UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
The UK Gambling Commission is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing all commercial gambling in Great Britain. Any casino, sportsbook, or betting site operating in the UK must hold a valid UKGC licence.
What Does a UKGC Licence Mean for Players?
- Player fund protection: Licensed operators must keep player funds separate from operating funds
- Fair gaming: All games must be tested and certified for fairness by approved testing houses
- Self-exclusion access: Licensed operators must participate in GamStop
- Dispute resolution: Access to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services like IBAS
- Advertising standards: Strict rules on how gambling can be marketed
- Age verification: Operators must verify you are 18+ before allowing gambling
How to Check if a Casino is UKGC Licensed
- Visit the UKGC Public Register
- Search for the operator name or licence number
- Check the licence status is "Active"
- Verify the specific activities covered (remote casino, betting, etc.)
On Casino Compass, we display the UKGC licence number on every licensed brand's review page, with a direct link to the public register entry.
Non-UKGC Licensed Operators
Some online casinos operate under licences from other jurisdictions such as Malta (MGA), Curacao, or Gibraltar. While these licences are legitimate in their own jurisdictions, they do not offer the same level of player protection as a UKGC licence for UK players.
We cover non-GamStop casinos for informational purposes, but always recommend choosing UKGC-licensed operators for maximum protection.