The Best UKGC Licensed Casinos in 2023

UKGC licensed casinos are sought by both UK and non-UK players. In fact, for many of you, the UK Gambling Commission can be considered the most reputable licensing authority in the world.

The reasons for this are plenty, and they are related to security, fair play and player protection. Safety isn't exactly in question at UKGC casinos. But before we jump to what the Gambling Commission is all about, we've given you a list of top casinos with this licence.

Top 19 UKGC Licensed Casinos Online

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1
betway
Betway Casino
star-full-icon star-full-icon star-full-icon star-full-icon star-empty-icon
  • licence-icon Holds reputable licences
  • mobile-icon iOS and Android apps
  • bonus-icon Regular promotions and offers
Welcome Bonus - UK Deposit and Wager £10, Get 100 Free Spins
Very Good
safe-icon
New customers only. 18+. Opt-in required. This offer is valid for selected customers only. 100 Bonus Spins on Assassin Moon, Big Boom Riches, Arena of Gold and Aliya's Wishes after first deposit and wager of £10+. 30x bonus wagering applies as do weighting requirements. Debit Card deposits only. This offer is valid 7 days from when your new account being registered. Irregular gameplay may invalidate your bonus. BeGambleAware.org. Bet The Responsible Way. #ad
Top bonuses
  • bonus-icon Deposit and Wager £10, Get 100 Free Spins
Payment methods
Neteller logoSkrill - Moneybookers logoPaypal logoecheck logoentropay logoPaysafecard logoVisa logomastercard logoecoPayz logointerac logovisa electron logomaestro logopostepay logovisa debit logotrustly logoskrill 1 tap logocredit debit cards logom pesa logo
Top games
  • slots-icon
    Slots: 200+
  • blackjack-icon
    Blackjack: 45
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 35
  • live-icon
    Live: 80+
thomas williams Reviewed by Thomas
Welcome Bonus - Deposit and Wager £10, Get 100 Free Spins ● This offer is only available to new customers at Betway Casino who reside in UK. ● To qualify for this offer, you must tick the box 'I wish to receive the Welcome Bonus and accept the Terms and Conditions during the registration process. ● Deposit and wager at least £10 using a debit card or Paypal, within 7 days of registering a new account to receive the bonus. ● Once you have started to wager, you must wager the full £10 in a 24 hour period to qualify for the Bonus Spins. ● Bonus Spins can be used on Assassin Moon, Big Boom Riches, Arena of Gold and Aliya's Wishes and are worth £0.10 per spin. ● The spins will be credited to your account, once you meet deposit and wagering requirements. ● The Bonus spins will expire 7 days after you are awarded them. ● All winnings won as a result of play using the Bonus Spins will be credited to the Casino Bonus Account and are subject to 30x wagering requirements. ● Max £7.50 stake limit per spin on slot games with the welcome bonus. The games listed below will have a maximum stake limit of £1 – Beautiful Bones, Cool Buck – 5 reel slot, Magic of Sahara, Macho Man – Village People, Scrooge, Zombie Hoard, Castle Builder, Castle Builder 2, Le Kaffee Bar, Peek a Boo, Stardust and Scarab. ● Game Weighting applies. ● 18+, New Players Only, Full Terms Apply. ● Gamble Responsibly - begambleaware.org. Wagering Requirements: Slots - 30x #ad
2
netbet casino logo review
NetBet Casino
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  • bonus-icon Valuable welcome bonus
  • software-icon High quality games library
  • vip-icon In-depth loyalty program
Welcome Bonus Deposit £10, get up to 500 Free Spins
Very Good
Claim Bonus
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New players, £10+ deposit, no e-wallets/prepaid cards, up to 500 Free Spins, 40x wagering on Free Spins winnings. Terms apply. #ad
Top bonuses
  • free-spins-icon Deposit £10, get up to 500 Free Spins
Payment methods
bank wire logoecoPayz logoentropay logomastercard logoPaypal logorapid transfer logotrustly logoVisa logo
Top games
  • slots-icon
    Slots: 1500+
  • blackjack-icon
    Blackjack: 17+
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 20+
  • live-icon
    Live: 50+
kay jones Reviewed by Kay
UK Welcome Bonus - Deposit £10 – get up to 500 FS ● NetBet Free Spins - Things to Know: ● Deposit amount doesn’t affect number of free spins (minimum is £10). ● 50 free spins credited immediately after first deposit. ● Remaining 450 free spins are given in random amounts, every day. ● You can get from 0 to 75 free spins per day, for 6 days. ● E-wallets and Prepaid cards excluded. ● Free Spins expire in 2 days after being credited. ● 18+, New Customers Only, One Deposit Per Household/IP/Customer. ● Full NetBet Casino Terms and Conditions apply. ● Gamble Responsibly - www.begambleaware.org. Wagering Requirements: Slots - 40 x Bonus #ad
