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.
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.Â
The regulatory framework is underpinned by three core objectives:
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.
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:
Where appropriate, we work closely with trusted overseas advisers to ensure coordinated, jurisdiction‑specific advice.
A fundamental distinction under GB gambling law is whether gambling activities are classified as remote or non‑remote.Â
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:
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 gambling refers to gambling activities taking place on physical premises, such as:
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.
We work as trusted advisers, helping clients manage regulatory risk while supporting sustainable, compliant growth.Â
Our betting and gaming team supports operators, suppliers and investors in navigating regulatory complexity, managing risk and moving forward with confidence.
We are here to help you understand your legal requirements 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 03300291644
