* [Promoting society and local authority lotteries](#)
* [Definition of a lottery](#definition-of-a-lottery)
* [Meaning of society and local authority lotteries](#meaning-of-society-and-local-authority-lotteries)
* [Large society and local authority lottery licensing requirements](#large-society-and-local-authority-lottery-licensing-requirements)
* [Small society lotteries](#small-society-lotteries)
* [Personal Management Licences](#personal-management-licences)
* [External Lottery Managers (ELMs)](#external-lottery-managers-elms)
* [External Lottery Managers and service providers](#external-lottery-managers-and-service-providers)
* [Remote lotteries](#remote-lotteries)
* [Gambling Commission licence conditions and codes of practice](#gambling-commission-licence-conditions-and-codes-of-practice)
* [Society and local authority lotteries - proceeds and other monetary limits](#society-and-local-authority-lotteries-proceeds-and-other-monetary-limits)
* [Information to lottery players: proceeds and prizes](#information-to-lottery-players-proceeds-and-prizes)
* [Ticket information](#ticket-information)
* [Sale of tickets](#sale-of-tickets)
* [Financial requirements](#financial-requirements)
* [Lottery submissions](#lottery-submissions)
* [Social responsibility](#social-responsibility)
* [B3A lottery machines](#b38-lottery-machines)
* [Proceeds and profits](#proceeds-and-profits)
* [Misusing profits of lotteries](#misusing-profits-of-lotteries)

 [Print this guide](#)


>  This is an HTML version of this advice. You can also view or download the  [original promoting multiple society lotteries advice (PDF)](#5iNW6wMsHYufo3oVcf23Zd)  published in August 2011, updated July 2020.
>
>

 Advice for society lotteries, local authority lotteries and  [external lottery managers](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/external-lottery-managers-elms-lotteries)  promoting individual lotteries under one brand.


 The purpose of this note is to provide advice to society and local authority lottery promoters (society and local authority lottery operators) and External Lottery Managers (ELMs) and others about some of the factors the Gambling Commission is likely to take into account when making decisions about whether the requiements of the  [Gambling Act 2005 (opens in new tab)](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents)  (the Act) are satisfied in a particular lottery scheme.

 The interpretation of the Act is ultimately a matter for the courts but it is hoped that this note will be helpful to societies and ELMs in setting out some of the indicators to which the Commission has regard in determining whether a particular scheme is being properly promoted as a series of separate lotteries or is in reality a single lottery. These indicators may also be relevant, in appropriate cases, to the Commission’s decision whether to grant an operating licence.

 This note contains advice supplementary to the requirements of the Act, relevant regulations and the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice. Operators must also ensure they meet those requirements.

 To assist operators in ensuring that their lottery is being promoted lawfully and in line with the licensing objectives as set out in the Act, the Commission has prepared a series of indicators that may be taken into account when deciding whether or not a particular scheme is lawful. The indicators are neither exhaustive nor exclusive and no single factor is likely to be determinant by itself.

 The Commission may update this advice note from time to time to reflect developments in the sector.

##  Promoting multiple society lotteries lawfully

##  Control and accountability

##  Marketing

##  Information to lottery players: proceeds and prizes

##  Files


Promoting multiple society lotteries lawfully

 The Act permits licensed or registered non-commercial societies and ELMs to promote lotteries. The intention of the relevant provisions is to make it possible for a noncommercial society to use a lottery as a means of raising funds from the public for the cause promoted by the society, or a local authority to raise funds to use for any purpose where it has power to incur expenditure. The provisions are relatively limited inscope.

 The Act also allows those societies to appoint a person who is not a member, officer or employee of the society - an External Lottery Manager (ELM) - to make the arrangements for the lottery on their behalf. Where arrangements for the lottery are made by an ELM on behalf of a society both the ELM and society promote the lottery. The intention of these provisions is also relatively limited in scope: they are designed to do nothing more than allow a society to “outsource” the running of its lottery to a third party.

 It is the view of the Commission that where an ELM, a society lottery operator or a collective of society lottery operators, promote multiple society lotteries under a single brand (a ‘branded lottery’ or ‘umbrella lottery’ scheme), each lottery must be organised and promoted in such a way as to ensure that the lotteries are not combined to form one single lottery, which could be a breach of the requirements of the Act and regulations.

 The proceeds from one society lottery may not be used to fund any of the prizes or expenses in a different society lottery promoted under the same brand. For example proceeds from lottery A promoted by society A may not be rolled over to fund prizes in lottery B promoted by society B (a different society) or be used to pay or subsidise any prizes in society lottery B.

