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New service allows operators to apply for a licence online

20 February 2014

The Gambling Commission has launched an online application service.

Prospective operators applying for a remote licence or for a non-remote licence alongside a remote licence are required to use the online service (opens in new tab) available via this website.

The move is aimed at improving the service provided by the Commission. Applicants can navigate through the application in a way that reflects their business model and individual circumstances by giving them the option to skip questions that are not applicable. Applicants can also upload information and supporting documentation, including certified copies of identity documents and bank statements, which reduces the risk of original documents being lost in the post and unnecessary delivery delays.

The online application includes the Multi-Jurisdictional Business Form (MJBF) developed by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). The MJBF standardises the general information, track record and compliance records businesses are required to provide to regulators as part of their application for an operating licence. Its inclusion is to reduce the burden on those that may apply to multiple jurisdictions as the MJBF is portable.

While the inclusion of the MJBF means that the Commission is asking for more information at the point of application than has been the case in the past, the introduction of the online application service will over time reduce costs for the Commission which will help keep regulatory costs down for operators.

Dawn Best, Licensing Manager at the Gambling Commission said: “This further development of online services for operators builds on the introduction of eServices in 2013. It’s always been our aim to enable licence applicants to make applications online and this is the first step towards that.”

The new system is only available to those who are applying for a remote licence or for remote and non-remote licences at the same time (that is, not those applying only for a non-remote licence), and who are not already licensed by the Commission

Note to editors

  1. The Gambling Commission (the Commission) regulates gambling in the public interest alongside its co-regulators local licensing authorities. It does so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. Subject to these overriding public protection objectives, as regulator of the National Lottery the Commission monitors and challenges Camelot to raise the maximum amount for good causes. The Commission also provides independent advice to government on gambling in Britain.
  2. The Commission and local licensing authorities are responsible for licensing and regulating all gambling in Great Britain other than spread betting, which is the responsibility of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (opens in new tab).
  3. See the Terms & Conditions section of our website for information on legal advice (opens in new tab).

For all media enquiries, please contact the Gambling Commission press office.

Last updated: 1 December 2023

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