UK Gambling Legislation: Details and Guidelines for 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of gambling, the United Kingdom continues to lead the way in responsible gambling practices and regulations. Here are some of the significant reforms set to shape the UK gambling industry in 2023 and beyond.
Statutory Levy on Gambling Operators
Starting April 2025, a statutory levy will replace voluntary contributions from gambling operators. This levy, which funds research, prevention, and treatment services, will allocate 20% to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), 30% to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, and 50% to the National Health Service (NHS) across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Overhaul of the UK Gambling Commission's Financial Penalties Framework
Effective October 2025, the UK Gambling Commission will introduce a clear seven-step process to categorize breaches, from minor to most severe. These changes aim to increase consistency and promote responsible gambling, with penalties calculated as a percentage of the operator’s gross gambling yield during non-compliance, potentially exceeding 15% in the worst cases.
Modernisation of Land-Based Gambling Regulations
Mid-2023 saw the modernisation of land-based gambling regulations, particularly for casinos. These changes include increasing the number of gaming machines and allowing sports betting in casinos with licenses granted from late summer 2025. These updates are intended to satisfy customer demand and broaden casino appeal.
Stringent Licensing Criteria and Regulatory Oversight
The UK Gambling Commission maintains stringent licensing criteria, emphasising transparency, fairness, anti-money laundering measures, protection of children and vulnerable people, and adherence to updated technical standards such as identity verification and responsible product design.
Political and Regulatory Scrutiny
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Reform launched inquiries into the future of regulation in Great Britain as of mid-2025, indicating possible further changes ahead.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regulations
Operators in the UK gambling industry must verify the identity of customers, including name, address, and date of birth, for AML purposes. Companies that fail to comply with AML regulations can face substantial fines from the Gambling Commission. Staff members in the gambling industry, such as couriers, cashiers, and security personnel, must also apply for PFL.
Reporting Suspicious Activities
Companies should prioritise meeting AML requirements and reporting suspicious activities to regulators. All licensed operators must comply with the License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), which includes assessing the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing in their business.
Online Gambling Regulation
Online gambling is legal and regulated in the UK, with the Gambling Commission of Great Britain being the primary regulator of the industry. The Commission launched a new 'Tell us something in confidence' service in December 2023 to report criminal and suspicious activities in the gambling industry.
Licensing and Application Process
Operating, personal, and premises licenses are required to operate in the UK gambling industry. The exact cost of a gambling license in the UK can be calculated using the Gambling Commission's online calculator, and the processing time for operating license applications is around 16 weeks.
These updates collectively reflect the UK government’s and Gambling Commission’s commitment to responsible gambling, harm reduction, and adapting regulations to modern gambling practices and technologies.
Sports betting will become an allowable activity in casinos starting from mid-2025, as part of the modernization of land-based gambling regulations.
The UK Gambling Commission continues to prioritize anti-money laundering (AML) measures in the gambling industry, with operators required to verify customers' identities, including name, address, and date of birth, for AML purposes.
