UK Gambling Commission to revise licensing regime

The current system gives each gambling operator a dedicated account manager. However, due to increased demand, the Gambling Commission will move away from this method of operating, establishing four sub-groups each dedicated to processing different stages and forms of licensing.

The four sub-groups and their duties are as follows: The Operating Licence New Group will process new operator licence applications; The Change of Corporate Control Group will process applications relating to changes of ownership and control for current operators; The Operating Licence Vary Group will be responsible for processing applications relating to changes in existing licenses; The Personal Licence Group will be responsible for processing all applications relating to personal licences. While the broader application process is set to change, the Commission confirmed that the initial process for applying will remain the same. Applications by post, however, will no longer be accepted.

In a statement, the Commission outlined the reasons for this change in licence operation: “We are changing our working practices to make the best use of our resources. By working in this way, we hope to be able to process applications more quickly. We also hope to be able to resolve queries more efficiently and effectively.”

This announcement comes after the Commission issued new guidance on customer protection to operators in June 2022. New rules regarding at-risk customers were announced in April and are expected to come into force on 12 September 2022.