UK Gambling Commission Licences: What to Check Before You Play

Every online gambling operator that serves customers in Great Britain must hold a licence from the Gambling Commission. The licence is not a formality: it sets the rules for how a site verifies players, handles their money and deals with complaints.

How to check a licence

Licensed operators display their account number in the site footer, usually next to the Commission’s logo. That number can be looked up in the public register on the Commission’s website, which shows the company name, the activities it is licensed for and any past regulatory action.

Age and identity checks

British rules require operators to confirm a customer’s age and identity before they can deposit or play, including free-to-play demo games. Checks are normally automatic, but a site may ask for a photo ID or proof of address if the details cannot be matched.

Dispute resolution

If a complaint is not resolved by the operator within eight weeks, the customer can take it to an approved alternative dispute resolution provider at no cost. The name of that provider must be listed in the operator’s terms and conditions.