Betting & Gaming Licensing Solicitors

The normal processing period for a Gambling Commission licence is currently about six months (the Commission’s website explains why applications are taking longer to process). However, it could be considerably longer.

If you choose us to apply on your behalf, we’ll work with you to ensure the information provided is accurate, complete, and up to date. This means the application will be processed as quickly as possible. It also has the best chance of being granted.

The application fees payable to the Gambling Commission vary depending on:

• The types of gambling you wish to offer
• Whether you will be offering online or land-based gambling
• The expected revenues from the activities (known as gross gambling yield).

You can find out exactly how much your gambling licence will cost by completing the Gambling Commission’s operating licence fee calculator.

The application fees you need to pay a Licensing Authority for a premises licence application vary by sector. They’re capped by regulations but are currently under review.

Annual fees are payable to both the Gambling Commission and, where land-based licences are held, the Licensing Authority.

Licensing Authorities must include costs of enforcement in their annual fees. The Commission factor into their annual fees costs of compliance and enforcement.

For your gambling licence application to be approved, you need a comprehensive business plan. Presenting the Gambling Commission with a well-thought-out plan will show that you’re aware of your goals and how to achieve them.

You will also need to demonstrate that you’ve taken responsible gambling into consideration. This includes putting customer protection practices in place. Strategies to protect against money laundering and fraud are also vital. They require a risk assessment of your business, and policies and controls to mitigate any risks.

We have vast experience in helping clients create a comprehensive application. Before submitting your application, we will ensure all the bases are covered to give you the best chance of being approved for a licence.

We can help both remote (mostly online) and non-remote (premises-based) businesses with all aspects of betting and gaming licensing.

Areas that we can help you with include:

• All remote and non-remote operating licence applications submitted to the Gambling Commission
• All areas of the application process including the critical business plan and advising on all requisite policies and procedures demonstrating compliance with all Commission requirements
• Liaising with the Gambling Commission to make your application process as smooth as possible
• Premises licence applications to local authorities including pre-application consultation
• Personal Management Licence and Annex A applications
• Regulatory panel hearings if the application is referred to the Panel for a decision.

The following issues won’t necessarily impact you, but if needed, we can also advise you on:

• Restructuring of gambling businesses including change of corporate control
• Gambling Commission information requests and investigations
• Reporting of key events to the Gambling Commission
• Transaction due diligence
• Investor due diligence
• Acquisitions and disposals
• Cease and desist letters issued by the Gambling Commission in relation to unauthorised gambling
• Working with international law firms to provide advice on overseas gambling markets.