ready to have fun at the best UK casino, you may want to claim a promotion. Let’s talk about the most popular options!
Welcome Package
Welcome packages are promotions that online casinos in UK offer and they contain a minimum of two consecutive deals. These are credited for your first two consecutive payments, as long as you meet the requirements of the promotion.
This package can contain up to five deals, but any UK casino can decide how many deposit promotions to add here.
Usually, the deals in the package all share the same terms, conditions, and requirements. However, this is not mandatory.
Therefore, you should always read the terms and conditions for each promotion you claim and use.
Deposit promotion
Deposit offers are deals you get only once, for one payment. These are usually First Deposit promotions and they are only credited on your first payment at top rated UK online casinos if you are eligible to receive it.
This can come with extra spins, funds, or chips to use on Live Casino games.
Sign-up deals
UK top online casinos offer sign-up promotions to attract new players. All you have to do is register and verify all your information. These deals do not require payment, but cashing out from them might.
New no deposit UK casino offers are considerably smaller than the ones credited upon deposit. However, they can be fun to use especially for a player who is just starting.
Not all platforms come with such deals, so British players often seek a UK no deposit bonus casino.
Keep in mind
No deposit casinos in the UK offer sign-up promotions, but they come with higher wagering requirements than other types of deals. At the same time, the maximum cashout is lower and they do not remain available for too long after being claimed.
Tip
Some gaming sites offer no wagering bonuses. These are very rare but they can be a fun addition to your gaming experience.
Mobile Casino Apps in the United Kingdom
New Online casinos in the United Kingdom come with websites fully optimised for mobile play, and some even have dedicated mobile apps.
Some are available for Android devices, while others can be installed on iOS smartphones and tablets.
Not all mobile casinos manage to list their apps on the official iOS or Google Play stores. However, if they do offer a mobile application, you will most likely find it on their website.
Be aware when downloading casino apps
Never download casino apps from other websites than the casino site or the official store of your operating system. Doing this may expose your funds and personal information to hackers and cybercrime.
UK Gambling in Numbers - A Close Look at the Stats
![uk casino gambling statistics]()
The UKGC is constantly analysing the casino UK online gambling industry and delivering reports and statistics, making them available for anyone interested.
Here are some of the most interesting UK gambling stats:
- The number of real event bets increased by 12% from Q4 and Q1 of 2022, and the average number of monthly active accounts has increased by 11% in the same timeframe.
- For the same period of time, the number of online slot spins increased by 5% and reached a number of 18.7 billion, and the average number of active accounts per month was 3.6 million, meaning a 4% increase since Q4.
- The number of online slots gambling sessions lasting longer than one hour got to 8.4 million, so a 5% increase between Q4 and Q1.
- Overall participation in gambling activities has increased to 43% from March 2021
- In-person gambling increased to 26%, a 3% difference compared to the previous year
- In 2020, there were 24 million adult gamblers
- In 2021, 26.9% of people gamble weekly in the UK
History of Gambling in the United Kingdom
![gambling in the uk short history]()
Gambling has a very long history in the United Kingdom, but here are some key points:
- In 1397, all gaming was only allowed on non-working days
- The first thoroughbred horse race took place in 1512
- The first gaming house was Whites, opened in 1652
- The first National Lottery authorised by the Parliament was held in 1694
- In 1721 private lotteries became legal
- By 1722, horse races were held in 122 towns and cities across the UK
- In 1823 lotteries were deemed illegal again until 1993.
- The Gaming Act of 1845 outlawed gambling and the same happened for betting through the Betting Act of 1853 and with street betting with the Street Betting Act of 1906
- The Gaming Act of 1968 legalised gambling again
- The Licensing Act of 2003 and Gaming Act of 2005 set all the regulations we have today in the UK.
Find Your Casino Today with Chipy
A variety of the best online casinos UK, fully licenced and regulated are waiting for you. If you have read all the information we gave you and have decided to start having fun, you have plenty of options.
Now you know all the important aspects of an online casino in the United Kingdom, the laws and regulations, how to choose the right platform, and what to pay attention to.
All that is left for you to do is compare casinos and choose only the best online casinos UK that suit your needs. If you prefer land based casinos, check out our London Casinos page where we list the most popular gambling destinations in the city.
References
The information provided on this page comes from the following sources:
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