Gambling Laws in the UK

Written by: Katya Vasileva Date: 30.05.2025

The UK is home to one of the most strictly regulated gambling markets in the world. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) oversees all gambling activities under the Gambling Act 2005, including land-based casinos, betting shops, lotteries, and online gaming. Find all the details about the current legislation below.

Key points to know about the regulations:

• All gambling operators must be licensed by the UKGC
• Online gambling operators must protect players with clear rules and monitoring tools
• Gambling ads must follow strict guidelines to avoid targeting children or misleading players
• You must be 18 or older to gamble legally

Key objectives of UK gambling laws:

• Prevent gambling from being used for crime or fraud.
• Make sure gambling is fair and transparent.
• Keep children and vulnerable people safe.
• Promote responsible gambling across all platforms.

On this page:

• Legal vs. Illegal Gambling
• Gambling Authority: UKGC
• Legal Gambling Age
• Gambling Laws Timeline
• Licensing Requirements
• Player Protection
• Taxation
• Advertising Regulations
• Affiliate Compliance
• Offshore and Unlicensed Casinos
• Non-Compliance Penalties
• Summary

Legal vs. Illegal Forms of Gambling in the UK

UK gambling laws clearly distinguish between permitted and prohibited activities. While licensed operators can provide gambling services across a wide range of formats, unlicensed or unauthorised operations constitute a criminal offence.

Legal forms of gambling include:

• Online gambling: Casino games, poker, slots, betting, and bingo
• Land-based casinos: Licensed and regulated by local authorities and the UKGC
• Sports betting: In-person and online sportsbooks
• Lotteries and raffles: The National Lottery and society lotteries
• Gaming machines: Permitted in licensed premises

Prohibited or illegal gambling includes:

• Operating without a UKGC license
• Offering gambling services to UK players from offshore without authorisation
• Betting by individuals under the age of 18
• Unlicensed private lotteries or non-compliant prize draws

These restrictions help maintain a fair and transparent market by requiring operators to follow UK gambling rules.

Casino Gambling Laws

Casino gambling is permitted online and in land-based venues, provided the operator is licensed by the UKGC.

Land-based casinos:

• Must obtain approval from local licensing authorities
• Subject to strict oversight on premises, game fairness, security, and staff licensing

Online casinos:

• Must hold a remote operating licence
• Required to implement technical standards, player protections, and anti-money laundering measures
• Must participate in GAMSTOP for self-exclusion services

Sports Betting Gambling Laws

Sports betting is legal and well-regulated in the UK, both in physical betting shops and through online platforms.

Land-based betting shops:

• Licensed under the Gambling Act 2005
• Often operate in high street locations
• Can offer fixed-odds betting terminals under strict regulation

Online sports betting:

• Requires a remote betting license
• Operators must display clear terms, verify customer identity, and apply affordability checks
• In-play and spread betting are allowed but must be tracked and offered under transparent terms

Bingo and Lotteries

Bingo and lotteries are legal under UK law. They have specific licenses depending on scale and type.

Bingo:

• Land-based bingo halls require an operating licence and local authorities’ approval
• Online bingo operators must be licensed and compliant with remote gambling standards

Lotteries:

• The National Lottery is regulated under separate legislation (1993 Act)¹
• Private, society, and local authority lotteries are allowed under conditions that prevent profit-driven commercial use

Gambling Authority: UK Gambling Commission

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the official regulatory body overseeing gambling in the United Kingdom. It monitors that all activities are conducted fairly, openly, and free from crime while also protecting vulnerable players. The UKGC licenses and regulates gambling operators and oversees compliance with legislation and consumer safety standards.

Key facts about the UK Gambling Commission:

Legal Gambling Age in the UK

In the UK, the general legal gambling age is 18. This applies to nearly all forms of gambling, both online and land-based. However, there are a few specific exceptions and provisions under the law.

Minimum legal age by gambling activity:

Exceptions and special provisions:

• Sales by minors: If authorised by the business operator, individuals aged 16 and over may sell National Lottery tickets and scratchcards.
• There are no forms of legal gambling under 16; parental permission does not override these laws.

Retailers and operators are legally required to verify age before providing access to gambling services or products. Enforcement includes test purchasing schemes and penalties for non-compliance.

