Gambling regulation in the United Kingdom
One of the most mature licensed online markets: any operator serving consumers in Great Britain needs a Gambling Commission licence.
Status at a glance
Private operators can apply for a licence.
Private operators can apply for a licence.
Private operators can apply for a licence.
The law reserves this product for a state or state-appointed operator.
Regulator and law
- Gambling Commission
- Main law: Gambling Act 2005
Key points
- Remote gaming duty rose from 21% to 40% on 1 April 2026, and a separate 25% rate for remote betting is due from April 2027 (horse racing, pool and spread bets excluded).
- Online slot stakes are capped at £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over and at £2 for those aged 18 to 24.
- The National Lottery is run by a single operator under a licence from the Gambling Commission.
- Northern Ireland has its own, older gambling law.
Self-exclusion
National self-exclusion register: GAMSTOP. Licensed operators must refuse play to anyone registered.
Gambling tax
| Product | Rate | Tax base | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online casino (remote gaming duty) | 40% | GGR | |
| Online sports betting (general betting duty) | 15%; 25% for remote betting from April 2027 | GGR |
The 25% remote betting rate will not apply to horse racing, pool or spread bets.
Source: igamingbusiness.com, altenar.com. Gambling tax rates in other markets
Advertising on iGaming Terminal
Consumer gambling advertising on this site is shown to visitors from this market only for operators licensed here, and only for online casino, sports betting, online poker. Our advertising policy
Sources
Nearby markets
Latest from the regulator
- Four arrests and £20,000 seized in illegal gambling raids
- Suspension of licence – Targetlocal Ltd
- Commission releases gambling industry statistics for 2025 to 2026
- Two more admit General Election betting offences
Licence holders
594 businesses hold an active remote licence from the Gambling Commission and serve players online or supply games, software or betting. See every licence holder · Check whether a website is licensed
Working in the industry here
iGaming jobs in the United Kingdom: 387 open roles at 24 gambling industry companies, from their own career sites.
Reviewed on . Gambling law changes often: this overview is for orientation and is not legal advice. Check with the regulator before acting. Market: United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions
Is online gambling legal in the United Kingdom?
It depends on the product. Online casino is licensed: private operators can apply for a licence. Sports betting is licensed: private operators can apply for a licence. Online poker is licensed: private operators can apply for a licence. Lottery is reserved for a state or state-appointed operator.
Who regulates gambling in the United Kingdom?
Gambling Commission. The main law is: Gambling Act 2005.
Is there a national self-exclusion scheme in the United Kingdom?
Yes: GAMSTOP. Licensed operators must refuse play to anyone registered.
How much gambling tax do online operators pay in the United Kingdom?
Online casino (remote gaming duty): 40%, charged on GGR. Online sports betting (general betting duty): 15%; 25% for remote betting from April 2027, charged on GGR. Other taxes and fees may apply.
What are the key dates for gambling regulation in the United Kingdom?
2026-04-01: UK remote gaming duty rises to 40%. 2027-04: UK remote betting duty of 25% is due.
Updated: