Betting and Gaming Licences
We can support you with Gambling Commission Operating Licence applications, reviews and variations, Personal Management Licence applications, and advice on product categorisation and whether a licence is required.
Betting and Gaming
The betting and gaming sector is one of the most highly regulated and fast‑moving industries in Great Britain and internationally. Rapid technological change, increasing regulatory scrutiny and evolving consumer protection standards mean that operators, suppliers and investors must navigate a complex legal landscape, often across multiple jurisdictions.
Irwin Mitchell advises businesses operating in the UK and internationally, combining regulatory expertise with commercial insight to support compliant operations, cross‑border activity and strategic growth.
Overview of gambling regulation in Great Britain
Gambling in Great Britain is regulated primarily under the Gambling Act 2005, together with associated regulations, codes of practice and guidance issued by the Gambling Commission, the statutory regulator.
The regulatory framework is underpinned by three core objectives:
- Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder
- Ensuring gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
- Protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm
Operators and suppliers will need a Gambling Commission licence, which triggers on-going compliance with the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), Technical Standards and adherence to stringent requirements around safer gambling, anti‑money laundering, advertising and consumer protection.
We advise clients at every stage of the regulatory lifecycle, including market entry, licence applications, ongoing compliance, regulatory investigations and enforcement action. Our team also regularly advises on how GB requirements interact with overseas regulatory regimes for businesses operating internationally.
Remote (online) vs non‑remote (land‑based) gambling
A fundamental distinction under GB gambling law is whether gambling activities are classified as remote or non‑remote.
Remote gambling (online)
Remote gambling covers gambling activities conducted by means of the internet, telephone, television or other electronic communication, where players participate at a distance. This includes:
- Online betting and gaming platforms
- Mobile applications
- Remote bingo and lottery products
Remote operators are subject to sector specific LCCP, technical and software standards, data protection obligations and enhanced regulatory scrutiny, particularly in relation to risk management, AML controls and consumer protection.
Non‑remote (land‑based) gambling
Non‑remote gambling refers to gambling activities taking place on physical premises, such as:
- Casinos
- Betting shops
- Bingo halls
- Adult Gaming Centres
- Family Entertainment Centres
- Gaming machines located in alcohol licensed venues
Land‑based operations involve a dual regulatory structure, with licences issued by the Gambling Commission and premises licences overseen by local authorities, alongside location‑specific operational requirements.
There are separate permit requirements for bona fide members’ clubs.
We advise clients on remote, non‑remote and hybrid business models, including businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions or expanding from land‑based to digital offerings.
UK and international gambling advice
In addition to advising on GB gambling regulation, we regularly support clients with cross‑border and international gambling matters. Our experience includes advising businesses that operate, invest or supply services across multiple jurisdictions.
We work with clients on:
- Regulatory risk analysis across different gambling regimes
- Structuring international operations and market entry strategies
- Managing compliance across multiple regulators
- Cross‑border investigations, disputes and enforcement risk
Where appropriate, we work closely with trusted overseas advisers to ensure coordinated, jurisdiction‑specific advice.
Our betting and gaming services
Our advice is pragmatic, commercially focused and tailored to businesses operating domestically and internationally. Our multidisciplinary team advises on:Meet an expert from our Betting and Gaming team
Our Betting and Gaming offering is led by experienced regulatory and commercial lawyers with a strong understanding of regulated and cross‑border business environments.
Why choose Irwin Mitchell?
We work as trusted advisers, helping clients manage regulatory risk while supporting sustainable, compliant growth.
- Proven experience in regulated and internationally operating sectors
- A full‑service legal offering, drawing on regulatory, corporate and disputes expertise
- Practical, risk‑aware advice that reflects commercial realities
- Support for UK‑based and cross‑border gaming and betting businesses.
Speak to a specialist
We are here to help you understand your rights and the support you need. Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).
Call us free on 0370 1500 100
Here’s how it works
This is how we’ll start working together
Complete our online formWe need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phoneOn the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointmentIf we’re able to support you further, the next step is an appointment with one of our specialists so we can discuss everything in more detail.
What you need to know about working with us
These are our promises to you:- 01Clear legal guidance
You will always get straightforward, honest advice, with regular updates to keep you clear on the way forward.
- 02Specialist knowledge
A wide-ranging team of trusted specialists who understand what it takes to protect your future, your family or your business.
- 03Your needs first
Whether you’re navigating complex personal situations or business decisions, we take the time to understand your world and what’s at stake.