3
duelz
Duelz Casino
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  • usp-icon Unique Duelz battle feature
  • paypal-icon PayPal accepted
  • bonus-icon Excellent welcome offer
Welcome Bonus - UK 100% up to £100 + 100 Spins
Very Good
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18+, New players only. Min. deposit £20. Bonus spins valid on Book of Dead slot only. 30x wagering on bonus, 45x wagering on free spins. £2 bonus max bet. Bonus and spinsmust be used within 30 days. Full T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly – www.begambleaware.org #ad
Top bonuses
  • bonus-icon 100% up to £100 + 100 Spins
Payment methods
Paysafecard logoVisa logomastercard logoecoPayz logoinstadebit logointerac logobitcoin logoastropay logoidebit logoneosurf logocitadel logoflexepin logolitecoin logomuchbetter logo
Top games
  • slots-icon
    Slots: 900+
  • blackjack-icon
    Blackjack: 10+
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 10+
  • live-icon
    Live: 35+
kay jones Reviewed by Kay
Welcome Bonus - up to £100 + 100 FS ● Min Deposit: £20 ● Expiry Date (Bonus): 30 Days ● FS (Free Spins) Expiry: 30 Days ● FS Max Cashout: £100 ● Max Bet Limit: £2 ● 18+ New Players Only, Full T&Cs apply ● Gamble responsibly - www.begambleaware.org Wagering Requirements: Slots - 30x Bonus #ad
Exclusive
4
amber spins logo
Amber Spins
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  • licence-icon Part of a widely trusted iGaming brand
  • slots-icon Good choice of slots
  • credit-card-icon Trusted payment methods
Welcome Bonus 200% up to £20 + 100 Spins
Excellent
Claim Bonus
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First-time depositors only (18+ country restrictions apply). Min deposit: £10. Max offer: £20 Games Bonus & 100 Free Spins (on a game of our choice). Promo code: SPIN100. Any Games Bonus winnings, if applicable, must be wagered 60x before withdrawal. Any Free Spins winnings, if applicable, will be credited as bonus funds and capped at £10. FS are valid for 7 days and any winnings must be wagered 40x before withdrawal. Games Bonus win cap: £100 + original bonus amount. Wagering contribution varies by game. We reserve the right to deny bonuses based on abusive bonus activity across sites operated by the Company. Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time (UK only). General withdrawal restrictions & full T&Cs apply. Valid until 31.12.2022. #ad
Top bonuses
  • bonus-icon 200% up to £20 + 100 Spins
Payment methods
Paypal logoVisa logomastercard logobank transfer logo
Top games
  • slots-icon
    Slots: 500+
  • blackjack-icon
    Blackjack: 0
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 0
  • live-icon
    Live: None
kay jones Reviewed by Kay
200% Deposit Match Bonus + 100 Free spins - Use Bonus Code: SPIN100 ● First time depositors only. ● Minimum Deposit: £10. ● Max offer: £20 games bonus and 100 free spins on selected games. ● Bonus wagering requirements: 60x bonus amount ● Free spins wagering requirements: 40x winnings before withdrawal. ● Games bonus winnings are capped at £100 + original bonus amount. ● Free spins winnings are capped at £10 and FS are valid for 7 days. ● 18+, New Players Only ● Game Weighting Applies, Full Amber Spins Casino Terms Apply ● Gamble Responsibly - begambleaware.org Wagering Requirements: Slots - 60x Bonus #ad
5
mr play
MrPlay Casino
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  • bonus-icon Valuable welcome offer
  • credit-card-icon Variety of payment options
  • slots-icon Over 1000 slots
Welcome Bonus & Spins - UK up to £200 + 100 Spins
Very Good
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18+, New players only. Min deposit £10 for the 1st deposit and £20 for other deposits. Welcome package split over 3 deposits. 35x wagering requirement on bonus. Offer valid for 7 days. 100 spins split to 20 spins a day for 5 days. 50x wagering on free spins. Full T&C apply. Please gamble responsibly - www.begambleaware.org #ad
Top bonuses
  • bonus-icon up to £200 + 100 Spins
Payment methods
bank transfer logocredit debit cards logoeasyeft logoinstadebit logointerac logoNeteller logoPaypal logoPaysafecard logoSkrill - Moneybookers logotrustly logo
Top games
  • slots-icon
    Slots: 1000+
  • blackjack-icon
    Blackjack: 9+
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 10+
  • live-icon
    Live: 200+
kay jones Reviewed by Kay
