Legal information
UK GAMBLING LAW AND NON-GAMSTOP CASINOS
Understand the distinction between UKGC-licensed operators and offshore sites, and why licence checks matter.
Licensing in Great Britain
Businesses offering remote gambling services to British consumers generally need the applicable authorisation from the UK Gambling Commission. The legal requirements and advertising restrictions depend on the specific service, audience and activities.
UKGC-licensed online gambling operators participate in GAMSTOP. A website that is not part of GAMSTOP is not automatically lawful or safer for British players. An overseas licence should be checked with its issuing authority and is not equivalent to UKGC authorisation.
Before trusting an operator
- Identify the actual legal company behind the casino brand.
- Look up the operator in the UK Gambling Commission register if UK authorisation is claimed.
- Inspect the complaints procedure, withdrawal conditions, personal-data policy and available player protections.
- Do not treat an affiliate rating, bonus amount or screenshots as proof of licence status.
GAMSTOP and self-exclusion
GAMSTOP provides free exclusion from GB-licensed gambling websites and apps. People who have self-excluded should not seek sites outside the scheme to resume gambling. The UKGC self-exclusion guide explains related protections and additional tools.