Betting Licences Explained - Gambling Licences, Law and Jurisdictions

What is a Betting Licence?

A betting licence is a valid proof that an operator receives from a gambling committee acknowledging the existence of a sports betting company. The licence certifies the legitimacy of the online gambling business and verifies that the services offered are up to the required standards. Each betting permit comes with a distinct number which you can use to corroborate its legitimacy. In sportsbooks, you will find licensing details at the site's footer, together with legal information about the operator.

Why Look for a Bookmakers Gambling Licence?

Looking for a gambling licence is the safest approach to end up in an authentic sportsbook. Moreover, it is the only way to be certain you will receive a payout if you place a winning bet. A betting site with a valid permit reduces the risk of losing your money. After all, registered and licensed sportsbooks operate under a specific code of conduct failure to which the gambling committee has the mandate to revoke the certificate. Other reasons why you need to look for a betting permit at bookmakers include:

Trustworthiness - Adhere to Rules and Regulations

Trust is an important aspect when dealing with any online gambling site. Before you register at an online bookmaker, you need to be certain that all the activities are regulated. Note that any betting platform with a valid licence signifies fairness. It also shows the betting company adheres to rules imposed by the regulator. Any sportsbook without or with an invalid licence is risky, so you should not entrust it with your money or information.

Your Safety - Customer Complaints and Protection

The operating licence will ensure your safety at the site. This is not just by regulating the gambling activities but also by confirming that the company has security measures for your protection.

Besides, the UK Gambling Commission has the personnel to solve customer complaints. The team works with alternative dispute resolvers or ADRs who handle online gambling complaints. These companies liaise with the gambling operators and investigate the matter before coming up with a resolution. Therefore, players can bet at ease knowing that they can always turn to UKGC through the ADR when they need help settling a particular dispute.

Responsible Gambling

Betting is an addictive activity that can easily get out of hand. All legal bookmakers must partner with social sites to ensure responsible gambling, a betting terminology that you will find in every licensed sportsbook. Some active organisations working with sportsbooks to help players gamble responsibly include GamStop, GamCare, and Gamblingtherapy.org. Thanks to these social sites, you can set betting limits and mitigate gambling addiction through self-exclusion. Therefore, going for bookies with operating licences ensures your safety and trustworthiness and assists with responsible gambling.

UK Gambling Licensing and Betting Law

Gambling licensing and betting laws in Great Britain guide sportsbooks on how they should conduct their betting services. The Gambling Act 2005 and the Gambling Bill 2014 summarise the instructions well. These laws mostly govern remote gambling, not to mention commercial gambling and are enforced by the local licensing authority. To expound further, here is an explanation of the UK Gambling licensing and betting laws that you should know whether you are a player or a gambling business owner.

Gambling Act 2005

The Gambling Act 2005, enacted on the first of October 2005 by the Gaming Board of Great Britain, prevents online gambling from being used for criminal activities anywhere in Great Britain. It also makes sure gambling is not a source of disorder while ascertaining that every betting activity in the UK is fair and open. Lastly, the Gambling Act 2005 protects susceptible persons and children from exploitation by a sportsbook or gambling institution.

Gambling Bill 2014

Note that the UK betting scene is also governed by the gambling bill 2014, which captures multiple sections. For instance, it requires companies operating outside the United Kingdom to hold a valid licence from the UKGC to offer sports betting activities to British citizens lawfully. Additionally, casinos and every sportsbook should obtain a licence to advertise its products within the country. Initially, betting companies in the UK and whitelisted jurisdictions like Gibraltar did not require a permit to promote their gambling services. Finally, the Gambling Bill 2014 has a section that requires all foreign operators in Great Britain to pay a 15% tax on gross profits.

UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) is an executive non-departmental body launched in 2007 as a replacement for the Gaming Board for Great Britain. This body regulates and supervises gambling laws. It covers Gaming Machines, Bingo, and Arcades but not spread betting. In 2013, the UKGC was tasked to oversee and regulate the national lottery after abolishing the National Lottery Commission. It is considered one of the strictest licensing authorities and has managed to ensure safe betting practices are observed all over the UK.

How Do I Register a Complaint with the UKGC?

It is very common to face problems when operating an online gambling website. You are obligated to register a complaint with the UKGC to resolve the problem. Here are some of the steps you should follow:

1. Launch the gambling commission website
2. Read through the sportsbooks complaints policy
3. Contact the operator and make a complaint while adhering to the policies
4. Wait for a response
5. Contact an alternative dispute resolution provider if you do not find the response satisfying
6. Get a solution

Note that the gambling company should provide you with the details regarding the Alternative Dispute Resolver or ADR whose services you should seek. Furthermore, the sportsbook may provide you with a letter confirming that you are free to settle the matter with the ADR.

Other Leading Betting Jurisdictions Worldwide

The UK Gambling Commission is not the only betting jurisdiction that regulates gambling worldwide. There are many other reputable committees tasked with controlling betting in different regions. Each committee has its set of codes and rules that an operator must comply with so long as they hold their licence. To understand better, here is a detailed list of the top betting jurisdictions that you should know:

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

Malta Gaming Authority, or the MGA, governs online gambling in Malta. The committee started operating in 2001 and is the body that initially developed legislation for controlling online gambling activities. Its licensing objectives include protecting vulnerable persons and children and ensuring the integrity of games and gaming devices. For years they have successfully monitored thousands of online betting sites.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission

Another top betting jurisdiction is Kahnawake Gaming Commission, a valid body established in 1999. The commission regulates gambling activities within the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake. Since it started operating, the Kahnawake laws have never been challenged. This is whether it is by the laws of Canada or other jurisdictions. In 2016, the Kahnawake Gambling Commission with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement confirmed they would not issue operating licences to platforms that accepted USA players.

Alderney Gambling Control Commission

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission has been the centre of online gambling since its formation in May 2000. This body is non-political despite operating on behalf of the states of Alderney. Alderney Gambling Control Commission's main objective is to ensure fairness and integrity of any sportsbook operating within its jurisdiction.

Curacao

Curacao is a leading eGaming regulatory body that licences gambling companies operating in the region of Curacao. The licence is excellent for startups since getting one does not involve complex procedures. It is among the few gambling committees that foster responsible gambling and ensure fair treatment of players by sportsbooks. Curacao has a section where you can verify an operator's licensing information and confirm its authenticity.

Enforcement by Licence Providers and Regulators

Every licensed provider and regulatory body has its mission, vision, and objectives. This section will detail what a regulatory body can and cannot do so that you may understand what to expect from licensing organisations.

What Regulators Will Do?

Here are some of the tasks performed by gambling regulators regardless of their jurisdiction:

• Issue gambling business licences
• Regulate sports betting companies
• Issue personal licences
• Protect vulnerable people and minors
• Ensure fairness of operators and gambling machines

What Regulators Will Not Do?

Most people often confuse gambling regulators with operators. To set the record straight, here are tasks regulators do not do.

• Mediate disputes between players and sportsbooks
• Protect your money once deposited at a bookmaker
• Offer legal advice to players

You can always go through the regulator's page to learn more about their mission, vision, and objective.

FAQ About Betting Licences