UK casino licences explained
A UK Gambling Commission licence is what makes an online casino legal to use in Great Britain.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Every casino here is run by a licence holder.
- Check the account number on the public register.
- A licence brings testing, limits and a dispute service.
- It does not protect against losses.
Five operators
| Casino | Operator | UKGC account | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coral | LC International Limited | 54743 | View entry for LC International Limited |
| Ladbrokes | LC International Limited | 54743 | View entry for LC International Limited |
| PlayOJO | Skill On Net Limited | 39326 | View entry for Skill On Net Limited |
| Casumo | Recro Limited | 61549 | View entry for Recro Limited |
| 10bet | Blue Star Planet Limited | 43173 | View entry for Blue Star Planet Limited |
Casumo's licence is held by Recro Limited. An older Casumo licence was surrendered in November 2023.
What a licence requires
- Age and identity checks.
- Independently tested games.
- Bonus wagering of 10x or less.
- Deposit limits, time-outs and GAMSTOP.
- An independent dispute service.
- Disclosure of how customer funds are held.
See also safe online casinos, complaints and GAMSTOP.
Checking one yourself
- Find the account number in the casino's footer.
- Search it on the Gambling Commission public register.
- Confirm the licence is active for remote casino.
- Confirm the website is listed under domain names.
Background: online gambling in the UK.
Unlicensed sites
They offer none of these protections and no route to recover money. We list none.
More guides: RTP and house edge explained, Casino verification explained and UK online casino rules.
What the regulator can do
The Gambling Commission can fine an operator, add conditions to its licence, suspend it or revoke it. Enforcement actions are published, and the public register shows any that apply to a licence holder.
Disputes
Every licensed casino must name an independent alternative dispute resolution service. If a complaint is not settled within eight weeks, or you receive a final response you disagree with, that service will review it free of charge.
Customer funds
Operators must tell you how your balance is held and what level of protection applies if the business fails. The levels differ between operators and are stated in the terms.
Brand and operator
The name on the website is often not the licence holder. Coral and Ladbrokes are both operated by LC International Limited; PlayOJO by Skill On Net Limited. Check the operator, not the brand.
Elsewhere in guides: Casino verification explained, Casino budget guide, How to sign up at an online casino and GAMSTOP explained.
Related guides: Online gambling in the UK and Non-UK casinos: the risks.
Wider reading: Online gambling in the UK, Non-UK casinos: the risks, Top rated online casinos UK and Independent casinos UK.
Offer terms dated 5 October 2026, from each casino's published conditions. Other casino details are reported by independent reviews. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
Are online casinos legal in the UK?
Yes, when licensed by the Gambling Commission.
How do I check a licence?
On the public register.
Are all five licensed?
Yes.
Does a licence protect my money?
Not from losses.