Operating Licences

Your application must be made online. Along with your application, you’ll need:

• Ownership structure of the applicant company including full disclosure of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner and the source of funds used to fund the application and initial trading.
• Group structure of all companies under common ownership.
• The management structure of the applicant company.
• A financial declaration from anyone who holds 10% or more equity in the applicant company.
• Details of anyone who holds 3% or more equity in the applicant company.
• A detailed business plan, including financial projections (in the case of a new company) or audited accounts for an existing operation.
• Copies of all licences held by the applicant and group companies.
• Policy documentation demonstrating how the applicant and management team will comply with the Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (known as LCCP), the 2005 Gambling Act and related consumer protection legislation, including GDPR and advertising codes.

You’ll also need an Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) risk assessment. The risk assessment is then used to produce policies and controls to mitigate those risks. You must update the risk assessment and review the AML policy at least annually.

It’s a condition of B2C Remote Operating Licences, that gambling software is only sourced from a Gambling Commission licensed software provider. Details of the supplier(s) must be included in the application and if the software is to be developed by the Operating Licence applicant, then a separate gambling software licence application must be submitted at the same time.

Like with remote gambling, the Gambling Act authorises the Gambling Commission to grant operating licences to authorise non-remote gambling by sector. These are broken down into:

• Casinos
• Bingo Venues
• Betting Shops
• Adult Gaming Centres
• Licensable Family Entertainment Centres.

However, when applying for a licence, the applicant must identify one or more premises where gambling activity will take place. Similar supporting documentation to that required by remote operators, including an AML risk assessment and policy documentation, must be submitted with the application.

Once an Operating Licence is granted a gambling premises licence application will need to be made to the Licensing Authority Area in which the premises are situated.

We’ve a team of experts with specialist legal knowledge to support from start to finish. Our in depth understanding of the statuary process means we can help you with all legal aspects of licensing.

With over 30 years of experience combined, our team have overseen lots of operating gambling licence applications. With our wealth of knowledge, we’ll be able to predict any issues you’re likely to face.

Our team will work to best meet your needs. If you’d prefer us to come to your offices, we can. If you’d prefer us to organise a video or phone call, we can.

Yes, if you’ve not started operating within 18 months, the Commission will ask for evidence that you still need a licence.

If they don’t think the licence is needed, they’ll request the operator surrenders it or begin a Section 116 review, to exercise its powers to revoke the licence.