 There are different types of licence condition that may be attached to operating licences under the Act:

* statutory conditions imposed by the Act
* general conditions and individual conditions (both of which are attached by the Commission)
* conditions imposed by the Secretary of State.


Betting: advice for remote, non-remote and betting intermediaries

 Section 92 of the Act imposes a statutory condition on general betting operating licences as:

 **(1)**  A general betting operating licence shall, by virtue of this section, be subject to the condition that bets may be accepted on behalf of the licensee only by:

* the licensee
* a person employed by the licensee under a written contract of employment
* the holder of another general betting operating licence.

 **(2)**  A general betting operating licence shall, by virtue of this subsection, contain an implied term permitting the use of postal services for the making of bets.

 **(3)**  The effect of the term implied by subsection  **(2)**  may not be disapplied or restricted by a condition attached under section 75, 77 or 78.

 The Explanatory Notes to the Act explain that a general betting operating licence will be required by anyone wishing to accept or make bets by way of business (this includes negotiation of bets). If someone wishes to provide facilities merely for other people to accept and make bets, then the appropriate operating licence will be a betting intermediary operating licence, not a general betting operating licence; the latter is relevant for people who are themselves making or accepting bets in the course of a business  [7](#ref-7)  .

 Section 92 (1) of the Act sets out who is empowered to accept bets under the terms of a general betting operating licenc, this will be:

* the licence holder
* an employee of the licence holder
* any other holder of a general betting operating licence. No other person may accept or make bets under the authorisation of a general betting operating licence.

 Section 93 imposes a statutory condition on pool betting operating licences as:

 **(1)**  A pool betting operating licence shall, by virtue of this section, be subject to the condition that bets may be accepted on behalf of the licensee only by the licensee, by a person employed by the licensee under a written contract of employment, by the holder of another pool betting operating licence, or in accordance with subsections  **(2)**  or  **(3)**  .

 **(2)**  [8](#ref-8)

 **(3)**  The holder of a pool betting operating licence that authorises (whether expressly or impliedly) the provision of facilities for football pools may in writing authorise an adult or young person:

* to make documents or other facilities available in connection with the licensed activities
* to receive entries on behalf of the licensee
* to receive payments on behalf of the licensee
* to make payments of winnings on behalf of the licensee.

 **(4)**  An authorisation under subsection  **(3)**  :

* shall be treated for the purposes of section 33 as if it were a pool betting operating licence
* shall have no effect in relation to any activity, entry or payment that relates partly to a football pool and partly to another form of gambling.

 Thus, football pools betting may be offered in betting premises without the need for a betting intermediary, or any other licence. However the authority to do so (issued by a pool betting licensee) must be to an individual not to a company, partnership or other corporate entity.

 In similar, though not identical terms, section 94 (2) and (3) of the Act provides that:

* **(2)**  The holder of a licence to which this section applies  [9](#ref-9)  may in writing authorise a person to provide facilities for horse-race pool betting.
* **(3)**  An authorisation under subsection  **(2)**  shall be treated for the purposes of section 33 as if it were a pool betting operating licence authorising the provision of facilities for horse-race pool betting.

 As a consequence, pool betting on horse races may be offered in licensed betting offices without the need for either a pool betting or a betting intermediary licence where a written authorisation from Tote (Successor Company) Limited is held. However, there are no similar authorisations available for other forms of pool betting.


General conditions imposed by the Commission

 Sections 75 and 76 of the Act concern general conditions, which the Commission may specify for an operating licence or a class of operating licence and have general application. In addition to the general conditions that apply to all operators, the Commission has made general conditions that apply to non-remote betting operators and remote betting operators in the  [Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP)](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/online)  .

 Of particular relevance to the issues covered in this note is condition 16 in LCCP. Under this condition an operator must offer a sufficient provision of the gambling activity named on the licence, in this case betting, in order to benefit from the ancillary machine entitlement  [10](#ref-10)  .

 Importantly, ‘sufficient- facilities for betting would be expected to generate the core level of betting to constitute a business, which is, in fact, a betting business and not an arcade.


 [Section 335(1) of the Act (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/335)  makes it clear that the fact a contract relates to gambling shall not prevent its enforcement.

 Applying the normal principles of contract law, it follows that to create a binding contract the parties to the bet must have an intention to create legal relations and there must be:

* an offer
* acceptance of that offer
* consideration for entering into the contract.

 Both betting exchanges and other betting operators have contracts with their customers, but there are different sorts of contracts in play; the former may provide for the exchange to hold each party-s money and to owe other obligations to the customer, for example in relation to data security or other matters, but the exchange is not a party to the bets between its customers.

 In the Commission-s view, it is important to identify who is partaking in the bet, as that will determine the nature of the licence that is required.

 The Commission has also imposed a licence condition on operating licences that requires licensees to satisfy themselves that the terms on which gambling is offered are not unfair under the provisions of the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 and, where applicable, the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. It is also a Social Responsibility Code provision that licensees must be able to provide evidence to the Commission, if required, showing how they satisfied themselves that their terms are not unfair.


Is the betting remote or non-remote gambling?

 The answer to this question will depend on whether either of the parties to the bet uses the internet, telephone, television, radio, or any other kind of electronic or other technology for facilitating communication in order to make or accept bets.

 If the answer is yes, the activity is remote betting, and a remote operating licence is required. If no, it is non-remote.  [11](#ref-11)

 A remote licence will be required if the operator carries on activity (eg providing a service to facilitate the making or accepting of bets by others) in which persons participate in the activity by means of any form of remote communication.

 Where details of the betting transaction are transmitted internally by the operator by remote means, for example between the staff of an operator following acceptance a remote licence is not required.

 A betting premises which relies on a remote operating licence alone to provide facilities for gambling, does not have any entitlement to make gaming machines available for use.


Is the operator offering betting or acting as a betting intermediary?

 The answer to this question depends on who takes part in the bet.

 If the operator is a party to the bet, then a general (or, as the case may be, pool) non-remote general betting standard operating licence will be required. A non-remote general (or pool) betting standard operating licence brings with it the entitlement to make gaming machines available for use  [12](#ref-12)  , but in order to comply with the conditions of the licence sufficient facilities for betting must be made available on the premises.

 If the operator is not a party to the bet (and is not operating under an authorisation in respect of football pool or hose race pool betting referred to earlier in this note), but is providing a service to allow two other parties to make and accept a bet, then the operator is acting as a betting intermediary and the appropriate licence is a betting intermediary operating licence  [13](#ref-13)  .

 In order to assess whether an operator is acting as a genuine and compliant betting operator, the Commission will wish to understand the nature of the relationship that exists between the parties to the betting. In doing so, the Commission will look at  [14](#ref-14)  :

* who are the parties to the betting contract and the rights and liabilities of third parties under the contract
* whether the operator is simply facilitating access to the customer-s own account with another operator.
 The Commission is aware, however, that some operators have devised arrangements whereby the operator is involved in the making and accepting of bets, but immediately thereafter lays off all the bets in question to a third party. These arrangements appear to be designed to enable the operator to make gaming machines available for use, in reliance on their general betting operating licence, but without carrying the normal risks associated with operating a licensed betting office. Such arrangements are likely to raise questions as to whether the operator is in fact providing sufficient facilities for betting in order to meet its licence requirements.

 In deciding whether the contractual arrangements reflect the provision of betting as a primarygambling activity rather than an artificial device to enable machines to be sited, the Commission will consider:

* the operator-s liability under the contract and more generally the greater the degree of liability assumed by the operator, the more likely we are to consider the business is, in fact, a betting business and not an arcade
* the degree of control that the operator has over the terms and conditions of the betting contract
* the role the operator plays in deciding which markets are offered, negotiating bets, setting odds and determining terms and conditions (the Commission may also consider other factors)
* the business model of the operator; for example, whether profits or losses arise directly from the betting or the operator receives commission based on the volume of bets placed with another operator
* the extent to which the operator is responsible for settling bets and making payouts
* the extent to which the operator is protected from loss; for example, through indemnification by a third party
* the operator-s ability to manage money laundering and betting integrity risk and to meet the social responsibility code provisions for a general betting operator.


Applying the previous principles to some examples of the types of arrangements the Commission has encountered

##  Model 1: The operator provides SSBTs linked to their own betting markets

##  Assessment of Model 1


Model 1: The operator provides SSBTs linked to their own betting markets

The SSBT automates the service available at the counter in the premises. Cash is inserted in the terminal, bets are selected and a receipt is printed out. The customer must retrieve any winnings from the counter. The odds and markets offered mirror those available for customers betting over the counter.


 The markets, odds and terms and conditions are set by the operator. The betting contract is with the operator. If there is a dispute, the operator-s dispute resolution procedures are invoked. The operator is responsible for any profits or losses arising from bets placed. The operator settles all bets and makes payouts. Whilst the operator may, to an extent, protect themselves from loss by hedging, this directly impacts on their potential profitability.

 A non-remote general betting (standard) licence (or, as the case may be, a non-remote pool betting licence) will be required to permit the taking of bets over the counter.

 An ancillary remote general betting (standard) (or, as the case may be, ancillary remote pool betting) licence will also be required for the SSBT. We consider this to be general betting on the grounds that the operator is a party to the bet and remote because, even though the betting takes place on the operator-s premises, the customer is participating by means of remote communication – namely the SSBT.