Welcome Bonus up to £200 + 100 spins. ● Deposit: 100% - £50 + 100 Free Spins ● Deposit: 50% - £75. ● Deposit: 50% - £75. ● Free spins will be credited in the amount of 20 free spins per day for 5 consecutive days: ● Day 1: Starburst. ● Day 2: Finn and the Swirly Spin. ● Day 3: Book of Dead. ● Day 4: VIP Black. ● Day 5: Aloha! Cluster Pays. ● The minimum qualifying deposit is £10 for first deposit and £20 for 2nd and 3rd deposit. ● Players must wager the bonus amount 35x before withdrawal. ● 50x wagering requirements apply to free spins winnings. ● Offer valid for 7 days. ● Free spins valid for 24 hours. ● Free spins available on selected slots only. ● Game Weighting Applies. ● 18+, New Players Only. ● Full Terms Apply, Gamble Responsibly. Wagering Requirements Slots - 35 x Bonus #ad
Exclusive
6
casumo
Casumo Casino
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  • slots-icon Over 2000 games
  • paypal-icon PayPal accepted
  • bonus-icon Excellent loyalty program
Welcome Bonus - UK 100% up to £100 + 20 Spins
Excellent
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*18+. New UK players only. Opt-in required. 20 Bonus Spins on “Sahara Riches Cash Collect”. 100% Deposit Bonus up to £100 on first deposit. Min deposit £10. 30x wagering on Bonus Spins and Deposit Bonus. Game weighting applies. Max £5/spin or £0.50/line or £50/round (live casino). 30 days expiry. Applies only with bonus link. T&Cs Apply. Please gamble responsibly • www.begambleaware.org #ad
Top bonuses
  • bonus-icon 100% up to 300€ + 20 Spins
  • bonus-icon 100% up to £100 + 20 Spins
Payment methods
zimpler logobank wire logoboku logogiropay logoideal logomastercard logoNeteller logoPaysafecard logopugglepay logoSkrill - Moneybookers logointerac logoVisa logovisa debit logovisa electron logoPaypal logoApple Pay logo
Top games
  • slots-icon
    Slots: 1800+
  • blackjack-icon
    Blackjack: 15+
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 19+
  • live-icon
    Live: 100+
kay jones Reviewed by Kay
Exclusive: 100% Deposit Bonus up to £100 + 20 Bonus Spins ● Opt-In Required, New UK Customers Only. ● Minimum Deposit: £10. ● 20 Bonus Spins to use on 'Sahara Riches Cash Collect'. ● Maximum Bet with Bonus: £5 per spin/£0.50 per bet line on slots, £10 per round on table and live games. ● 30x wagering requirement applies for winnings on Bonus Spins. ● 30x wagering requirement applies for your Deposit and Deposit Bonus. ● 30 days expiry for bonus and free spins. ● Game Weighting Applies. ● 18+, Full Terms Apply. ● Gamble Responsibly - begambleaware.org. Wagering Requirements: Slots - 30 x Bonus #ad
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21 casino logo
21 Casino
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  • slots-icon Huge range of software providers
  • credit-card-icon Local payment methods
  • bonus-icon Valuable welcome bonus
Welcome Bonus - UK 121% up to £100
Very Good
safe-icon
18+. New players only. Min deposit £10. Bonus funds are 121% up to £100. Bonus funds are separate to cash funds and subject to 35x wagering requirement. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution. £5 bonus max bet. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days, spins within 10 days. Affordability checks apply. Terms Apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
Top bonuses
  • bonus-icon 121% up to 300€
  • bonus-icon 121% up to £100
Payment methods
Neteller logoSkrill - Moneybookers logobank wire logoentropay logoPaysafecard logoVisa logomastercard logogiropay logointerac logomaestro logosofort logotrustly logoboku logo
Top games
  • slots-icon
    Slots: 800+
  • blackjack-icon
    Blackjack: 20+
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 20+
  • live-icon
    Live: 30+
thomas williams Reviewed by Thomas
Welcome Bonus of 121% up to £100. ● The minimum qualifying deposit is £10. ● The maximum bet limit is £5. ● The wagering requirements are 35x the bonus amount. ● The bonus funds must used within 30 days. Any unused bonus is removed, including winnings. ● Deposits made with Skrill and/or Neteller do not qualify for this bonus offer. ● 18+, New Players Only. Gamble Responsibly. - www.begambleaware.org ● All bonuses are subject to the 21 Casino T&C. Wagering Requirements Keno - 35 x Bonus #ad
8
betfred casino logo
Betfred Casino
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  • bonus-icon Valuable welcome bonus
  • licence-icon Trusted reuptation in iGaming
  • mobile-icon Excellent mobile apps
Welcome Bonus - UK Stake £10, Get up to 200 Free Spins
Very Good
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New casino customers only. £/€10 min transfer & stake on casino slots within 7 days. Max. bonus 200 Free Spins on selected games. Free Spins expire after 7 days. iOs app restrictions may apply. E-wallet & pre-paid card restrictions apply. SMS validation may apply. Not available in NI. Full T&Cs apply. #ad
Top bonuses
  • bonus-icon Stake £10, Get up to 200 Free Spins
Payment methods
bank transfer logocredit debit cards logoNeteller logoPaypal logoPaysafecard logoSkrill - Moneybookers logo
Top games
