Who we regulate
We are responsible for licensing the following people and businesses providing gambling in Great Britain. We are also responsible for ensuring licence holders meet the relevant conditions of their licence.
Gambling businesses
We need to issue an operating licence to a gambling business for it to operate in Great Britain. The specific type of licence depends on the type of gambling business.
Examples of the types of business we license include:
- online businesses with gambling websites or apps which trade or advertise to British customers
- arcades and entertainment centres
- betting shops
- lotteries and society lotteries
- gambling software companies
- gaming machine companies
- bingo halls
- casinos.
External lottery managers
A society or local authority lottery can employ an external lottery manager (ELM) to run the lottery on their behalf. However, an ELM must apply for an operating licence.
There is detailed information about the types of licences and how to apply for licensees and businesses.
People working in the gambling industry
There are two types of licences we issue to individuals, known as personal licences.
Personal Management Licenses
For senior staff with responsibilities such as developing the corporate strategy or financial planning for a gambling business. You can apply for a Personal Management Licence online.
Personal Functional Licences
For people working in casinos in roles where they are directly involved in the game or handling money (such as dealers). You can apply for a Personal Functional Licence online.
The application process for both licences include background and criminality checks.
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What we don't regulate
Last updated: 23 December 2022
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