 The operator must also take care to ensure that the SSBTs only allow betting on ‘future realevents- otherwise the terminals will fall within the definition of a ‘gaming machine-  [15](#ref-15)  and will count towards the four gaming machines that the holder of a general (or pool) betting operating licence and betting premises licence may make available for use  [16](#ref-16)  .

 The use of SSBTs is a form of remote communication, therefore a betting premises which relies wholly on the use of SSBTs for the making and accepting of bets would require a remote operating licence only, which would not confer any entitlement to make gaming machines available for use. Where an operator chooses to use SSBTs as part of their operating model alongside non-remote facilities, they will require the relevant ancillary remote operating licence in addition to their non-remote general betting standard licence.

##  Model 2  [17](#ref-17)  : Customers are able to place bets directly with a betting exchange or remote betting operator  [18](#ref-18)  , via terminals available to them in the premises and are required to open their own account as a means of accessing the betting facilities on the exchangeor with the remote betting operator  [19](#ref-19)

##  Assessment of Model 2


Model 217: Customers are able to place bets directly with a betting exchange or remote betting operator18, via terminals available to them in the premises and are required to open their own account as a means of accessing the betting facilities on the exchangeor with the remote betting operator19

In this scenario the operator of the premises may receive a commission payment from the betting exchange or remote betting operator, but the operator of the premises is not a party to the bet, nor do they make either a profit or loss directly from the outcome of any bet, nor settle bets or make payouts. The operator has no role in deciding the markets being offered, setting odds or in determining terms and conditions. The betting contract is not with the operator, it is between the customer and the betting exchange or remote operator.


 The operator is offering remote equipment by which customers can place bets via a betting exchange or remote betting operator. The operator is providing a service for others to make or accept bets. The operator does not, himself, take part in the bet. Therefore a remote betting intermediary licence is appropriate. A betting premises licence will also be required. The operating licence could be a ‘betting intermediary (trading room only) licence-, available at a lower fee than the licence required for providing full intermediary services.

 In either circumstance under Model 2 there would be no entitlement to make gaming machines available.

 The operator must also ensure that the terminals only allow betting on ‘future real events- otherwise the terminals will fall within the definition of a ‘gaming machine-, and making gaming machines available for use is not authorised by a betting intermediary licence  [20](#ref-20)  .

>  The third party betting provider must hold an appropriate remote betting operating licence issued by the Commission.
>
>

##  Model 3: Bets are first accepted from customers by the operator of the premises. All bets are then automatically placed on a betting exchange or other remote betting platform through the operator-s account with that third party platform

##  Assessment of Model 3


Model 3: Bets are first accepted from customers by the operator of the premises. All bets are then automatically placed on a betting exchange or other remote betting platform through the operator-s account with that third party platform

 Under this model, it is possible for the operator to make a profit (or loss)  [21](#ref-21)  through differences between the prices offered in the premises and the prices available with the third party –although in practice, once commission due to the third party is accounted for, any profits are likely to be minimal.

 The betting contract is with the operator of the premises (depending on the express terms of the contract). However, the third party betting platform effectively sets the odds (subject to the opportunity for the operator to arbitrage any differences) and the third party effectively settles the bets, by instructing the operator how much should be paid. Although ultimately it is the operator who is responsible for settling bets and making payouts, the operator is almost entirely reliant on the liquidity and activity (on the exchange) or, with other third parties, the range of betting opportunities they offer. If there is no market available from the third party for an event, the operator will not accept a bet from a customer on the premises. The operator-s terms and conditions therefore need to closely reflect those of the third party.


 As the operator is a party to the bet with the customer, a non-remote general betting (standard) licence will be required. A general betting (standard) (remote platform) operating licence will be required assuming the operator uses remote communication to access his account on the third party platform. If customers participate by means of remote communication – namely a betting terminal, an ancillary remote general betting (standard) licence will also be required. Once again the operator must take care to ensure that any terminals only allow betting on ‘future real events- otherwise the terminals will fall within the definition of a ‘gaming machine-  [22](#ref-22)  .

>  A betting premises licence will also be required.
>
>

 What is being offered here clearly falls within the scope of a general betting licence but the Commission has concerns about aspects of the operator-s reliance on its relationship with the third party platform and the limited nature of the offer to customers. For example:

* whilst the operator is party to the betting contract with the customer and therefore liable to pay the customer any winnings even if the third party does not pay him first, the operator will in practice never accept a bet unless there is a more favourable matching bet available with the third party
* the operator has almost no control over the markets that are offered or the odds upon which the bet will be accepted.

 The Commission has concerns that such arrangements may increase the risk of non-compliance with other important licence conditions and code of practice provisions such as those relating to protecting betting integrity and the prevention of money laundering.

##  Model 4: Betting is provided by a third party sports book, the content of which is available either via SSBTs or over the counter. In either case bets are routed directly to the sport book.

##  Assessment of Model 4


Model 4: Betting is provided by a third party sports book, the content of which is available either via SSBTs or over the counter. In either case bets are routed directly to the sport book.

 The operator is paid a commission which is normally based on profits generated. The bets are effectively settled by the sport book and the operator is instructed how much to payout. The operator cannot make a loss from betting.

 The operator-s business model is based on making a small profit from commission on betting, whilst the majority of their profits arise from making gaming machines available for use.


 As the operator is not a party to the bet with the customer, a remote betting intermediary licence will be required  [23](#ref-23)  . A non-remote betting intermediary licence will also be required if the operator accepts bets from customers over the counter, and places those bets with the third party himself via a betting terminal behind the counter.

 A betting premises licence will also be required but gaming machines are not allowed. The use of SSBTs is a form of remote communication, therefore a betting premises which relies wholly on the use of SSBTs for the making and accepting of bets would require a remote operating licence only, which would not confer any entitlement to make gaming machines available for use.

 Once again the operator must take care to ensure that any terminals only allow betting on ‘future real events-  [24](#ref-24)  . The sports book must also hold an appropriate remote betting operating licence issued by the Commission.


 1  Subject to the presence in Great Britain of at least one piece of remote gambling equipment used in the provision of the relevant facilities: section 36(3)(a), or circumstances where gambling facilities are used by consumers in Britain: section 36(3)(b).

 2  This may be a remote betting intermediary (trading room only) operating licence depending on the range of facilities provided.

 3  This requirement is set out in licence condition 16.

 4  Section 353(2)(a).

 5  Note that section 40 creates an exemption from committing an offence under section 37 (use of premises for gambling) for anything done in relation to football pools in accordance with an authorisation under section 93 (3), as to which see under “conditions”.

 6  With the exception of the restricted circumstances, which are covered by low or no cost ancillary remote licences, a full price remote licence will be required. Further details of this are provided in The Gambling (Fees) Regulations 2006. As indicated above, the Commission recognised when the Act-s licensing regime first came into force that requiring bookmakers to incur the full cost of a remote operating licence simply in relation to the occasional telephone betting services which they already offered, would represent an unnecessary regulatory burden. Consequently, in addition to full remote operating licences, it is possible to obtain permissions for remote gambling which are ancillary to a non-remote operating licence; namely an ‘ancillary remote operating licence- to cover a bookmaker receiving bets by telephone, SMS messaging or email provided bets are manually processed by the licensed bookmaker.

 7  See also sections 353(2)(a) and 296(3).

 8  Subsection (2) relates to acceptance of bets on a track in reliance on an occasional use notice and is omitted as not relevant for the purposes of this note.

 9  At present the only licence to which the section applies is the pool betting licence held by Tote (Successor Company) Limited alongside its exclusive licence under the Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Act 2004.

 10  The Commission will keep this condition under review in the light, among other things, of experience of developments in the betting industry following publication of this advice note.

 11  The use of EPOS terminals by an operator-s staff members to transmit information from one part of the licensed entity to another are not caught by this requirement.

 12  Section 68(5)(c).

 13  This may be a remote betting intermediary (trading room only) operating licence depending on the range of facilities provided.

 14  This list is not intended to be exhaustive.

 15  Section 235(2)(c).

 16  Sections 68(5) & 172(8).

 17  For the purposes of this Note it is assumed that the betting offered in Models 2,3 and 4 is not pool betting.

 18  A third party betting provider that is either a betting intermediary/exchange, holds a remote general betting (standard) operating licence.

 19  This model is commonly referred to as a trading room.

 20  Section 68(5)&(6).

 21  Sometimes called arbitraging by exploiting price differences between different betting markets for financial gain or to mitigate losses.

 22  5 Section 235(2) (c).

 23  This may be a remote betting intermediary (trading room only) operating licence depending on the range of facilities provided.

 24  Section 235(2) (c).


* [Betting: advice for remote, non-remote and betting intermediaries](#)
* [Background to the advice](#background-to-the-advice)
* [Definitions and key concepts](#definitions-and-key-concepts)
* [Is the betting remote or non-remote gambling?](#is-the-betting-remote-or-non-remote-gambling)
* [Is the operator offering betting or acting as a betting intermediary?](#is-the-operator-offering-betting-or-acting-as-a-betting-intermediary)
* [Applying the previous principles to some examples of the types of arrangements the Commission has encountered](#applying-the-previous-principles-to-some-examples-of-the-types-of)
* [Footnotes](#footnotes)

 [Print this guide](#)


Betting on lotteries and lottery themed gaming products

 You need to ensure your customers understand the product they are buying. Betting on lotteries is an area where the consumer can be easily misled.