  • slots-icon
    Slots: 300+
  • blackjack-icon
    Blackjack: 13
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 15
  • live-icon
    Live: 15
kay jones Reviewed by Kay
Stake £10, Get up to 200 Free Spins ● Transfer £/€10 into the Casino before any stakes are made. ● £10 min transfer and stake on Slots at Betfred Casino within 7 days of transferring into Betfred Casino. ● Up to max 200 Free Spins awarded for selected slots. ● After meeting the staking requirement, you will be offered a choice of: 50 Free Spins on Age Of The Gods™ at £0.20 per spin, 100 Free Spins on Better Wilds at £0.10 per spin, 200 Free Spins on Age Of The Gods™ God of Storms 2 at £0.05 per spin. ● You will be credited instantly after making your choice of Free Spin bonus. ● No Wagering Requirements. ● 7-day expiry. ● Payment Method Restrictions Apply. ● Stakes on Live Casino, tables games or scratchcards will not qualify. ● Play with bonus funds or Free Spins will not count towards the staking requirement. ● Full Bonus Terms Apply, Betfred Casino General T&Cs apply. ● 18+, New Players Only, Gamble Responsibly - www.begambleaware.org. ● Not available to customers in NI Wagering Requirements: Slots - N/A #ad
9
777 casino logo
777 Casino
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  • licence-icon Ran by reputable 888 brand
  • mobile-icon Play via iOS or Android app
  • usp-icon VIP rewards and bonuses
Welcome Bonus (200) UK up to £200
Very Good
Claim Bonus
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New players only • No Deposit Offer: Claim in 48 hrs • 14 day expiry • Free Spins (FS) wins credited as bonus & capped at £10, excl. JP win • Deposit Bonus Offer: FreePlay (FP) wins credited as bonus & capped at amount received, exc. JP win • Valid for selected games • Bonus wins capped at £500, excl. JP wins • Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins • 50x wagering - req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Payment method & country restrictions apply •  Withdrawal restrictions & T&Cs apply: No Deposit Offer & Deposit Offer. 18+, BeGambleAware.org #ad
Top bonuses
  • bonus-icon up to 1500€
  • bonus-icon 77 Spins
  • bonus-icon up to £200
Payment methods
Neteller logoSkrill - Moneybookers logobank wire logoukash logoentropay logoPaysafecard logoVisa logomastercard logointerac logoinstant bank logoApple Pay logo
Top games
  • slots-icon
    Slots: 500+
  • blackjack-icon
    Blackjack: 50+
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 50+
  • live-icon
    Live: 100+
thomas williams Reviewed by Thomas
● Welcome Bonus of 100% up to £200 - Use Bonus Code: WELCOME777. ● The minimum qualifying deposit is £20. ● Players who have claimed a welcome bonus at another casino part of the 888 group are not eligible for this bonus offer. ● Players must wager the bonus amounts 30 times. ● 18+, New Customers Only. Gamble Responsibly - www.begambleaware.org - All Bonuses are Subject to the 777 Casino T&C. Wagering Requirements Slots - 30 x Bonus #ad
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PlayLuck Casino
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  • fairness-icon Fair wagering requirements
  • paypal-icon Accepts PayPal deposits
  • slots-icon Updated slots catalog
Welcome Bonus - UK up to £100 + 100 Spins
Very Good
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18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only. Min Deposit: £20. Max bonus £100. Wagering requirements 35x bonus amount. Welcome package split over 4 deposits. Full T&C apply. BeGambleAware. Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly. #ad
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  • bonus-icon up to £100 + 100 Spins
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  • slots-icon
    Slots: 800+
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    Blackjack: 50+
  • roulette-icon
    Roulette: 50+
  • live-icon
    Live: 120+
thomas williams Reviewed by Thomas
Welcome Bonus: up to €/$100 and 100 FS. ● Deposit #1: 50% - £50 + 30 FS on Starburst. ● Deposit #2: 20 FS on Starburst. ● Deposit #3: 20 FS on Book of Dead. ● Deposit #4: 50% - £50 + 30 FS on Legacy of Eygpt. ● Free spins are available on the the eligible games only. ● Minimum Deposit: £20. ● Wagering Requirements: 35x bonus. ● Free Spins Wagering Requirements: 35x winnings. ● Maximum Bet: £4. ● Skrill and Neteller Max Bet Limit: £2.5. ● Bonus Expires in 21 Days. ● All free spins must be used within 24 hours. ● Game Weighting Applies. ● 18+, New Players Only. ● Full Terms Apply, Gamble Responsibly. Wagering Requirements: Slots - 35 x Bonus #ad
As of 14th April 2020, players from the UK are no longer allowed to make credit card transactions at online casinos. Debit card deposits and withdrawals are still accepted.

