Bookmakers in the United Kingdom

Why you must check for a UKGC licence

You should only bet with bookmakers licensed by the Gambling Commission (UKGC). This is a legal requirement for any company offering sports betting to residents or visitors in the UK. A licence ensures the site follows strict rules regarding fairness, data protection, and the safety of your money.

To verify a site:

• Scroll to the bottom of the homepage.
• Look for the UKGC logo.
• Click the logo or the licence number to see the operator’s current status on the official public register.

If a site does not have a UKGC licence, it is operating illegally in the UK market. You will have no legal protection if they refuse to pay out your winnings.

Verification and GamStop checks

UK law requires bookmakers to verify your identity and age before you can deposit or bet. This process prevents fraud and underage gambling. Most sites verify your details automatically using credit reference agencies, but you may be asked to provide:

• A photo of your passport or driving licence.
• A recent utility bill or bank statement to prove your address.

All licensed firms are also linked to GamStop. This is a national self-exclusion scheme. If you have previously registered with GamStop to stop gambling, you will be blocked from opening any new accounts with UK-licensed bookmakers.

Payment options and offshore risks

You cannot use credit cards to fund a betting account in the UK. This is a ban designed to prevent people from betting with borrowed money. Most users choose debit cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets.

Be aware that “offshore” sites—those licensed in other countries but not the UK—often ignore these rules. Using an offshore site carries high risks:

• You lose access to the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS) for disputes.
• The site may not hold your funds in a protected, separate bank account.
• They may not honour self-exclusion requests or safer gambling limits.

Safer gambling tools

Licensed bookmakers must provide tools to help you stay in control of your spending. It is a good idea to set these up as soon as you register your account.

Common tools include:

• Deposit limits: Restrict the amount of money you can pay in daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Cooling-off periods: Temporarily block your access to the site for a few days or weeks.
• Reality checks: On-screen timers that remind you how long you have been logged in.

If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, you can get free, confidential support from organisations like GamCare or BeGambleAware.