How do I apply for an operating licence - casinos?
If you would like to run a casino or offer casino games (for
example poker), you need an operating licence from the Gambling
Commission. See Do I need a licence? for more details on what
kinds of licences casino owners need.
When do I apply?
You cannot start running your gambling business until you have
obtained all the necessary licences. For casinos this includes:
- your operating licence
- any personal licences
- premises licence if you are a land-based casino.
You should submit your casino
operating licence application as soon as possible.
You can get a premises licence from your local licensing
authority.
If you apply for an operating licence, we will publish that you
have applied on our operating licence register.
Find out how to apply for an operating licence
below.
What forms do I have to complete?
You can apply for an operating
licence by completing the following forms (you will
need Adobe Reader 9.1 or
above installed on your computer in order to download them):
Applicants for remote
businesses must also complete:
Make sure you read the guidance notes before you apply:
If you need to order paper copies of these forms, please
contact us.
A list of Schedule 7
offences under the Gambling Act 2005 is available on
the legislation.gov.uk website.
You will also find related advice in our
Licensing compliance and enforcement policy statement - September
2009.
What else will I need to complete my application?
Someone in your company with authority, such as the managing
director or company secretary, needs to sign the declaration forms.
Read the guidance notes to find out more.
As well as your completed application form, you will also need
to send in:
- any continuation pages you have used
- original supporting documents (originals or notorised
copies. Originals will be returned by recorded or special
delivery and will need to be signed for upon receipt)
- Criminal Records Bureau (if you live/work in England or
Wales) or Disclosure Scotland (if you live/work in Scotland)
application form. Email or call our contact centre to get a
copy of either form.
- any personal licence or Annex A applications you are
making (
Operating licence application - (Annex A) personal declaration form
- July 2010)
- proof of identity documents (originals or notorised copies.
Originals will be returned by recorded or special delivery and will
need to be signed for upon receipt)
- your business plan
- organisational chart
- Annex B Financial Declaration form
- the licence
fee.
If your company is not based in Great Britain (GB), we will need
a GB contact address.
If you do not send us all the information we require, we may
reject your application.
We will not return your fee if your application is unsuccessful
or you choose to withdraw from the application process.
How do I submit my application?
You can type into the application form and print it out or print
out the blank form and fill it in by hand in black ink. You should
send your operating and personal licence application forms (or
Annex A personal declaration) along with any supporting
documents to the address below. Make sure if you are paying
your licence fee by credit or debit card that you have completed
the payment section at the end of the application form.
Licensing Submissions
Gambling
Commission
Victoria Square House
Victoria Square
Birmingham
B2 4BP
What happens after I submit my application?
Find out what happens after you apply.
Page last reviewed: April 2011