Quick Navigation

The Gambling Commission has hundreds of issued licences to date, so the number of UKGC licensed casinos may be too high to sift through at once. This is why we’ve done the homework for you and singled out those at the top of the food chain. We also provide a full list of 100+ UKGC licensed casino reviews at the bottom of this page.

How to Spot a UKGC Licensed Casino?

best ukgc licensed casinos

Spotting a UKGC Licensed casino is a few seconds job for any experienced player. Of course, we’re aware that many of you reading this are new to the world of online gambling. This is why we will give you key pointers to look at.

The most common indicators are the security and fair play links usually found on the website. This includes third party organizations dedicated to gambling assistance and self-control: GambleAware, GamCare and GAMSTOP. Of course, there’s the licence itself that should be your top priority.

You can follow your simple step-by-step process on spotting a legit UKGC licensed casino.

  1. Look at the bottom of the website for the licence number and/or UKGC logo
  2. Click on the UKGC logo and you’ll be taken to the UKGC public register
  3. Alternatively, copy the licence number and search the UKGC public register
  4. Verify that the licence is still active under the casino’s name or its parent company

UKGC vs. Non UKGC Casinos

Obviously, the UKGC is not the only licensing body on the market, but it is undoubtedly the best. For UK players especially, UKGC licensed casinos should be the only option for online gaming. That is because the gambling commission is a local regulator that will do their utmost to protect you.

You, as an individual, the UKGC and all its licensees are all governed by UK law. As such, settling disputes is made much easier, and operators would be foolish to try and mistreat customers given the fact they face very real, legal repercussions.

Licensing bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority are held in high esteem as well. Though, they cannot compare to the UKGC for UK customers simply because they are based in a different country.

There is no doubt that most casinos licensed by the MGA, Curacao or Gibraltar can be trusted. Yet, UKGC certified casinos continue to be the most desirable gaming destinations. That's mainly down to the Gambling Commission’s aggressive safety regulations, as we'll see later on.

As the MGA is widely considered the second-best licensing body on the iGaming market, we have drawn up a table of how they compare to UKGC licensed casinos.

 

UK Gambling Commission

Malta Gaming Authority

Valid Jurisdictions

UK

Multiple Markets: Europe, Canada, New Zealand

Protection of Player Funds

Yes

Yes

Approach to Responsible Gambling

Strict Ruleset for Self-Exclusion Options

Largely Left to Operators, Some Regulations in Place

Source of Funds Verification

Mandatory

Not Required

Identity Verification

Mandatory

Mandatory

Dispute Resolution

Available

Available

Marketing Regulations

Strict Ruleset

Non-Mandatory Guidelines

Safety at UKGC Certified Casinos

Safety and the UK Gambling Commission are synonymous terms. The main reason the UKGC was founded was to enact proper online gaming regulation. This means player safety and completely legitimate operation of UKGC licensed casinos.

