Gambling regulation in the United Kingdom

Who regulates gambling in the United Kingdom?

The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in Great Britain and the National Lottery across the United Kingdom. It issues operating licences to businesses and personal licences to individuals under the Gambling Act 2005, as amended by the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014.

Source: Gambling Commission, What we regulate · checked 2 Oct 2026

Regulator's site: Gambling Commission

Is online casino legal in the United Kingdom?

Yes, with a Gambling Commission licence. The Commission regulates remote gambling offered to consumers in Great Britain wherever the operator's key equipment is located, and remote gambling that uses key equipment in Great Britain.

Source: Gambling Commission, What we regulate · checked 2 Oct 2026

Is sports betting legal in the United Kingdom?

Yes, with a Gambling Commission licence. Betting is one of the types of gambling the Commission regulates, in premises and remotely.

Source: Gambling Commission, What we regulate · checked 2 Oct 2026

What other gambling is legal in the United Kingdom?

Casinos, bingo, arcades and lotteries Legal with a licence

The Commission also regulates casinos, bingo, arcades, gaming machine providers, gambling software providers and lottery operators, except small society lotteries.

Source: Gambling Commission, What we regulate · checked 2 Oct 2026

What gambling licences are there in the United Kingdom?

Operating licence

An operating licence is required to provide most gambling facilities in Great Britain.

Source: Gambling Commission, Licences and fees · checked 2 Oct 2026

Personal licences

Individuals in specified roles need a Personal Management Licence (PML) or a Personal Functional Licence (PFL). A business may also need a premises licence.

Source: Gambling Commission, Licences and fees · checked 2 Oct 2026

What is the gambling tax in the United Kingdom?

Remote Gaming Duty

Remote Gaming Duty is 40% of a provider's profits from remote gaming played by customers who usually live in the UK. The rate rose from 21% on 1 April 2026.

Source: GOV.UK, General Betting Duty, Pool Betting Duty and Remote Gaming Duty · checked 2 Oct 2026

General Betting Duty

General Betting Duty is 15% of a bookmaker's profits on fixed-odds and totalisator bets. A 25% rate for remote betting applies from 1 April 2027; remote bets on UK horse racing stay at 15%.

Source: GOV.UK, Gambling duty changes · checked 2 Oct 2026

Bingo Duty

Bingo Duty was abolished with effect from 1 April 2026.

Source: GOV.UK, Gambling duty changes · checked 2 Oct 2026

What are the key rules for operators in the United Kingdom?

Minimum age

It is an offence to invite, cause or permit a child or young person to gamble; the Gambling Act defines a young person as someone under 18.

Source: Gambling Act 2005, sections 45 and 46 · checked 2 Oct 2026

Online slots stake limit

Online slots stakes are capped at £5 per game cycle, and at £2 for players under 25. The £5 limit went live on 9 April 2025 and the £2 limit on 21 May 2025.

Source: Gambling Commission, Online slots stake limit guidance · checked 2 Oct 2026

Advertising

Gambling advertising must be socially responsible and comply with the UK Advertising Codes issued by the Committees of Advertising Practice and administered by the Advertising Standards Authority.

Source: Gambling Commission, Advertising and marketing rules and regulations · checked 2 Oct 2026

Anti-money laundering

All operators must comply with the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Commission's Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice; casino operators have further sector-specific legal requirements.

Source: Gambling Commission, Anti-money laundering legislation · checked 2 Oct 2026

What has changed recently in the United Kingdom?

Remote Gaming Duty rose from 21% to 40% and Bingo Duty was abolished on 1 April 2026.

Source: GOV.UK, Gambling duty changes · checked 2 Oct 2026