 Standalone products offered via a lottery branded website where the use of lottery themed terms such as ‘draw-, ‘play now-, ‘jackpot- are used along with lottery ticket style betting slips, can result in consumers believing these products involve participation in a lottery rather than a betting or gaming product.


Lotteries can only be run for good causes

Lotteries are only for good causes, such as charities and other  [non-commercial organisations (opens in a new tab)](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/19)  . Lotteries  **cannot**  be run for private or commercial gain and are required to return any profit to the purposes of the good cause for which they are run. This provides lottery operators with the unique position of being able to promote the fact that they are run solely for the benefit of good causes, without any commercial incentive.


Be clear to consumers about the product they are buying

 You must not mislead consumers into participating in other forms of gambling because the information they have been provided with has led them to believe that the product being offered is a lottery and that it is being offered by someone other than a licensed operator and/or assuming the profits go to a good cause rather than a commercial gambling business.

 If you offer betting on lotteries and other gaming products with a lottery theme you must ensure that all your marketing material and advertising, including website, is sufficiently clear to the average customer.

 This should allow a customer to determine if they are placing a bet, playing a casino game, bingo or slots games.

 We consider this to be particularly important where the product is available online and therefore may not be clearly presented within a betting, casino, gaming machine or bingo environment, but it is also applicable to those operating in licensed premises.


The marketing and advertising of betting on lottery products

>  [LCCP: Ordinary code 5.1.6](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/5-1-6-compliance-with-advertising-codes)
>
>

 You should adhere to the UK Advertising Codes and apply them to forms of marketing that are not normally captured by those codes.

 If you are offering betting on lotteries and other lottery themed gaming products you must provide sufficient information, publicised in a way where it is likely to come to the notice of all consumers, to make it clear that they are participating in betting or gaming rather than entering a lottery.

 Failure to do this could amount to misleading advertising and a breach of the fair and open licensing objective, which could lead to a review of your operating licence. A review could result in a formal warning, additional licence conditions, a financial penalty, suspension or revocation of your licence.

 Failure to comply with UK Advertising Codes could also result in adverse publicity for your business from adjudication by the ASA or sanctions, including the denial of media space.

 The UK Advertising Codes, which are written and maintained by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP), include general rules that state advertising must:

* be responsible
* not mislead
* not offend.

 There are specific rules that cover advertising to children and advertisements for specific products and services, including gambling.

>  [Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/1277/contents/made)
>
>

 The Consumer Protection Regulations (CPRs) prohibit unfair marketing to consumers, including misleading advertising. The ASA will take factors identified in the CPRs into account when considering whether a marketing communication breaches the CAP code.

>  [LCCP: Social responsibility code 5.1.7](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/5-1-7-compliance-with-advertising-codes-lotteries)
>
>

 You must satisfy yourself that your marketing communications, advertisements and invitations to purchase (within the meaning of the CPRs), do not amount to or involve misleading actions or misleading omissions within the meaning of those regulations.

 !  **Warning  Failure to comply with social responsibility codes carries the same weight as a breach of licence conditions.**

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Customers knowledge of who they are participating against

>  We want licensees to put the interests of customers first, by treating them fairly and communicating with them in a clear way that allows them to make properly informed decisions. Licensees are reminded of the licensing objective of ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
>
>

 To assess whether you are treating your customers fairly in this area, licensees should ask themselves the following questions:

* Do we participate within our own product, either directly or indirectly through a Group company? If so, is this made clear to our customers in plain language?
* Do we offer enhanced incentives or rewards to some customers which wouldn-t be widely available to the significant majority of the customer base? If so, is this made clear to our customers in plain language?
* Do we allow our employees to participate in our product against other customers?
* Is our approach clear to employees? If employee participation is allowed, is this made clear to our other customers? How do we ensure our employees don-t have an unfair advantage over other customers?
* Can we evidence to the Commission that all customers are treated fairly?

 We are aware that some licensees, across a number of sectors, participate in their own products either directly or indirectly through a Group company. Whilst not intended to be an exhaustive list, examples include seeding markets or hedging other liabilities on a betting exchange and purchasing entries into a betting pool, lottery or bingo game.  We are also aware that some licensees have agreements with individuals or companies to play in their products. These agreements, typically provided to high-volume customers, may include enhanced incentives or rewards which wouldn-t be widely available to the significant majority of the customer base. Examples may include reduced commission rates or refunds/rebates.

 These practices are generally undertaken to make products more attractive to the wider customer base by providing more gambling opportunities and/or making prizes larger.


 The acts of participating in your own product or providing enhanced incentives or rewards to certain customers to play your products should be made clear to all customers as part of providing fair and open gambling. Good practice would also see operators making it clear if their employees are allowed to participate in their own gambling products against other customers. This information should be made readily available to customers and set out in plain language.

 Licensees should also ensure that all customers are treated fairly. For example, within the responses document to our pool betting consultation, we documented our expectation that all customers must be treated fairly through the application of a single pool closing time and the provision of consistent information about pool sizes and selections made. The same principles would apply across other gambling products.

 In addition to the previous guidance, we would also like to remind operators of  [licence condition 7.1.1.4](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/7-1-1-fair-and-transparent-terms-and-practices)  which came into effect on 31 October 2018. This requires that licensees do not commit any unfair commercial practices within the meaning of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Unfair commercial practices include misleading omissions as defined in section 6 of the Regulations, and omitting material information '… and as a result it causes or is likely to cause the average consumer to take a transactional decision he would not have taken otherwise.'

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 Last updated: 14 June 2021

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>  This is an HTML version of this content. You can also view or download our  [in-play betting position paper (PDF)](#2DmF4zp2Beywm6U5WWaUHz)  originally published in September 2016.
>
>

 In-play betting, also known as in-running or live betting, is betting while the event is actually taking place. For example, placing a bet on a horserace while the race is being run, or on a football match whilst it is being played.

 This form of betting takes place most often on sporting events.

 In-play betting is mainly an online activity. Bets are made using a betting exchange or a traditional bookmaker-s website or app. However, it can also take place in betting shops or over the phone.

##  Risks of offering in-play betting

##  Integrity of the sport

##  Fairness and openness of in-play betting

##  Access to real-time data and live pictures

##  Computer software programs and online connectivity speeds

##  Time delays in bet processing

##  Risk of harm from in-play

##  Files


 Offering in-play betting, particularly online, raises a number of issues that have the potential to impact on the  [licensing objectives](/about-us/guide/licensing-objectives)  .

 These issues are in two main areas:

* the integrity of the betting and the subject of the betting
* the fairness and openness of the betting.


 There is greater potential for individuals to exploit in-play betting illicitly for their own benefit. Therefore it is part of our ongoing work to maintain integrity in sports betting.

 All licensed betting operators must have policies and procedures designed to manage the regulatory risks within in-play betting. These should be monitored and reviewed for effectiveness.


Fairness and openness of in-play betting

 In-play betting is fast paced. The prices available for betting are amended continuously according to the information and liabilities held by licensed betting companies.

 Accurate and timely information is vital to both operators and customers, so as not to be at a competitive disadvantage. For example, operators will use real-time sports data companies to supply them with instantaneous information from an event.

 Companies use this data to:

* revise their prices
* suspend markets, and
* settle bets accurately.

 Customers will also want to access real-time data and use other technological advantages. These include access to ‘live- pictures and using computer software and fast online connectivity to place bets.


Access to real-time data and live pictures

 People who attend a sporting event have the most accurate and timely information on the event.

 Others may watch events in other ways, such as in a betting shop, on television or through online streams that hold official broadcast rights.

 The time it takes for something that happens in real-time to display on the broadcast (known as latency) varies. For example, fans at a stadium seeing a live goal before fans watching the same match online at home. The delay for those not watching in real-time creates a potential inequality between the parties concerned in an in-play bet.

###  Courtsiding at live events

 The term 'courtsiding' is used to describe the act of using or transmitting information from a live sporting event for the purpose of gambling. Courtsiding involves a spectator at a sporting event taking advantage of the delay between the live action and TV or other feeds.

 The spectator can use (or pass on to a third party) the real-time information to place bets on in-play markets before a betting operator, or other betting exchange user, receives the information and adjusts their odds accordingly to reflect the state of play. This results in the bettor being able to obtain more favourable odds.

 We do not consider courtsiding an offence of cheating under  [section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/42)  . However, it may breach the entry terms and conditions of a tournament or event.

 See our  [Remote Technical Standards: RTS 15 – In-play betting](/standards/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards/rts-15-in-play-betting)  for more information on mandatory requirements for operators.


Computer software programs and online connectivity speeds

 Technological advantages can be achieved by computer software programmes and online connectivity speeds. These can both impact the speed in which a bettor can place a bet. This advantage is seen most often on betting exchanges.