As you read on, we’ll talk about the gambling commission’s safety mechanisms, how they’re enacted and what this means for players and UKGC casinos alike.

Though, before we get into that, every UK player should be aware that for a casino to offer their services to customers from this region, they must have a UK license. Otherwise, they would be operating illegally.

Dispute Resolution

The first thing every player should be aware of is that the UKGC can be your saving grace during your online gambling ventures. This licensing body can act as a mediator between players and UKGC licensed casinos.

Of course, players are always welcome to file a complaint with the UKGC certified casino itself. However, if the results of the complaint are unsatisfactory, players can and should directly reach out to the UKGC.

If the UKGC licensed casino is found guilty of a wrongdoing, players will be compensated whereas the operator will be fined depending on the extent of the damages.

Accessible Complaint System – A Must-Have For UKGC Certified Casinos

As per standard UKGC regulations, all UKGC certified sites must have proper channels for player complaints in cases of suspected mistreatment of any kind.

These UKGC licensed sites are obliged to answer to all player complaints and aim to resolve them as soon as realistically possible. Typically, players can file a complaint through a special web form, or by sending an email to the casino’s support team.

Proven Fair Games at UKGC Licensed Casinos

Game fairness is of utmost importance to players, and therefore the UKGC. As such, you can rest assured that all games at UKGC licensed casinos are tested for fairness. This means that these games have legitimate RNG (Random Number Generators) that generate a truly random outcome of each game round.

The UKGC doesn’t personally test each game at every licensed operator. Instead, UKGC licensed casinos must have games on offer by software providers with a remote gaming licence issued by the UKGC. In turn, these software providers are the one subjected to internal audits and game testing.

Prevention of Underage Gambling & Combating Money Laundering

There are many security concerns related to online gambling, but it’s easy to argue that preventing underage gambling is the number one priority. This is why identity verification is mandatory at UKGC licensed casinos. It was in fact one of the first regulations imposed by the UKGC.

In order to make sure you are of legal gambling age, UKGC licensed online casinos are required that you complete a verification procedure known as KYC (Know Your Customer). This procedure may be mandatory upon registration, or upon attempting your first withdrawal at the casino.

To complete KYC, a UKGC certified casino will ask that you send relevant identification documents. This means either a photo or scanned copy of the front and back of your personal ID, passport or driver’s license. It can also entail sending a utility bill issued to your name that is no older than 3 months.

Know Your Customer also goes towards protection against money laundering. The UK online casino market was very different years back. With tax regulation, people would use all sorts of schemes to launder money through online gambling sites. Nowadays, money laundering is nigh impossible at UKGC certified casinos.

Protection of Player Funds at UKGC Licensed Casinos

Thanks to the protection of player funds regulation, you will never have to worry about the safety of your real money deposits and withdrawals at UKGC licensed casinos.

Protection of funds means that UKGC certified casinos must keep player’s funds separate from the company’s funds. As such, it’s impossible for a casino to spend your money or use it elsewhere, thus failing to provide funds for your withdrawal.

Socially Responsible Marketing by UKGC Certified Casinos

Often times, UKGC licensed casinos can double as marketing agencies. They market their games and bonuses through all possible media, sports team sponsorships and TV ads included. Obviously, this can have an adverse effect and must be kept in check.

This is why UKGC certified casinos must abide by numerous advertising guidelines that go towards socially responsible marketing. The aim of this to present gambling in a realistic fashion, and also to prevent online gambling marketing from appealing to the underage population.

To some, these regulations may seem to have a minor impact on the betterment of responsible gambling. However, the list of these regulations is quite extensive and well-thought-out.

Ultimately, we can only assure you that UKGC casino gambling marketing would look very different had the UKGC not stepped in. For more details, you can check out the UKGC's dedicated marketing guideline section on their website.

Clear Bonus Terms – Obligatory at Casinos with UKGC License

There used to be a time when some UKGC licensed casinos would offer great casino bonuses, but the bonus terms were so vague and unreasonable that the casino could revoke your cash for basically any reason. Of course, a minority of sites were like this, but nowadays they have been completely eliminated.

One of the most beneficial UKGC regulations is that casinos must provide players with clear, concise and easy to understand bonus terms. This means no funny business and removal of player funds for an arbitrary, unspecific reason, which has happened many times in the past.

Source of Funds – The Ultimate Player Protection

As a regular casino player, you may have wondered how operators often have no quarrels with taking in huge deposits instantly. Whereas, it may take them weeks to process withdrawals of a similar amount.