 The relevant monetary limits set out in the Act apply to each of the individual society lotteries separately.

 Under the Act the proceeds of each lottery draw are the responsibility of the individual society lottery operators. It is each operator’s responsibility to ensure that the proceeds, including expenses and prizes, of its lottery are apportioned and distributed lawfully and that a minimum of 20% of the proceeds of each of its lottery draws are applied to a purpose for which the promoting society is established or the local authority has power to incur expenditure.

 Each society must meet the requirements of a non-commercial society set out in the Act and any publicly available criteria relied upon by the Commission in assessing compliance with those requirements. The Commission will always look at the reality of each situation in determining whether the test for a non-commercial society is met, and when deciding the imposition of licence conditions.


 There is no prohibition in the Act on lottery operators coming together under a single brand and the results in those lotteries being determined by a single draw. However, the individual lotteries must remain separate, distinct entities. Indicators that may help make judgements in these circumstances include the following.

 In cases where a number of societies come together to promote their lotteries under one brand, whether an ELM is involved or not, the extent to which each individual society is able to demonstrate that they retain overall management control of their lottery will be important. This will include the society demonstrating that they retain overall control of management and strategic decision-making relating to the promotion of the lottery, including control over social responsibility policies and the marketing of the lottery.

 The extent to which the proceeds of individual society lotteries are separated, for example through ring-fencing individual bank accounts from other operators, from the ELM and from any other related company or body.

 In cases where a number of societies come together to promote their lotteries under one brand, whether an ELM is involved or not, the extent to which each society has control of the proceeds of the lottery including how those proceeds are apportioned and distributed will be an important factor. Where multiple society lotteries are promoted under one brand, the proceeds cannot be pooled and distributed among all societies promoting their lottery under that brand.


 The Act requires each individual society lottery that forms part of a single branded scheme must be promoted separately, and it must be clear to a participant in the lottery which society lottery they are being asked to participate in. Where a number of society lotteries are promoted under one brand whether with an ELM or not the following indicators may assist decision making in this area.

 The extent to which the general advertising and marketing material relating to the promotion of the umbrella lottery brand makes it clear each draw will be on behalf of separate identified societies.

 Prior to each lottery draw the relative prominence of the name of the umbrella lottery brand in the advertising and marketing material compared to that of the name of the society or societies involved in the promotion of that particular draw.

 The extent to which the document (ticket) given to participants at the time they pay to enter the lottery clearly and prominently specifies and displays the name of the individual society or societies involved in promoting each lottery draw.

 We expect all lottery operators who offer or participate in a branded lottery scheme to ensure consumers are provided with sufficient information for them to make an informed choice as to whether they wish to support that good cause or not. They must therefore make it clear that although there is a common brand, people are participating in individual society lotteries.

 All marketing and advertising of the branded lottery is required to include clear information about the promoting society or societies, displayed clearly and relatively prominenly. This includes information surrounding the draws themselves, winners and beneficiaries of the lottery proceeds.

 For example, a beneficiary of a lottery promoted under a branded scheme wished to advertise that their activities have been funded by lotteries proceeds derived through the brand, they should make it clear that it is the society who has provided the funds, and not just the scheme itself. It should also be made clear which society promoted the lottery when advertising winners and prizes.


Information to lottery players: proceeds and prizes

 Social responsibility codes attached to all lottery operating licences include a requirement to take account of the Commission’s guidance on providing information to lottery players about how proceeds are used and the likelihood of winning a prize and how those prizes are allocated. This information must be available prior to participating in a lottery.

 This requirement is in addition to the current provision in  [social responsibility code (4.3.1)](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/4-3-1-publication-of-percentage-of-lottery-proceeds-returned-to-the-purposes)  , which requires all society and local authority lottery licensees to publish annually the proportion of lottery proceeds (as a percentage) returned to the purposes of the society or local authority, in the previous calendar year. This should be through either their annual report, lottery page of their society or local authority website or any other means appropriate to the size and scale of the organisation.


 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/)  .

