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Applying for Test House approval

The Gambling Commission has worked with the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to develop a Test House Framework that will ensure all Test Houses are operating consistently to the same high standards.

The Commission issues a list of approved Test Houses on our website and all operators who are manufacturing gaming machines, gaming machine software, and remote gambling software, must use an appropriately accredited Test House. The information on this page is to explain how a Test House can seek approval as a Test House and be added to the approved list.

Does the Commission publish a copy of the Framework document?

Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, and selected requirements from ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 27002, is mandatory for a Test House. Because the Framework contains copyrighted details relating to these standards, it is a British Standards Institute (BSI) requirement that the copyright material is protected. Therefore, the Commission is unable to post a copy of the Framework on our website. Read a summary of our response to the Test House Framework development consultation for information including consultation questions, responses, and our position on these questions.

How does a Test House apply for Approval?

For Test Houses interested in becoming an approved Test House the first step is by emailing testhousesubmission@gamblingcommission.gov.uk expressing interest.

The Commission will send a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to the Test House to complete. The NDA requires the names of one to three individuals who are employed by the legal entity seeking to be approved as a Test House. These individuals must sign and date the NDA. The conditions of the NDA require that the named individual(s) are the only ones who have access to the Framework and that they agree to use all reasonable endeavours to prevent the unauthorised duplicating, copying or pirating of the Framework.

The signed and dated NDA must be returned to the Commission by emailing testhousesubmission@gamblingcommission.gov.uk

Once the NDA is received, the Commission will issue a copy of the Framework, watermarked with the name of the legal entity, together with an application form and guidance notes. To proceed with an application, the application form must be completed and returned by emailing testhousesubmission@gamblingcommission.gov.uk

What if the Test House decides not to apply for Approval?

If the Test House decides not to proceed with an application for approval from the Commission, it should destroy all copies of the Framework, printed and electronic. There is no need to notify the Commission of the decision.

How We Process Test House Applications

Our Statement of principles for licensing and regulation underpins all of our work, including how we assess Test House applications.

Assessing suitability

When considering suitability to become a Test House, we want to see evidence to support an assessment of the following areas.

Identity and ownership

We need to understand the identity of the legal entity that is applying to be approved, if the entity is part of a larger group structure, and who ultimately owns the entity. All individuals owning 10 percent or more of the applicant company must be identified. If a Test House is providing facilities at several different laboratory locations, we need to understand the governance arrangements, for example who is ultimately responsible for overseeing the work at all the locations.

We need assurance that the Test House is independent from any licensed gambling operators or any other Test Houses outside of the group.

Finances

We need to understand the source of funding for the Test House and whether there are sufficient financial resources to enable the Test House to deliver testing for operators. Test Houses must be financially independent from any operators or other Test Houses.

Integrity

We need to establish the honesty and trustworthiness of the applicant and that of the people relevant to the application, which we do through a variety of external checks.

Competence

The people who are relevant to the application, in addition to the owners of the business, are those who hold the following key positions:

  • Responsible for overall strategy and delivery of services (for example, Chief Executive Officer (CEO))
  • Responsible for financial planning, control and budgeting (for example, Chief Financial Officer (CFO))
  • Compliance director
  • Technical director
  • Responsible for quality control
  • Responsible for information security.

It may be that some of the above roles are combined but there must be someone who has responsibility for each of these areas. We need to see a management structure to understand who occupies the roles and the lines of reporting. All relevant people must sign the application form.

Criminality

We need to check the criminal record of the applicant and any people relevant to the application. Those born outside of England, Wales or Scotland, or those who have lived overseas in the last 5 years, will need to obtain certified copies of an overseas police report from their local police force, translated into English (if necessary). This is not required for those who left their country of birth as a child.

Provision

We need to understand what areas the Test House is seeking approval for and whether it has the necessary ability and resources to be able to provide these testing services to the required standards:

  • gaming machine technical standards
  • remote gambling and software technical standards (RTS)
  • bingo and casino technical requirements.

The Test House must have policies and procedures in place. These should cover areas such as:

  • money laundering and how to avoid being party to illegal activity
  • protecting equipment from crime or criminal misuse
  • the Know Your Customer checks that are conducted for prospective clients
  • business continuity
  • data protection
  • indemnity insurance.

There can be no outsourcing of testing to other Test Houses that are not part of the same Group.

Changes to Approved Test Houses

Any currently approved Test House wanting to make changes to their approval should contact us by emailing testhousesubmission@gamblingcommission.gov.uk requesting an application form and guidance notes.

Refusal of an Application

If we decide to refuse your application for approval as a Test House, we will let you know the reasons why. We will provide you with an opportunity to make additional representations, and supporting documentation if appropriate, before a final decision is made. There is no appeal process, but if you can resolve the issues that led to the refusal, you can resubmit an application immediately.

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Documents Needed to Support a Test House Application

Last updated: 11 December 2023

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