The avoidance of this scenario is only a byproduct of the source of funds policy created by the UKGC. In essence, if you are making large, frequent deposits at UKGC licensed casinos, you will be stopped and asked to prove you can afford them. This is, in fact, the primary objective of source of funds: protecting players by making sure they spend within their means.

Also going by proof of income, source of funds is a special verification process that’s being rolled out at all UKGC certified casinos.

While source of funds is still not a mandatory requirement for all customers at UKGC licensed casinos, it is only a matter of time before a player is faced with it.

Some top UKGC casinos who have been lenient with high-spending players have faced multi-million-pound fines in the past.

Source of funds verification entails sending relevant documents to a UKGC certified casino’s support team. This may include a photo or a scan of a recent payslip, bank statement, proof of inheritance, and similar documentation.

Some players may consider this a cumbersome process, especially as it entails divulging sensitive information to a UKGC certified casino. Ultimately, we believe it is highly impactful for the greater good of players and the overall effect on responsible gambling. It can also stop impulse-gamblers right in their tracks, and prevent them from spending money they couldn’t afford in the first place.

Responsible Online Gambling at UKGC Licensed Casinos

All of the above regulations point towards responsible gambling, there is no doubt about that. However, responsible online gambling regulations entail a number of additional measures that let players assume control over their game sessions. What’s more, there are numerous independent organizations and de-facto UKGC partners that can help players in need of online gambling assistance.

GAMSTOP

The most influential organization partnered with the UKGC is GAMSTOP. The role of GAMSTOP is simple, yet effective. It lets all UK players self-exclude from play at any UKGC licensed casinos. It is a master exclusion that will prevent you from playing at any UKGC licensed site.

All UKGC certified casinos let players self-exclude through the website itself, independently of GAMSTOP. However, GAMSTOP is a convenient option for players who would like a blanket solution to their online gambling control problems.

GambleAware

With the help of the UKGC, GambleAware was created and its influence became widespread. This independent organization does not enforce any rules and regulations over UKGC licensed casinos. Instead, it is a venue for players with gambling control problems with the sole aim of helping them.

GambleAware is also known as the National Gambling Helpline. While it is an independent body, it has a framework agreement with the UK Gambling Commission. Players can contact GambleAware at any time of day through telephone or live chat.

GamCare

Alongside BeGambleAware, GamCare is commonly linked at all UKGC certified casinos. GamCare is an independent organization similar to the National Gambling Helpline. Its aim is to assist players who feel their gambling habits are spinning out of control.

Players can visit the GamCare website and find more details on how to seek out help. They can also find self-assessment tests, self-help resources, advice on how to self-exclude, links to blocking software and reach out directly via live chat and telephone support.

Self-Control Tools

Nowadays, many UKGC certified casinos let players assume full control over their game sessions. The UKGC is not directly responsible for all these regulations, as not all of them are mandatory. However, many top UKGC licensed casinos have put them in place in order to promote fair play and stand out.

  • Self-Exclusion For Up To 5 Years
  • Setting a Loss Limit
  • Setting Session Limits
  • Setting Wager Limits
  • Setting Daily, Weekly and Monthly Deposit Limits
  • Setting Wager Limits

How to Become A UKGC Licensed Casino?

Becoming a UKGC licensed casino is no walk in the park. The entire process requires heaps of documentation and fulfilment of criteria. In fact, many new prospective operators are advised to hire a professional in order to guide them through the entire process.

From the moment of applying for a license, acquiring it can take up to 16 weeks. There are numerous types of licences that can be issued by the UKGC, we’ll give you the list below.

Types of UKGC Casino Licenses

  • Arcades
  • Betting
  • Bingo
  • Casino
  • Gambling Software
  • Gaming Machines
  • Lotteries

UK Gambling License Fees

As we mentioned already, becoming a UKGC licensed casino is a laborious process. It is also a costly one, as operators need to consider the application fee, approval fee and annual operating fees.

As there are dozens of licence types that can be acquired, the total fees will depend on the types of licences an online casino is after. In order to help out with the calculations, the UKGC has a public fee calculator available on their website.

Maintaining a UKGC License

One can easily say that maintaining a UKGC licence is as difficult as obtaining it, if not more. That is because UKGC licensed casinos must provide key reports on a quarterly and yearly basis to the Gambling Commission. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Information on Security Breaches
  • Reports of Protection of Customer Funds
  • Regulatory Returns
  • Changes in Corporate Control
  • Anti-Money Laundering Activities
  • Suspicious Betting Activities
  • Annual Assurance Statements

Breaches at UKGC Casinos – An Added Layer of Security

Fees are only a minor thing to worry about for UKGC licensed casinos after their licence has been approved. The main concern for these casinos should be legitimate day-to-day operation. Failing to adhere to UKGC regulations puts them at risk of heavy fines and even licence removal. 