###  The use of 'bots'

 Computer software known as ‘bots- is used to monitor betting markets and place bets at a much higher rate than is possible for a person. Bots are most commonly used within in-play betting to automatically detect and place bets on stale prices, and to detect arbitrage opportunities which offer the bettor a guaranteed profit.

 Stale prices occur when the market has moved, but an old price that does not reflect the most recent information has been left available by a betting operator or exchange user who has not yet reacted to the new information. A bot will automatically detect this and place a bet at the favourable odds left available.

 Arbitrage betting is where a gambler takes advantage of a variation in odds offered by different betting operators, in order to make a profit regardless of the outcome of an event. Bots can be programmed to recognise such market opportunities and place bets to make a guaranteed profit.

 See our  [Remote Technical Standards: RTS 16 – Use of third party software](/standards/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards/rts-16-use-of-third-party-software)  for more information. This includes mandatory requirements for operators to inform bettors of their policies on the use of bots.

###  Connectivity and network speeds

 Online connectivity speeds can depend on a range of factors such as the type of connection.

 For example:

* broadband or wireless speed
* processing speeds of the computer and router or modem
* whether you are sharing a connection
* the level of software the computer or device is running in the background.

 See our  [Remote Technical Standards: RTS 4 – Time-critical events](/standards/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards/rts-4-time-critical-events)  for more information. This includes mandatory requirements for operators to inform bettors they may be disadvantaged because of technical characteristics, such as slower network speeds or slower end user device performance.


 Betting operators set time delays so that when a bettor places a bet in-play there is a number of seconds between pressing the ‘place bet- button and receiving confirmation that the bet has been made. This ensures that the odds on offer accurately reflect the progress of the event.

 Sportsbooks and betting exchanges differ, as sportsbooks put in a delay to ensure their own prices are correct, whilst betting exchanges put a delay in place to protect its bettors.

 The length of delay varies from betting operator to betting operator depending on their own trading strategy, from event to event depending on how frequently and significantly the price could be affected and subject to the potential latency of the data source used.

###  Cash out

 Bettors opting to use a ‘cash out- facility also experience a delay between pressing the cash out button and receiving confirmation that the transaction has been processed.

 Cash out allows bettors to get money back on an event before it is over. Cash out offers that are subject to live betting markets can be volatile during a sporting event, increasingly so in the final stages. As the chances of winning change, an offer for cash out will increase, decrease or be removed altogether.

 We require betting operators offering cash out facilities do so under clear and accessible terms and conditions. For example, the terms and conditions should cover the availability, acceptance and settlement of any bets.


###  Customer interaction

 Through our Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, under  [social responsibility code provision 3.4 - Customer interaction](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/3-4-1-customer-interaction)  , we require licensees to do the following.

 Licensees must have policies in place that:

* identify the types of behaviour that may trigger a problem gambling interaction
* have provision to identify at risk bettors who may not be displaying obvious signs of, or overt behaviour associated with problem gambling. For example, by reference to indicators such as time or money spent
* provide for the licensee to interact with any bettor who they suspect may be at risk of harm from gambling.

###  Responsible gambling

 Licensees must make information available to bettors on how to gamble responsibly and how to find help for problem gambling. See  [social responsibility code provision 3.3.1](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/3-3-1-responsible-gambling-information)  .

 We expect licensees who offer in-play betting to be aware that their policies and procedures must be able to identify risks of harm from gambling to those participating in this activity. For example, where betting frequency may be exaggerated compared to other forms of gambling.

 Licensees must have procedures in place to ensure they can capture information about individual-s patterns of play, for example, changes in the frequency of a bettor-s gambling, or time or money spent, and use this information to identify those who may be at risk of harm, and interact with them appropriately. These procedures must properly capture information that might indicate a bettor is at risk of harm for those taking part in in-play betting as well as other forms of gambling.


 Some files may not be accessible for users of assistive technology. If you require a copy of the file in an accessible format  [contact us](/forms/formatrequest)  with details of what you require. It would help us to know what technology you use and the required format.

 **PDF Files**  Some PDF files cannot be displayed in a browser, you will see a message saying 'Please wait...'. If you see this message, you will need to download the file and open it in  [Adobe Acrobat Reader (opens in a new tab)](https://get.adobe.com/reader/)  .

 [In running betting position paper

 application/pdf PDF 96.0 kB](//assets.ctfassets.net/j16ev64qyf6l/2DmF4zp2Beywm6U5WWaUHz/df98997746705a97a4a5ec845e953694/In-running-betting-position-paper.pdf)

---

 Last updated: 28 June 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


* [In-play or in-running betting](#)
* [Risks of offering in-play betting](#risks-of-offering-in-play-betting)
* [Integrity of the sport](#integrity-of-the-sport)
* [Fairness and openness of in-play betting](#fairness-and-openness-of-in-play-betting)
* [Access to real-time data and live pictures](#access-to-real-time-data-and-live-pictures)
* [Computer software programs and online connectivity speeds](#computer-software-programs-and-online-connectivity-speeds)
* [Time delays in bet processing](#time-delays-in-bet-processing)
* [Risk of harm from in-play](#risk-of-harm-from-in-play)

 [Print this guide](#)


 Occasional Use Notices allow licensed bookmakers to provide betting facilities at genuine sporting events for a short period of time, without needing a full betting premises licence.

 For example, at point-to point racecourses or major golf tournaments.

 The event must be temporary or infrequent.


 An occasional use notice (OUN) must:

* be made in writing
* sent in advance to the local authority
* copied to the local chief of police (or chief constable in Scotland).

>  An OUN cannot be used for more than eight days in a calendar year for any one venue.
>
>

 The person administering the gambling under an OUN must hold a Gambling Commission operating licence. Search our  [Public Register](/public-and-players/public-register)  to check if a bookmaker is licensed.


 There are some cases where venues wanting to become  [tracks](/guidance/guidance-to-licensing-authorities/part-20-definition-of-a-track)  have engineered sporting events and misused their OUN to offer betting taking place away from the identified venue.

 We have not introduced a new licence condition limiting the betting to the outcomes of a race, competition or other sporting event taking place at the track in question whilst the OUN is in force. However, we are monitoring the situation closely.

 Make sure the betting you offer takes place:

* at a genuine sporting event
* within the boundaries of the identified venue
* on a specific date.

---

 Last updated: 27 February 2023

 Show updates to this content  Following an audit corrected link formatting issues only.


 Electronic sports, also known as eSports, is playing computer games competitively. That may be two players against each other, or tournaments with hundreds of players.

 Betting on eSports should be treated no differently as betting on any other live event.

 There are additional risks associated with eSports events. These should be mitigated by event organisers and by your own commercial assessment of what bets to offer in this market.


 If you want to offer bets to GB consumers on eSports events you will need a  [betting licence](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/sector/betting#betting-licences-and-fees-licence-activities)  .

 The licence you will need will depend on the types of betting you want to offer and how you will offer them.

 Read our  [Virtual currencies, eSports and social casino gaming position paper](#4A644HIpG1g2ymq11HdPOT)  for more information about our approach to distinguishing between activities that do and do not need a licence.


 Some files may not be accessible for users of assistive technology. If you require a copy of the file in an accessible format  [contact us](/forms/formatrequest)  with details of what you require. It would help us to know what technology you use and the required format.

 **PDF Files**  Some PDF files cannot be displayed in a browser, you will see a message saying 'Please wait...'. If you see this message, you will need to download the file and open it in  [Adobe Acrobat Reader (opens in a new tab)](https://get.adobe.com/reader/)  .

 [Virtual currencies, eSports and social casino gaming – position paper

 application/pdf PDF 877.0 kB](//assets.ctfassets.net/j16ev64qyf6l/4A644HIpG1g2ymq11HdPOT/ca6272c45f1b2874d09eabe39515a527/Virtual-currencies-eSports-and-social-casino-gaming.pdf)

---

 Last updated: 13 May 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


 Pool bets may only be accepted on behalf of the licensee by the licence holder themselves, an employee of the licence holder, another pool betting licensee or someone authorised by the licensee.

 Authorisations can only be granted in limited circumstances. For horse racing, this means to an adult who can only accept bets whilst on a track and in reliance of an occasional use notice.


 The Tote-s exclusive licence to provide pool betting on British horseracing expired on 12 July 2018. All operators are now able to provide pool betting on British horseracing subject to holding a pool betting operating licence.

##  Operating models

##  Model A – One contract model

##  Model B – Actual co-mingling

##  Model C – Two contract model – B2B contract includes a GB customer

##  Model D – Two contract model - B2B contract includes customer located outside of GB

---

 Last updated: 13 July 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


>  Unless otherwise stated, any references in this text to a ‘customer- are references to a customer who is located in GB.
>
>

 We have noticed that operators are using a number of models to provide facilities for pool betting, or what at first sight appears to be pool betting, to consumers located in Great Britain (GB).

 These models are intended to facilitate betting on horse-races both in GB and abroad. These models are explored further below. They should not be considered as an exhaustive list, but must be kept in mind when determining what type of licence(s) will be needed for the facilities offered.

 In determining what licence, if any, is required, you will need to consider who are the counterparties to the bets alongside the definitions set out within the  [Gambling Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents)  under sections:

* 4
* 5
* 9
* 11
* 12
* 13
* 93.

