Our role and remit in Northern Ireland
What is the Gambling Commission’s regulatory remit in Northern Ireland?
National Lottery
The Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating the National Lottery under a legal framework governed by the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (opens in new tab) which extends to the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.
All gambling (excluding the National Lottery)
The Commission’s jurisdiction under the Gambling Act 2005 covers Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales. We do not have powers to investigate and prosecute in Northern Ireland as gambling is a devolved matter. However, a licensed gambling operator’s behaviour in Northern Ireland, or indeed in any jurisdiction, can inform our consideration of whether the operator is suitable to be licensed in Great Britain.
This means that the Commission has no role in regulating land-based gambling in Northern Ireland, other than the National Lottery.
Remote gambling operators who have key equipment in Great Britain and offer gambling in Northern Ireland, and/or advertise in Northern Ireland must hold a Gambling Commission licence. However, the Commission does not regulate the gambling activity and has no powers of prosecution in Northern Ireland.
Who is responsible for regulating gambling in Northern Ireland?
Gambling in Northern Ireland (other than the National Lottery) is regulated under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (NI) Order 1985 ("the Order") as amended by the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
When the Order came into force, gambling in Northern Ireland was limited to land based or non-remote gambling, pre-dating the emergence of remote gambling. Any future amendment or reform of the Order is a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Responsible regulatory, licensing and enforcement bodies include the Department for Communities (opens in new tab) , district councils, the courts and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The Advertising Standards Authority regulates advertising in the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. Complaints about all forms of gambling advertising in Northern Ireland are considered by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Complaints can be made directly to the ASA (opens in new tab) .
If you have a concern about remote gambling in Northern Ireland
Complaints and/or disputes
If you disagree with a gambling business about the result of your gambling transaction, or about the service you have received from them, then you should first complain to them.
The Commission has no role in resolving or making decisions on complaints regarding gambling-related transactions, including payments, in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
You will need to follow the operators’ complaints process which can be found on their website. A useful guide on how to do this can be found on our website.
In the event of a dispute, you may be able to access Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services - you should check the operators’ website for further details.
Gambling businesses often hold more than one gambling licence in multiple jurisdictions. We advise you to check the business’ website for detail on which licence is relevant and the appropriate complaints and disputes procedure.
Other concerns
A licensed gambling operator’s behaviour in Northern Ireland, or indeed in any jurisdiction, can inform our consideration of whether the operator is suitable to be licensed in Great Britain. If you have concerns about a Gambling Commission licence holder’s conduct or legality, you can report that to the Commission.
We cannot provide feedback on any information you provide in case it results in an investigation. Any details which are made public could jeopardise the investigation. Any action we take against an individual or gambling business will be published within our public registers. Actions we take are published after the individual or gambling business involved has been informed and any objections have been considered.
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Last updated: 5 May 2026
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