The Gambling Commission is not lenient when it comes to punishing any wrongdoings by operators. As we’ve seen time and time again, nobody is safe from the long-reaching arm of the UKGC. Trusted operators such as Casumo, Mr Green, Betway and even software providers such as Playtech have been subjected to hefty fines in the past.

 casinos can get fined for dozens of breaches of security and unfair operation. We’ll give you some of the most common occurrences that have triggered fines in the past.

  • Failure to Verify Player Source of Funds
  • Improper Risk Assessment and Anti-Money Laundering Prevention
  • Failure to Abide to Socially Responsible Marketing Guidelines
  • Wrongful Dealing with Problem Gamblers
  • Inadequate Processed KYC Verification

Online Gaming in the UK – Past to Present

Online gaming boomed around the turn of our century, but the UK was quick to react to the impending evolution of gambling in its online form.

In 2005, the Gambling Act was enacted and the Gambling Commission came to life. The commission was formed under the wing of the British Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It was then that UKGC licensed casinos became a thing.

Though, it was 9 years later – in 2014 – when an amendment of the Gambling Act made it so that casinos that wish to offer their services to UK players must hold a UKGC license. Prior to that, many operators would serve the UK player base through off-shore licences such as Gibraltar.

The mission of the gambling commission is simple: to ensure fair gaming, protect players and regulate the offline and online gambling sectors by issuing varying licence types. The UKGC oversees operators on a consistent basis. It penalizes UKGC certified casinos who fail to abide to their regulations, and constantly strives for new regulations that go towards the protection of players.

Regulations such as KYC checks and source of funds verification, and organizations such as GAMSTOP and GambleAware – they’re all either a direct consequence or a byproduct of the UK Gambling Commission’s influence.

Thanks to the gambling commission, today UKGC certified casinos are the safest places for online gambling. They are synonymous for trust and authority when it comes to online casinos. Therefore, they are a prime destination for UK and non-UK customers alike.

UKGC Licensed Casinos FAQ

How do you get a Gambling Commission licence? chevron-down-icon
Getting a Gambling Commission licence requires operators to go through the licence application process. The process itself can take up to 16 weeks, and it entails a lot of paperwork, audits and fees. Of course, it all starts with the application itself and payment of a registration fee. Then, prospective licensees must fulfill an application with relevant information that includes a business plan, key figures, type of license, and so forth.
How much does a gambling licence cost in the UK? chevron-down-icon
The cost of a UK gambling licencesvaries based on a lot of factors. The application fee is typically fixed, and non-refundable. Though, that is only scratching the surface. There are more than a handful of licencetypes issued by the UKGC, and each entails different application, approval and annual maintenance fees. The price of the annual fee also depends on the operator’s annual gross revenue.  
What do the Gambling Commission do? chevron-down-icon
The UK Gambling Commission is an executive public body that falls under the UK Government. It was established to regulate gambling in the United Kingdom, to protect the interests of players and promote fair play and responsible gambling. The UKGC issues licences to prospective online casinos. What's more, they monitor all licence holders to ensure against breaches.
What is the most trusted UKGC licensed casino? chevron-down-icon

There are many trusted UKGC licensed casinos. In fact, we have reviewed over a hundred casinos with this licence and all the sites listed on this page have been deemed safe. For our top-rated UKGC licensed casinos, check back to earlier on.

Other UKGC Licensed Casinos

As you'll have read in the sections on the page, the best UKGC licensed casino is a sought-after title thanks to the strict nature of the compliance required. This adds an extra layer of trust to any operator who holds this accreditation.

With the UK being one of the most mature iGaming markets in the world, it's no surprise to see plenty of casinos holding a license from the Gambling Commission. Here's a look at all of the UKGC-approved casinos we've reviewed to date.


Meet the Author
As a trained journalist, I enjoy uncovering the hidden details of slot games and casino sites. Whether this means digging deep into an operator's terms and conditions, or into the reputation of a games provider, I've got you covered. You can count on my reviews to give you facts and figures, but I also know what makes for a fun and engaging experience! Overall, my job is to help you find a casino site or game that suits not only your budget and playing style, but your personality too.
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