 In addition, regardless of where you are based in the world, you will need a licence from the Gambling Commission if any part of your remote gambling equipment is based in GB.


 Under this model, the customer is offered the chance to have their bet determined according to a Pool-s dividend. If the customer-s selection wins, the bet would be settled by reference to the published Pool dividend. In this instance, the customer-s stake or payment does not enter the Pool and therefore his bets do not impact on the returned dividend. The Pool would ordinarily have no relationship with the licensed operator.

 As the customer only has a business to customer (B2C) contract with the licensed operator, the licensed operator would be solely responsible for paying out any winnings to the customer (and, hence, the ‘risk- will be with the licensed operator only).

 Any problems which arise as part of the transaction would be taken up by the customer with the licensed operator. The licensed operator can provide this model under a general betting standard operating licence.

>  The Pool provider would not require a Commission licence in relation to this activity. It would only have to be licensed by the Commission if it contracted directly with other customers or had remote key equipment in GB.
>
>


 Under this model, the licensed operator would engage with the customer and accept bets on behalf of the Pool. Unlike model A, the customer would be contracting with the Pool through the licensed operator, and therefore the Pool would ultimately be responsible for the customer.

 The customer-s funds would also be directly entered into the Pool, thereby affecting the Pool dividend. By virtue of  [Section 93(1) of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/93)  , the licensed operator and the Pool would each be required to hold a pool betting operating licence.

 This will be the case regardless of whether or not the licensed operator or the Pool have remote key equipment outside of GB.

 Those operators offering Pools on British horseracing do not have to hold a Commission licence when transacting with a customer located outside of GB, unless they additionally have remote key equipment in GB.


Model C – Two contract model – B2B contract includes a GB customer

 This model is based on the assumption that the licensed operator is located in GB. The first contract is a business to customer (B2C) contract between the customer and the licensed operator.

 A second, business to business (B2B) contract between the licensed operator and the Pool is then struck, which mirrors the B2C contract.

 In this model, the licensed operator is often referred to as a ‘counterparty- to the customer-s bet.

 As in model A, the customer contracts with the licensed operator. The licensed operator will therefore be responsible for paying out the customer and be responsible to the customer should any issues arise.

 The customer-s bet is not with the Pool.

 Although the amount of the customer-s bet would affect the Pool dividend, it is not the customer-s money which is being used to place the bet under the corresponding B2B contract.

 The licensed operator would be using its own funds to place the bet subject of the B2B contract. Unlike in model A, the licensed operator has a contractual relationship with the Pool.

 The licensed operator in this scenario is, in effect, acting as a customer itself when it places its bet with the Pool. This means that the Pool will require a pool betting operating licence, as it is providing facilities for gambling to a customer (in effect the licensed operator which is located in GB).

 As the licensed operator is also providing facilities for gambling to customers, it must hold a Commission licence. In this model the licensed operator-s facilities may be provided under a general betting standard operating licence.


Model D – Two contract model - B2B contract includes customer located outside of GB

 This model operates in the same manner as model C. However, the licensed operator is using the Pool-s facilities outside of GB, and therefore the Pool would not be providing facilities for gambling to a customer (located in GB) as is the case in model C.

 In these cases, the Pool will not require an operating licence from the Commission, unless it separately has remote key equipment in GB.

 The licensed operator will still require a general betting standard operating licence as they are providing facilities for gambling to a customer by virtue of the B2C contract previously illustrated.


* [Pool betting licensing arrangements](#)
* [Operating models](#operating-models)
* [Model A – One contract model](#model-a-one-contract-model)
* [Model B – Actual co-mingling](#model-b-actual-co-mingling)
* [Model C – Two contract model – B2B contract includes a GB customer](#model-c-two-contract-model-b2b-contract-includes-a-gb-customer)
* [Model D – Two contract model - B2B contract includes customer located outside of GB](#model-d-two-contract-model-b2b-contract-includes-customer-located-outside-of)

 [Print this guide](#)


Settling bets in accordance with published rules

 We expect gambling to be fair and open, so it-s important that customers can trust their bets will be settled in accordance with an operator-s published rules.

 Social responsibility code provision 4.2.6 requires that licensees must set within their rules the core elements for the acceptance and settlement of bets. The rules must cover, by way of example, the circumstances under which bets will be void, treatment of errors, late bets and related contingencies, maximum payout limiting liabilities and the means or medium by which the outcome of the event will be determined.

 During our compliance and enforcement activity we have seen instances were the code provision was breached and we have therefore devised some top tips to help operators comply with our expectations:

* regularly review your published rules to ensure they are accurate
* ensure your rules are updated to reflect any learning highlighted through your own complaints processes and ADR resolutions
* you must plan ahead. Updated rules must be published on the date amendments take effect
* in addition to published rules, you should use additional methods to notify customers of change. In betting shops, this could be through information provision on premises screens, over the audio network, through staff and on betting slips and receipts. For online operators, this could be through information provision on relevant market screens, through pop-ups and on betting receipts
* before launching new betting markets, ensure that current rules are applicable and/or new rules are introduced where required
* make sure that consistent information is provided. For example, your published rules should not conflict with information displayed on a market screen or available through ‘Help- or ‘FAQ- pages
* ensure software updates are managed effectively and tested to ensure accurate settlement is maintained
* where settlement issues do occur, you must divest monies accrued contrary to published rules. This should be to the affected customers. However, where these can-t be readily identified, operators should contact the Commission to agree divestment as a totalised donation to an appropriate body.


 Divestment relates to monies accrued where customers have been disadvantaged by settlement contrary to published rules. The divestment figure must not be offset by any monies that may have been overpaid to customers by way of the same failure to settle bets in line with published rules.

---

 Last updated: 28 February 2023

 Show updates to this content  Eighth bullet updated as the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms ran until April 2022.


1. [8.1.1.  Display of licensed status](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/8-1-1-display-of-licensed-status-remote-operators)
2. [8.1.2.  Display of licensed status – B2B operators](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/8-1-2-display-of-licensed-status-b2b-operators)
3. [8.1.3.  Display of licensed status – societies and local authorities](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/8-1-3-display-of-licensed-status-societies-and-local-authorities)


Information on bingo and details of when you need a licence to run a bingo game.


* [Types of operating licence](#generic-types-of-operating-licence)
* [Licence activities](#bingo-licences-and-fees-licence-activities)
* [Fees](#generic-fees-you-need-to-pay)
* [Calculating your fees](#generic-calculating-your-fees)
* [Personal Management Licences](#generic-personal-management-licences)
* [Annex A](#generic-annex-a-declaration)
* [Premises licence](#bingo-licences-and-fees-premises)


* [Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP)](#generic-legislation-and-policies-lccp)
* [Policies and guidance](#generic-legislation-and-policies-policies-and-guidance)
* [Other guidance and information](#bingo-polices-and-guidance-other-guidance-and-information)
* [Equipment technical requirements](#bingo-and-casino-technical-standards-bingo-and-casino-equipment-technical)


* [Information you'll need for your application](#bingo-apply-for-a-licence-information-youll-need-for-your-application)
* [Apply online](#generic-operating-licence-application)
* [Assessing your application](#generic-assessing-your-application)
* [Your licence](#generic-your-licence)


* [Compliance](#generic-compliance)
* [What you need to tell us](#generic-what-you-need-to-tell-us-when-you-hold-a-licence)
* [Public Register](#generic-public-register)
* [Display of licensed status](#generic-display-of-licensed-status)
* [Making changes to your licence](#generic-making-changes-to-your-licence)
* [Surrendering your licence](#generic-surrendering-your-licence)


 There is no legal definition of bingo under the  [Gambling Act 2005 (opens in new tab)](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents)  . However, we have worked with industry stakeholders to define three fundamental principles of bingo. These are:

* bingo must be played as an equal chance game.' Essentially, all players must have the same chance of winning
* bingo must involve a degree of participation'. For example, players marking their cards, or claiming to have won
* bingo games must have a clearly defined end point.' The end of the game should be clearly communicated to players.

 Read more about  [how bingo is defined](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/fundamental-principles-of-bingo#bingo-must-be-played-as-an-equal-chance-game)  .

##  When you need a licence

##  When you may not need a licence


 Generally, you  **need a licence**  from us to provide bingo to players for  **commercial gain**  in Great Britain.

 You must have a licence if you want to run any kind of online or 'remote' bingo, such as using gambling websites and apps.

 Your licence must cover the appropriate activity. If you are providing bingo from a premises, you'll also need a licence from the local licensing authority where the premises will be located.


 There are some exceptions where you do not need a licence to run bingo, including  [bingo for fundraising](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/bingo-for-fundraising)  .

 Read our guide on  [how to run bingo legally](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/how-to-run-a-game-of-bingo)  to find out the rules for the type of gaming you plan to run and whether you'll need a licence or permit.


 There are different types of licences that bingo businesses may need to apply for.

 You may need more than one of the following:

* [operating licence](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/operating-licences)
* [Personal Management Licence](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/personal-management-licence)
* [premises licence](/licensees-and-businesses/page/premises-licence)
* [Annex A for small-scale operators](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/annex-a-declaration)  .

 We issue operating licences and personal licences. Premises licences are issued by local licensing authorities.