Legal Timeline of Major Gambling Laws in the UK

The UK’s approach to gambling regulation has steadily evolved to address new technologies, changing consumer habits, and growing concerns around harm prevention. Below is a summary of the most impactful legislative milestones shaping gambling policy and oversight today.

• 1993 – National Lottery Act: Launched the UK’s first legal national lottery and established regulatory oversight for national games of chance.¹
• 2005 – Gambling Act: A landmark reform that unified existing laws and created the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).²
• 2014 – Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act: Extended UKGC’s jurisdiction to include all operators serving UK consumers.³
• 2023 – Gambling White Paper: A major review to modernise regulation in the digital age.⁴
• 2024 – Online Slot Stake Limits Introduced: New caps and youth-specific restrictions applied.

New Gambling Laws and Regulatory Reforms (2023–2025)

The UK government has introduced significant reforms to modernise gambling laws in line with the digital age. These updates focus on consumer protection, fairness, and operator accountability.

Key changes include:

• Online slot stake limits: Introduced £5 per spin cap
• Affordability checks: Automated systems to identify financial risk
• Gambling ombudsman: Independent body to handle player disputes
• VIP programme restrictions: Stronger controls to prevent abuse

Advertising regulations and compliance requirements:

• Ban on free bets and promotional offers for individuals under 25
• Stricter rules on influencer and affiliate marketing
• Mandatory adherence to UK advertising codes, including CAP and BCAP
• Requirement for all advertising to include responsible gambling messaging
• Greater transparency in bonus terms and conditions

Upcoming Regulations

The Gambling Commission and the UK government have signalled that more updates are coming in 2025 and the following years. These may include:

• Expanded use of data for real-time affordability monitoring
• Tighter controls on loot boxes and gambling-like mechanics in video games
• Enhanced cross-border enforcement against illegal offshore operators
• Further limitations on gambling sponsorships in sports
• Upgraded Consumer Force framework
• First-time deposit limits for players
• Statutory levy for operators

Stakeholders should stay informed of these potential changes to provide continued compliance with the evolving legal environment.

Licensing Requirements

To legally offer gambling services in the UK, operators must obtain licenses from the UK Gambling Commission. Businesses must meet high standards of integrity, fairness, player protection, and financial transparency to obtain one. Permits are required for gambling platforms and associated services such as game development and management personnel.

Types of UKGC gambling licenses:

Key licensing conditions include:

• Demonstrating financial stability and integrity
• Compliance with responsible gambling protocols
• Implementation of age verification systems
• Data protection and secure player fund segregation
• Transparent marketing and fair game design

Operators found to be in breach of licensing conditions risk suspension or revocation of their permit, heavy fines, and public sanctions by the UKGC.

Player Protections and Responsible Gambling

UK gambling laws include strict measures to protect players and encourage responsible gambling. These protections are legally mandated for all licensed operators and are central to the country’s regulatory approach.

Key consumer safety measures:

• Minimum age verification: All operators must verify that players are 18 or older⁵
• Self-exclusion programs: GAMSTOP allows players to voluntarily exclude themselves from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites
• Reality checks: Notifications alert players to how long they’ve been playing
• Time and deposit limits: Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits
• Session time reminders: Encourage breaks in play to manage time spent
• Cooling-off periods and self-bans: Temporary or long-term account suspensions

Affordability and financial checks:

• Operators must assess whether a player can afford their gambling activity
• This includes identity checks, financial status evaluation, and transaction monitoring
• Players may be asked to provide income documentation if red flags arise

Advertising controls for player safety:

• Advertising must not target under-18s or vulnerable individuals
• Use of celebrities or influencers appealing to youth is restricted
• All ads must include clear responsible gambling messages and helpline resources

Help and support services:

• GAMSTOP – National online self-exclusion tool
• GamCare – Offers advice and free treatment services
• BeGambleAware.org – Provides education and links to support networks
• National Gambling Helpline – 24/7 confidential assistance

Compliance enforcement:

• The UKGC audits licensed operators for compliance with player protection requirements
• Failures can result in licence suspension, revocation, or large fines

Taxation and Legal Obligations

All gambling operators licensed in the UK are subject to specific tax duties and financial compliance requirements. Players, on the other hand, are not taxed on their winnings, making the UK one of the few jurisdictions with such a player-friendly approach. Taxation and legal obligations also extend to anti-money laundering and data transparency standards.

