In the past, the absence of gambling regulations was one of the major factors that affected online casinos. Most British citizens were then playing at gambling sites outside the UK. This made it difficult to determine the site’s validity and fairness. It is this problem that gave birth to the UKGC Casino License. The past decade has witnessed an explosion in the gambling sector of Britain, with over £14.4 billion being taken from punters daily. This is equal to over £200 from every UK citizen. The online industry, in particular, is skyrocketing. The major firms in the gambling sector have come to be the most famous brands in the country, and despite concerns from campaigners and politicians, the gambling business has become lucrative. For instance, Denise Coates, Bet365’s boss, has received over 500,000,000 pounds in dividends and salary for the past two years.
What Is the UKGC?
The UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission) is a body created under the Gambling Act of 2005 to regulate the gambling sector in Britain. It particularly focuses on online gambling, and due to its effectiveness, it is used as a benchmark in comparing regulatory bodies in other states and countries. It is tasked with ensuring gambling is fair and crime-free in the UK and that children and other vulnerable people receive protection from gambling. Any online casino seeking to operate in Britain has to get a license from the UKGC as an indication of integrity and trustworthiness. Besides that, the UKGC permits and regulates the British National Lottery under the National Lottery Act of 1993. It offers remote operating licenses for betting, bingo, casino games, gaming machines, gaming software, and lotteries.
How Much Does a Casino License Cost In the UK?
Is getting a casino license in the US costly? This depends on the turnover generated by gambling companies. For instance, companies with low turnovers are required to pay a £5,711 application fee and a yearly fee of £3,748 for their license to remain valid. Bigger companies, on the other hand, pay a £14,647 application fee and a £49,219 annual fee.
Why Should I Play At UKGC-Licensed Casinos?
There are several reasons why you should play at a UKGC-licensed casino. They include the following :
Player Protection
UKGC-licensed online casinos use up-to-date, state-of-the-art technology in ensuring their customers’ transactions and personal information do not fall into the wrong hands.
Fairness In the Game and Random Results
The UKGC ensures all game providers that online casinos offer are fair and their results random. This way, players get a chance to participate in their favourite games without fearing bias.
Separate Player Accounts
Before an online casino is issued a license, the UKGC checks to ensure the customer’s money is kept separate from the operator’s account. This way, if there are changes in administration or the casino goes bankrupt, players’ money isn’t lost.
Operator Accountability
When the UKGC licenses a casino, the behaviors of its operator is monitored to ensure they’re always responsible. This means that if any operator violates the law, they will answer to the commission. Also, any player treated inappropriately can file a complaint with the UKGC, which will then probe into the matter.
5 Top-rated UKGC-Licensed Casino Sites
Are you a seasoned punter looking for a trustworthy online casino in the UK? We compiled a list of five of the top-rated UKGC-licensed online casinos in the UK to help you make a choice.
William Hill
While William Hill isn’t a big name, considering there are larger casinos with more games, the 200+ games offered will more than meet players’ needs. Founded in 1934, William Hill is among the most renowned bookmakers in the UK. At William Hill, you get to enjoy blackjack, baccarat, poker, craps, as well as a wide range of fruit machines and high-tech slots.
Why Them?
- Multiple banking options that are fast and secure
- Free play options
- Live dealer games
- Ability to play games on mobile devices
- Highly-experienced and trustworthy
888 Casino
In the highly-competitive universe of online gambling, where casinos start and fall every day, any company that has been in existence since 1997 must be doing it right. Not only is 888 among the pioneering casinos, but it is also a trusted brand in the UK. It features its own proprietary, easy-to-download software and a variety of games, including Millionaire Genie, Double Reels, Greedy Dragon, and Wild Saloon, among many others.
Why Them?
- In business since 1997
- Playable on mobile devices
- Certified by eCogra
- Offers high limit and live dealer games
- High payouts
- Free games
- Extensive banking methods
- Fair play and security
Leo Vegas
Owned and run by LeoVegas International, Leo Vegas Casino claims to be the fastest and most user-friendly mobile casino in Europe. Are you ready for the LeoVegas experience? All you need to do is log in to leovegas.com, and you will be raking in money within no time. You can use it on your desktop, tablet, and mobile device. Here, you get to enjoy live games, such as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, as well as table games like three-card poker, Texas, hold ’em and casino hold ’em. Simply put, Leo Vegas Casino offers more than enough for your amusement.
Why Them?
- Wide game choice
- 24/7 customer support
- Welcome bonus inclusive of free spins
- Slick software offering excellent gameplay
- Free play
Casumo
If you are looking for an innovative online casino that focuses on quality gameplay and player promotions, look no further than Casumo. Despite being new to the gambling sector, Casumo has established a name for itself through its products. What stands out for this particular casino is the colourful and unique space theme. From the start, it is clear that this casino is full of instant plays. This makes the games compatible with tablets, PCs, mobiles, or Macintosh. Players also get to enjoy multilingual support and secure banking.
Why Them?
- High return rates (97.27%)
- Over 300 casino games
- Powerful games software
- Android and iPhone-compatible
- You can play for fun
- Secure banking
- Multilingual support
Grosvenor Casino
With over 57 locations, Grosvenor is a big name in the UK. Its site is fully functional, and the app is compatible with desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Whether you choose to log in to their website or head over to the casino, you will appreciate the wide range of games. Some of the featured games include blackjack, roulette, three-card poker, and Punto Banco. You will be pleased to know that Grosvenor recently launched a sportsbook. Therefore, if you are a sports fan, this is your go-to betting site. Besides that, it features generous welcome bonuses and secure banking for its players.
Why Them?
- More than 300 games
- Incredible rewards for both new and loyal players
- Strong loyalty program
- Compatible with all devices
- Doubles as a betting site
As you can see, if you provide gambling facilities remotely (online or via other means) and advertise to your consumers in Britain, you will need to acquire a license from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). Casino owners are no exemption, as they need a UKGC Casino License.