 You'll need an operating licence to provide bingo to players in bingo halls and remote bingo services where people pay to play.

* [**Guidance**  How bingo is defined

 The fundamental principles of bingo and how bingo is defined.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/how-bingo-is-defined)
* [**Guidance**  How to run bingo legally

 Find out more about the different kinds of gaming and check whether or not you'll need a licence.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/how-to-run-a-game-of-bingo)

###  Types of operating licence

 An operating licence allows you to provide gambling activities to customers in Great Britain.

* [**Guidance**  Operating licences

 An operating licence is required to provide most gambling facilities in Great Britain.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/operating-licences)
###  Licence activities

 You can apply to us for a licence to provide bingo games in a premises (non-remote) or online (remote).

 If you are hosting bingo games for other licensed operators to provide to players, you will need a game host licence.

##  Activities

###  Fees

 The fees you need to pay depend on what you are applying for, and what your anticipated gross gambling yield (GGY) is.

* [**Guidance**  Fees you need to pay and when you should pay them

 Information on the fees for each licence, when these will need to be paid, and the payment methods you can use.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/fees-you-need-to-pay-and-when)
* [**Guidance**  Annual fees

 Information and guidance about annual fees for operating licence holders.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/annual-fees)
* [**Guidance**  Paying fees

 Find out how to pay fees to the Gambling Commission.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/paying-fees)
###  Calculating your fees

 Our online fees calculator can help you with understanding the amounts of your application, first annual and annual fees.

* [**Service**  Operating licence fees calculator

 Calculate application, first annual and annual fees for operating licences.](https://secure.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/publicfeecalc "Link opens in a new tab")
###  Personal Management Licences

 Personal Management Licences allow people to work in certain roles in a gambling business.

 Some businesses do not require personal licences to be held. Instead, you need to submit an Annex A. These are required for businesses with three employees or less.

* [**Guidance**  Personal Management Licence (PML) guide

 Information on PMLs, including the specific roles that require one, the fees you will have to pay, and how you can apply.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/personal-management-licence)
###  Annex A

 If your business qualifies as a  [small-scale operator](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/small-scale-operator)  , you can submit an Annex A instead of applying for a Personal Management Licence.

* [**Guidance**  Annex A guide

 Information about Annex As and when they are required.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/annex-a-declaration)
###  Premises licence

 You'll need a premises licence to provide bingo to players in a non-remote setting. For example, at a bingo hall.

 You must apply to the licensing authority the premises is located in to get a premises licence.

>  You'll need to apply for an operating licence  **before**  you apply for any premises licences.
>
>

* [**Guidance**  Premises licence

 Information on premises licences, which businesses require one, and what you need to do before applying.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/premises-licence)

###  Information from other websites

 We are not responsible for content on external websites. These links will open in a new tab.

 [Find your local council on GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council "Link opens in a new tab")


* [All](#all)
* [Non-remote](#Non-remote)
* [Remote](#Remote)

##  All activities

##  Non-remote licence activities

##  Remote licence activities


* [Non-remote bingo operating licence

 This licence allows you to provide facilities for playing bingo games at licensed bingo premises, or in clubs and premises with alcohol licences, and where the bingo games are played on the same site.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/non-remote-bingo)
* [Remote bingo operating licence

 This activity allows you to provide bingo games to customers via a website, apps, mobile, interactive TV or radio.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-bingo)
* [Remote bingo game host operating licence

 This activity allows you to provide remote bingo under specific circumstances.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-bingo-game-host-operating-licence)


* [Non-remote bingo operating licence

 This licence allows you to provide facilities for playing bingo games at licensed bingo premises, or in clubs and premises with alcohol licences, and where the bingo games are played on the same site.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/non-remote-bingo)


* [Remote bingo operating licence

 This activity allows you to provide bingo games to customers via a website, apps, mobile, interactive TV or radio.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-bingo)
* [Remote bingo game host operating licence

 This activity allows you to provide remote bingo under specific circumstances.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-bingo-game-host-operating-licence)


 Gambling in Great Britain and the Gambling Commission's duties and responsibilities are detailed in the Gambling Act 2005.

 The following legislation and policies are also applicable to operating licence holders.

* [Gambling Act 2005

 Gambling Act 2005 (link opens in new window)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents "Link opens in a new tab")

###  Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP)

 The LCCP outlines the requirements that all operating and personal licence holders must follow.

* [**Guidance**  Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP)

 The LCCP outlines the requirements that all licensees must follow when running a gambling business or working in the industry.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/lccp)
###  Policies and guidance

 The following guidance and policies are also relevant for all licensees.

* [**Policy**  Licensing, compliance and enforcement under the Gambling Act 2005

 The Commission-s approach to risk underpins its licensing, compliance and enforcement functions.](/policy/licensing-compliance-and-enforcement-under-the-gambling-act-2005)
* [**Policy**  Statement of principles for licensing and regulation

 The Commission's statement of principles for licensing and regulation.](/policy/statement-of-principles-for-licensing-and-regulation)
* [**Policy**  Statement of principles for determining financial penalties

 The Commission's statement of principles for determining financial penalties.](/policy/statement-of-principles-for-determining-financial-penalties)
* [**Guidance**  Other policies, advice and guidance notes

 We are gradually removing PDF's from our website. Find published advice notes and guidance in PDF's we've not yet converted.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/all-policies-advice-and-guidance-notes)
* [**Guidance**  Anti-money laundering legislation

 Anti-money laundering legislation and regulatory codes of practice operators must comply with.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/anti-money-laundering-legislation)
###  Other guidance and information

 Bingo-specific guidance and information.

* [**Guidance**  Bingo and casino technical requirements

 The technical requirements that regulate bingo and casino equipment.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/bingo-and-casino-technical-requirements)
* [**Guidance**  Age restrictions in bingo premises

 Guidance and information regarding the age restrictions in bingo premises.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/age-restrictions-in-bingo-premises)
###  Equipment technical requirements

 These technical requirements will regulate bingo and casino equipment in two different situations:

* equipment that is used on premises in Great Britain to provide casino games, and
* bingo games to the public and equipment used to provide such games in gambling premises by means of a remote communication system, where the provider is regulated by the Act.

 These Requirements cover a variety of equipment including a 'live' roulette wheel and bingo tickets. They do not cover gaming machines.

* [**Standards**  Bingo and casino technical requirements

 Bingo and casino technical requirements under section 85 and section 89 of the Gambling Act 2005.](/standards/bingo-and-casino-technical-requirements)


 You can apply online for a licence from us to provide bingo activities.

 A bingo application can take up to 6 months to process depending on the complexity of your business.

>  You will need to apply for an operating licence, before you apply for a premises licence from the local licensing authority.
>
>

###  Information you'll need for your application

 We will ask you to provide information about you and your business as part of your licence application.

 For bingo licence applications, this includes:

* ownership and management structure diagrams
* copies of your policies and procedures in relation to your obligations under the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP)
* customer terms and conditions
* rules of play
* bank statements, audited accounts, annual returns and proof of source of funds
* technical diagrams, software supply methods and infrastructure diagrams for remote operating applications
* details of shareholders.

 You will be able to upload electronic copies of documents as part of your application.

>  Unless we ask you to, do not send documents to us in the post.
>
>

* [**Guidance**  What you need to send us when you apply for an operating licence

 Find out which documents you will need when applying for an operating licence for your gambling business.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/what-you-need-to-send-us-when-you-apply-for-an-operating-licence)
###  Apply online

 You can use our online service to apply for an operating licence.

 If you have not used the service before, you'll need an email address only you can access to be able to create an account.

>  Make sure you include all the information we ask for when you submit your application. If your application is rejected because something is missing, we will not refund your application fee.
>
>

* [**Service**  Apply for a licence to operate a gambling business

 Use this service if you want to apply for a licence to run a gambling business.](https://secure.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/ApplicationHub/Account/Login "Link opens in a new tab")
###  Assessing your application

###  If your application is rejected

 We will send you a letter explaining which documents are missing and you'll need to reapply online.

 You must provide the missing documents, as well as the documents you included originally, and you will need to pay the application fee again.

* [**Guidance**  How we assess operating licence applications

 Find out what we consider when assessing an operating licence application.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/how-we-assess-operating-licence-applications)
###  Your licence

 If we grant you a licence to run a gambling business, you will be able to download a copy of your licence from eServices.

 You must make your licence available for inspection by request from Gambling Commission staff, licensing authority staff or other official bodies such as the police or fire service.

* [**Service**  eServices for operating licence holders

 eServices allows operating licence holders to make changes to their licence, submit regulatory returns and other notifications to the Gambling Commission.](https://secure.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/EServices/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2feservices "Link opens in a new tab")


 An important part of the Gambling Commission-s work is to ensure that licence holders are compliant.

 To be compliant as a licence holder, you must understand and act in accordance with:

* the  [Gambling Act 2005](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents)
* regulations (statutory instruments) made under the Gambling Act 2005
* the  [Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP)](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp)
* any  [technical standards](#bingo-and-casino-technical-standards-bingo-and-casino-equipment-technical)  that apply to operating licences.

 Compliance activity is based on risk and the risk that each licensed activity poses to the Gambling Commission-s licensing objectives.