Operators must also:

• Report gambling revenues to HMRC
• Fulfil anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) obligations
• Monitor financial transactions for suspicious activity
• Submit regular audits and data reports to the UKGC

Gambling Advertising Regulations

Gambling advertising in the UK is subject to strict regulation to protect vulnerable audiences, including minors, and to establish transparency and fairness in marketing practices. The rules are enforced jointly by the UK Gambling Commission, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), and the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP and BCAP).

Core advertising rules include:

• Prohibition on targeting minors: Ads must not be directed at children or young people under 18
• Promotion of responsible gambling: All advertisements must include messaging that promotes safer gambling and displays support resources
• No false or misleading claims: Offers, bonuses, and returns must be presented clearly with accurate terms
• Celebrity endorsements: Must not include individuals or influencers likely to appeal to under-18s
• Affiliate responsibility: Operators are held accountable for the advertising content distributed by affiliates

Recent changes (2022–2025):

• Ban on gambling ads featuring high-risk language or imagery
• Prohibition on free bets and incentives for players under 25
• Tighter scrutiny of social media ads and influencer partnerships

Affiliate Compliance

Affiliate marketers play a key role in promoting gambling services but are also subject to strict compliance rules. The UKGC holds operators accountable for any breaches committed by their affiliates, which means all affiliate activities must align with the same regulatory standards as the operator.

Key affiliate compliance requirements include:

• Clear and accurate presentation of bonus offers and terms
• Avoiding misleading marketing tactics or unrealistic claims
• Not targeting individuals under the age of 18 or vulnerable audiences
• All marketing materials must include responsible gambling messages
• Operating in accordance with the CAP Code and ASA guidelines

Operator responsibility for affiliates:

• Regular monitoring and auditing of affiliate content
• Providing affiliates with up-to-date compliance guidance
• Terminating relationships with non-compliant partners

Non-compliance by affiliates can lead to fines, reputational damage, or licence reviews for the operator.

Offshore and Unlicensed Casinos

Under UK law, accessing or promoting offshore and unlicensed gambling platforms is a criminal offence. These websites often lack the safeguards, consumer protections, and regulatory oversight that UKGC-licensed operators must provide.

Risks of using unlicensed or offshore casinos:

• No legal recourse or dispute resolution in case of unfair treatment or fraud
• Lack of responsible gambling features such as deposit limits, self-exclusion, or time tracking
• Player funds may not be protected or segregated
• Increased exposure to scams, misleading promotions, and identity theft
• No guaranteed fairness or transparency of games and odds

UKGC enforcement actions against illegal operators and affiliates:

• Blocking access to unlicensed domains in the UK
• Imposing financial penalties on affiliates promoting illegal sites
• Criminal prosecution or asset seizure for repeat or severe breaches
• Public listing and naming of banned operators

Players should always check the UKGC register to verify if a site is properly licensed before engaging in any gambling activity.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The UK Gambling Commission has broad powers to enforce gambling laws and monitor operator compliance. Penalties can range from financial fines to criminal prosecution, and they apply to operators, affiliates, and marketing partners. Sanctions are issued based on the severity and nature of the violation, with repeat offenders facing heightened consequences.

Summary and Key Points

The UK maintains one of the most rigorous gambling regulatory frameworks in the world. From licensing and player protections to advertising and taxation, the system is designed to maintain fairness, transparency, and safety for all participants.

• Gambling laws in the UK are strict and actively enforced
• New gambling laws in the UK (2023–2025) focus on online protections
• Online gambling law includes licensing, ad regulation, and affordability
• Only licensed operators are legal
• Advertisers face strict compliance rules

References

1. National Lottery Act 1993: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1993/39/contents
2. Gambling Act 2005: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents
3. Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/17/contents
4. Gambling White Paper 2023: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-stakes-gambling-reform-for-the-digital-age
5. UK Gambling Age Requirement: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/age-and-id-verification
6. HMRC – General Betting Duty, Pool Betting Duty and Remote Gaming Duty: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-betting-duty-pool-betting-duty-and-remote-gaming-duty
7. Remote Gaming Duty: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/remote-gaming-duty