Gambling sectors

Do I need a licence - gambling software?

There are two types of licence that gambling software business owners generally need. These are an operating licence and a personal management licence, both of which are issued by the Gambling Commission.

Do I need an operating licence?

You will need a gambling software operating licence if you manufacture, supply, install or adapt gambling software that is used in connection with remote gambling, but does not include gaming machines.

This means that you will need a gambling software operating licence if:

  • you supply customers in Great Britain, even if your company is located abroad. This includes installing software on remote gambling equipment based in Great Britain from the country you are based in. 

    You will also be responsible for ensuring that the software you supply is capable of being deployed in a manner that complies with the Commission's technical standards.
  • you are based in Great Britain and manufacture, supply, install or adapt gambling software to or for remote operators who are based abroad. This is the case even if you only ever work for or supply operators who are based abroad.

    However, the Commission's remote gambling and software technical standards will not apply to the software you provide for overseas operations. This means that you can supply software which meets the requirements of whichever jurisdiction the gambling operation is based in.


You need to be sure that the companies you are supplying have the right operating licences,if they are based in Great Britain. You will be required to demonstrate to Commission licensees that you are licensed and your software meets or is capable of meeting the Commissions remote gambling and software technical standards.

If you want to install software updates or otherwise manufacture, supply or adapt gambling software that is used in your gambling business, you may in certain circumstances apply for a linked gambling software licence.

Find out which type of operating licence you need, and how to apply.

Do I need a personal management licence?

You will need at least one personal management licence (PML) to run a gambling software business, unless you qualify as a small-scale operator.

Anyone who is responsible for any of these areas of your organisation will need to apply for a PML:

  • overall strategy and delivery of gambling operations
  • financial planning, control and budgeting
  • marketing and commercial development
  • regulatory compliance
  • gambling related IT provision and security

Individuals who perform more than one of these management functions at the same time only need to hold one PML. Apply for a personal management licence.

Do I need a premises licence?

You do not need a premises licence for a gambling software business.