 The three licensing objectives are:

* keeping crime out of gambling
* ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly
* protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

###  Compliance

 Guidance and information for running a compliant gambling business. Including information on how we carry out assessments, your responsibilities under the LCCP and other gambling-related legislation.

* [**Hub**  Compliance

 How we do compliance assessments and important compliance information.](/licensees-and-businesses/compliance)
###  What you need to tell us

 You are required to tell us about certain things that happen in your business, these are dependent on the licences and activities you hold.

* [**Guidance**  What you need to tell us when you hold an operating licence

 This guidance summarises all of the types of data and information that you are required to tell us when you hold an operating licence.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/what-you-need-to-tell-us-when-you-hold-an-operating-licence)
* [**Guidance**  Key events for operators

 These guides will inform you of the key events you must tell us about when you hold an operating licence.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/key-events-for-operators)
* [**Guidance**  Guidance to operators for age verification test purchasing (non-remote)

 This guidance explains what data we need from you about age verification test purchasing when you hold a non-remote operating licence.](/guidance/guidance-to-operators-for-age-verification-test-purchasing-non-remote)
* [**Guidance**  Regulatory returns guidance

 Guidance for information collected in the Regulatory Returns service by licensing sector.](/guidance/regulatory-returns-guidance)
* [**Guidance**  Assurance statements

 This guidance explains our data and information requirements if you are required to send us an assurance statement.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/assurance-statements)
* [**Guidance**  Gaming machine and remote games information requirements

 This guidance explains our data and information requirements for games test, games annual audit and security audit reports.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/gaming-machine-and-remote-games-information-requirements)
###  Public Register

 We provide details of all businesses and individuals we licence on our  [Public Register](/public-register)  service.

 When you are issued a licence, we will display the details of your licence on the register.

 This includes:

* your head office address
* details of the activities you are licensed for and from when
* domain and trading names you've told us about, and
* details of any regulatory action that has been carried out.

* [**Service**  Public Register of licensees, premises and regulatory actions

 The register lets you search and download information about licensed businesses, individuals and premises. You can also find information about regulatory action we have taken against licensees.](/public-register "Link opens in a new tab")
###  Display of licensed status

 If you hold a remote licence, the gambling websites and apps you provide must show details about your licence and link to your public register licence information.

>  This is a condition of your licence under  [LCCP Condition 8 - Display of licensed status](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/1/8)  .
>
>

###  Making changes to your licence

 You can make most changes to your licence online, using eServices.

 You can:

* add or remove licence activities
* change the activity fee category up or down
* add or remove management or key people in the business
* add or remove trading names
* add or remove domain names for websites where you provide gambling.

>  Some of these  [changes require you to pay a fee](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/make-changes-to-your-operating-licence)  .
>
>

* [**Service**  eServices for operating licence holders

 eServices allows operating licence holders to make changes to their licence, submit regulatory returns and other notifications to the Gambling Commission.](https://secure.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/EServices/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2feservices "Link opens in a new tab")
###  Surrendering your licence

 If you no longer need your licence, you can surrender it.

* [**Guidance**  Surrender your operating licence

 Find out how to surrender your operating licence partially or in full.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/surrender-your-operating-licence)


 Bingo is essentially a lottery played as a game.

 The description in the 1978 Royal Commission report is a good place to start when understanding the characteristics of bingo:

 ‘Bingo is a lottery played as a game. Each player receives for his stake a set of numbers which he has not chosen. These are marked off against numbers selected at random and announced by a caller, and the winner is the person who can first substantiate a claim to have marked off all those, or a particular section of those, in the set he has been given.-

 The Act distinguishes bingo from casino gaming. It provides information in  [section 65 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/65)  for separate casino and bingo operating licences and in  [section 68(3) (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/68)  , excludes bingo from the ‘other games of chance- that a casino operating licence authorises its holder to provide.

##  We consider three fundamental principles of bingo

##  Bingo must be played as an equal chance game

##  Bingo must involve a degree of participation

##  Bingo must have a clearly defined end point


We consider three fundamental principles of bingo

* bingo must be played as an equal chance game
* bingo must involve a degree of participation
* bingo games must have a clearly defined end point.


Bingo must be played as an equal chance game

 In order for a game to be classed as ‘bingo- it must meet the Act-s definition of ‘equal chance gaming- (as opposed to casino gaming). This definition is set out in  [section 8 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/8)  .

 Therefore bingo must:

* not involve playing or staking against a bank
* be a game in which the chances are equally favourable. Each ticket or chance must have the same probablity of success.

 We see no objection to bingo players being able to select some, or all, of their numbers as long as there is a mechanism to ensure that each player has a unique set of numbers and the game still remains equal chance. We also consider that fixed odds bingo games are acceptable as long as they are structured to ensure there is no banker-s interest.

 We have produced a note addressing what constitutes a banker's game and how equal chance gaming differs from it. This can be found at  [Annex A](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/how-bingo-is-defined#annex-a-bankers-games-and-equal-chance-gaming)  .


Bingo must involve a degree of participation

 In order to distinguish a bingo game from a straight lottery, players must be required to participate in order to be successful.

 Participation could, and usually does, involve human interaction with the game. For example, players actively marking their cards and/or claiming they have won.

 Alternatively, technology can be used to act as the participant's mode in playing out the game which the player has initiated. This is often the case in modern bingo formats such as online, bingo machines or hand held devices. In this way participation can be made up of a combination of activity taking place both within the mechanic of the game and by the player-s own actions.

 Bingo games where the winning numbers are pre-selected are acceptable, provided that those numbers are subsequently called or displayed.


Bingo must have a clearly defined end point

 A fundamental element of a game of bingo, is that it needs to end at a predetermined point or time. This end point needs to be appropriate, realistic and clearly communicated to players. The period within which a player is able to claim a prize should be factored into the timeframe of the game. Determining who has won is part of the game.

 [Previous page
 Introduction](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/introduction)  [Next page
 Further guidance](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/further-guidance)

---

 Last updated: 22 February 2021

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You can raise money for charity by running a bingo night or bingo fundraiser, however you must follow the relevant rules.


 Anywhere which does not have a gambling premises licence. For example, this can include things like school halls, places of worship and community spaces.

 However, the gaming must take place at a  **non-commercial event**  at one of these venues.

 The event is non-commercial if all the proceeds from the event are used for fundraising and the reasonable costs of organising the event.

 This includes money from:

* entrance and participation fees
* sponsorship
* commission from traders
* any other source.

 Under 18s can take part in the following kinds of 'non-commercial gaming'.

 There are specific rules for this kind of gaming if you want to hold it at a racetrack.

 You do not need a licence for this kind of gaming. However, you must make sure you follow  **all**  of these rules.


 You must:

* make sure the game is played as an equal chance game (essentially all players must have the same chance of winning)
* tell everyone who is playing what good cause you-re raising money for in advance. For example, tell players you-re raising money for Cancer Research UK before the bingo night.

 !  **Warning  You cannot play the bingo virtually, or online in any way. You'll need a licence to run  [online bingo](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/running-online-bingo)  , otherwise you are breaking the law.**


 You can't:

* use the profits from any gaming for private gain
* use any of the proceeds from your non-commercial event for private gain.


 You can only use the profits raised from bingo to give to the good cause you-ve advertised.

 You can only deduct (take away) money from the total raised to pay for reasonable costs. For example, costs for prizes, printing bingo cards or providing refreshments.

 You cannot make money for yourself or for your business from the event.

###  What-s classed as profits

 Money raised from the bingo by stakes, entry or participation fees, minus costs from giving prizes or other reasonable costs.

###  Third parties

 If a third party is selling good or services at the bingo night, for example refreshments, this won-t count as money raised for charity and can be kept by the third party. For example, if a local baker has a stand at the bingo night selling homemade cakes, they can keep any money raised from sales on the night.


There are two ways to run bingo for fundraising

###  1. Non-commercial equal chance gaming

 You can charge players a maximum amount of £8 per person for all the games at the event per day. This includes entrance or participation fees, stakes and any other payments linked to the gaming.

 Make sure that the amount or value paid out in prizes is below £600 in total across all players, unless the event is the final in a series in which all of the players have previously taken part. In this case, a higher prize fund of up to £900 is allowed.

####  Example

 A wheelchair basketball club want to run a bingo night to raise money to buy one of their members a custom-built racing wheelchair. The organisers will let everyone taking part know the good cause the event is raising money for in advance.

 Players are charged no more than £8 in total to take part.

 All the players will physically play the game of bingo together, at the local church hall which they have hired for the evening. After the event, the organisers will deduct a small amount of money to pay for the costs of buying the bingo cards and pens. The rest of the money raised will all go to the good cause.

###  2. Non-commercial prize gaming

 You must tell everyone who is playing what good cause you-re raising money for in advance. For example, tell players you-re raising money for Cancer Research UK before the bingo night.

 There are no limits on stakes, prizes, participation fees or any other charges for this type of gaming.

 However, you must not base the value of the prizes on the number of people playing, or the amount raised by the game.

####  Example

 The PTA of a primary school want to hold a bingo night for parents, to raise money to buy kit for their athletics team. The organisers will let everyone taking part know the charity the event is raising money for in advance.

 They'll also advertise all the prizes in advance. As there are no limits on the value of the prizes, local businesses have donated prizes which include a luxury hamper and a spa day.

 All the parents will physically play the game of bingo together, in the school-s hall. After the event, the organisers deduct a small amount of money to pay for the costs of buying the bingo cards and pens. The rest of the money raised will all go to the good cause.

 [Previous page
 Bingo at a premises: prize gaming](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/bingo-at-a-premises-which-has-a-gambling-licence)

---

 Last updated: 7 July 2021

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 The legal basis for bingo is complex. Make sure you carefully follow all the rules for the type of gaming you want to run.

 This includes playing bingo:

* at home
* in places which aren't open to the public
* online
* in types of clubs
* in pubs and bars
* in premises which already have a gambling licence
* for fundraising.

##  Residential gaming

##  Where it can take place

##  What you must do

##  What you can't do

##  Example

##  Domestic gaming

##  Where it can take place

##  What you must do

##  What you can-t do

##  Example

##  Online bingo

##  Why you need a licence

##  What you must do

##  Bingo using a club gaming permit

##  Where it can take place

##  What you must do

##  What you can-t do

##  Example

##  Gaming machines

##  Exempt gaming in clubs and miners' welfare institutes

##  Where it can take place

##  What you must do

##  What you can-t do

##  Exempt gaming in pubs

##  Where it can take place

##  What you must do

##  What you can-t do

##  Example

##  If you're holding bingo as part of a wider event

##  Bingo at a premises: prize gaming

##  What you must do

##  What you can't do

##  Additional rules

##  Bingo for fundraising

##  Where it can take place

##  What you must do

##  What you can't do

##  Profits

##  There are two ways to run bingo for fundraising

---

 Last updated: 1 November 2021

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Residential gaming is one of two forms of what's known as 'private gaming' - which can only take place somewhere the public can't access.


Anywhere the public does not have access to. For example, a hostel or halls of residence.


* physically play the game together, at the same physical location
* make sure at least half of the people playing live at that location.


* charge any entry fees - this includes any kind of admission fee or fee for taking part
* make a profit from the game - even if you intend to donate the profits to charity or good causes
* deduct from or ‘levy- on money staked or won by players in the game. It doesn-t matter if the charge is voluntary or compulsory
* run the game as part of a trade or business
* play the bingo virtually, or online in any way.


 A group of four friends want to play a game of bingo at their student halls. They invite two more friends over to join them and everyone plays the game at the same physical location, using a bingo board game.

 Every player pays a £1 stake and this makes up the pot of money which can be won.


Domestic gaming is one of two forms of what's known as 'private gaming' - which can only take place somewhere the public can't access.


 In a private dwelling, such as a house. This can also include other types of accommodation used as, or as part of, a home. For example, motorhomes, houseboats and garden sheds.

 Under 18s can take part.


* make sure the game takes place in the house or accommodation where you usually live
* play the game on a domestic occasion. For example, a dinner party or other small gathering in your home.


* hold the bingo game outside of a residential setting
* play the game in group accommodation, such as student halls of residence. See  [residential gaming](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/how-to-run-a-game-of-bingo#residential-gaming)  instead
* charge any entry fees - this includes any kind of admission fee or fee for taking part
* make a profit from the game - even if you intend to donate the profits to charity or good causes
* play the bingo virtually, or online in any way.


 Danielle invites her friends over to her house for her babyshower. One of the activities is a game of bingo. Everyone will physically play the bingo game at Danielle-s house and everyone has the same chance of winning.

 Every player pays a £1 stake and this makes up the pot of money which can be won.


 You need a licence to run any kind of online or 'remote' bingo. This includes any type of game where players would be taking part virtually. For example, you need a licence to run a bingo game played using social media or on a video call, using platforms such as Zoom.

 !  **Warning  If you run an online bingo game without a licence you are breaking the law.** ###  Online bingo includes bingo offered using any form of 'remote' communications

 This includes:

* internet
* telephone
* television
* radio
* any other type of electronic or other technology that enable communication.


 The legal basis for bingo means that even if you have good intentions (such as playing for charity) you could face a fine or criminal prosecution.

 You can read more in  [Section 6 of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/6)  .


 If you want to run  **online**  bingo you-ll need to  [apply for a remote bingo operating licence](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-bingo)  with us. You-ll also need to comply with the relevant legal requirements and our regulatory codes.

 If you don-t want to apply for a licence, we-d strongly recommend choosing another activity. You can find fundraising ideas on the  [NHS Charities Together website (opens in new tab)](https://www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk/fundraising-pack/)  .


 In the following places:

* [members- clubs](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/members-clubs-and-commercial-clubs#what-is-a-members-club)  - such as working men-s clubs, branches of the Royal British Legion clubs and with political ties, or
* miners- welfare institutes.

 You do not need a licence for this kind of gaming. However, you'll need to apply for a  [club gaming permit](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/club-gaming-and-machine-permits#club-gaming-permit)  with your local authority.


* the game is played as an equal chance game (essentially all players must have the same chance of winning)
* the gaming is not the main purpose of the club – it can only be an additional activity
* every player is a member of the club, or, a guest of a member
* children and young people under 18 are not allowed in the area of the club where the gaming is taking place
* total stakes and prizes for the game do not exceed £2,000 in a 7 day period. Otherwise, this will be classed as ‘high turnover- bingo. If this happens, you-ll need to tell us. If it happens more than once, then you-ll need a licence
* you charge a maximum of  **£3**  in participation fees, per person and per day.


* run ‘linked- games with players on other premises. For example, you cannot run a linked game between two branches of the Royal British Legion based in two locations
* deduct from or ‘levy- on money staked or won by players in the game. It doesn-t matter if the charge is voluntary or compulsory
* play the bingo virtually, or online in any way.


 A local branch of a political club want to run a bingo night. Usually, the club meet to discuss environmental issues. Everyone taking part in the bingo night will be a member of the club, or a registered guest.

 There will be no under 18s taking part, and no children or young people will be allowed in the function room where the bingo will take place. The total stakes and prizes will be less than £2,000. The club applies for a club gaming permit and their request for the permit is granted.


 A club gaming permit also allows you to provide a maximum of 3  [gaming machines](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/gaming-machine-categories)  from categories B3A (with agreement), B4, C or D.

 You can read more about  [club gaming permits](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/club-gaming-and-machine-permits#club-gaming-permit)  .


 You can run games like bingo and poker in the following places:

* [members- clubs](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/members-clubs-and-commercial-clubs#what-is-a-members-club)  - such as working men-s clubs, branches of the Royal British Legion and clubs with political ties
* [Commercial clubs](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/members-clubs-and-commercial-clubs#what-is-a-commercial-club)  - clubs created with the aim of making a profit, such as snooker clubs and gyms or sports facilities, where you'd pay to become a member but have no say in how the club is run.
* miners- welfare institutes.


* the game is played as an equal chance game (essentially all players must have the same chance of winning)
* the gaming is not the main purpose of the club – it can only be an additional activity.
* every player is a member of the club, or, a guest of a member
* children and under 18s do not take part
* total stakes and prizes for the game do not exceed £2,000 in a 7 day period. Otherwise, this will be classed as ‘high turnover- bingo. If this happens, you-ll need to tell us. If it happens more than once, then you-ll need a licence
* you charge a maximum of  **£1**  in participation fees, per person and per day.

 If you-re a commercial club with a  [club machine permit](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/club-gaming-and-machine-permits)  the participation fee increases to £3 per person per day.


* deduct from or ‘levy- on money staked or won by players in the game. It doesn-t matter if the charge is voluntary or compulsory
* run ‘linked- games with players on other premises. For example, you cannot run a linked game between two branches of the Royal British Legion based in two locations
* play the bingo virtually, or online in any way.


 Generally, in any alcohol-licensed premises, such as pubs and bars.

 You do not need a licence for this kind of gaming.


 You must make sure:

* the game is played as an equal chance game (essentially all players must have the same chance of winning)
* children and under 18s do not take part
* total stakes and prizes for the game do not exceed £2,000 in a 7 day period. Otherwise, this will be classed as ‘high turnover- bingo. If this happens, you-ll need to tell us. If it happens more than once, then you-ll need a licence
* the stake limit is  **£5**  per person, per game
* all stakes are returned as prizes.


 You can-t:

* Make a profit from the game - even if you intend to donate the profits to charity or good causes
* charge any participation fees – or any kind of admission fee
* run ‘linked- games with players on other premises. For example, you cannot run a linked game between two chain pubs, based in two different locations
* deduct from or ‘levy- on money staked or won by players in the game. It doesn-t matter if the charge is voluntary or compulsory
* play the bingo virtually, or online in any way.


 The owner of a nightclub wants to run a bingo night. The club-s premises already has an alcohol licence and only adults are allowed in the club. The total stakes and prizes for the bingo will be less than £2,000. All stakes will be returned as prizes. The owner of the club will give free entry to the club for the bingo night and there won-t be any other charges for people to take part.

 The maximum stake is charged at  **£5**  per person per game. All the money raised from the bingo night will be given back as prizes. Guests will still be able to buy drinks and pay for them as usual.