 [Promoting multiple society lotteries

 application/pdf PDF 174.1 kB](//assets.ctfassets.net/j16ev64qyf6l/5iNW6wMsHYufo3oVcf23Zd/3c3da171fca94b895d9367722f60195a/Promoting-multiple-society-lotteries.pdf)

---

 Last updated: 7 June 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


* [Promoting multiple society lotteries](#)
* [Promoting multiple society lotteries lawfully](#promoting-multiple-society-lotteries-lawfully)
* [Control and accountability](#control-and-accountability)
* [Marketing](#marketing)
* [Information to lottery players: proceeds and prizes](#information-to-lottery-players-proceeds-and-prizes#1)

 [Print this guide](#)


Lottery proceeds - Advice note April 2013 (Updated July 2020)

 The purpose of this note is to provide advice to the promoters of society and local authority lotteries and others about the requirements of the  [Gambling Act 2005 (the Act) (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents)  relating to the distribution of lottery proceeds collected by non-commercial societies, local authorities and External Lottery Managers (ELMs) making the arrangements for lotteries on their behalf.

 The interpretation of the Act is ultimately a matter for the courts but it is hoped that this advice note will be helpful to societies, local authorities and ELMs in understanding the requirements and the Commission’s approach in respect of compliance with those requirements.

 This note also contains some advice supplementary to the requirements of the Act, relevant regulations and the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). Operators must also ensure they meet those requirements. For further information see the Commission’s  [Promoting society and local authority lotteries](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/promoting-society-and-local-authority-lotteries)  .

>  The Commission may update this advice note from time to time to reflect developments in the sector.
>
>

##  Who can promote lotteries?

##  ‘Proceeds’ and ‘profits’ of a lottery

##  The expenses of a lottery - lottery proceeds

##  Lottery submissions - lottery proceeds

##  Non-compliance - lottery proceeds

##  Footnotes

---

 Last updated: 14 October 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


 In addition to some small lotteries, which are ‘exempt’ from the requirement to hold a licence, the Act permits licensed or registered non-commercial societies and local authorities to promote lotteries. It is the view of the Commission that the intention is to allow noncommercial societies and local authorities to use a lottery as a means of raising funds to support their purposes.

 The Act also allows those societies and local authorities to appoint a person - who is not a member, officer or employee of the society or local authority - as an ELM to make the arrangements for the lottery on their behalf. Where arrangements for the lottery are made by an ELM on behalf of a society or local authority, both the ELM and the society or local authority promote the lottery (  [Section 252(4) of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/252)  ). The intention of the provision is relatively limited in scope; it is designed to do nothing more than allow a society or local authority to outsource the running of its lottery or a part of its lottery to a third party.


 [Section 254(1) of the Act (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/254)  defines the proceeds of a lottery as ‘the aggregate of amounts paid in respect of the purchase of lottery tickets’ (the total amount paid for tickets before any deductions). The Act also specifies the way in which the proceeds of a lottery must be distributed, as follows under section 99(2):

###  99 Mandatory conditions of lottery operating licence

 **(2).**  The first requirement, is that at least 20% of the proceeds of any lottery promoted in reliance on the licence are applied-
 **(a)**  in the case of a licence issued to a non-commercial society, to a purpose for which the promoting society is conducted
 **(b)**  in the case of a licence issued to a local authority, for a purpose for which the authority has power to incur expenditure.

 The Act describes the proportion of the proceeds remaining after prizes and expenses have been deducted as the ‘profits’ of the lottery (  [Section 254(2) of the Gambling Act (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/254)  ).

 The Commission’s view is that the intention of the requirement to apply ‘at least’ 20% of the proceeds to the purposes of the promoting society is to maintain the fundamental principle set out in the Act for society and local authority lotteries that they are only permitted as a mechanism to enable fundraising for purposes other than that of private or commercial gain. Society and local authority lottery operators are reminded that 20% is the minimum amount of proceeds from each lottery that must be applied to their purposes. In the Commission’s view the ‘purposes’ of a society are the aims and objectives for which the society primarily exists. The ‘profits’ of a lottery cannot be used for any other purpose.

 Lottery promoters should also take note of the licensing objective in the Act that requires all gambling to be conducted in a ‘fair and open way’. This has specific relevance to society or local authority lotteries who advertise a specific percentage return to their purposes from each lottery on tickets or in marketing material. Societies and local authorities must ensure that the advertised percentage rate of return is met if they are to avoid acting in a manner inconsistent with the second licensing objective.

 The level of expenses and prizes allocated from the proceeds must not be such as to reduce the profits to below 20%. In addition to profits the proceeds can only be used to:

* provide prizes
* pay expenses ‘reasonably incurred’ organising the lottery.

 In circumstances where the proceeds are insufficient to pay the total expenses and the cost of providing prizes in the lottery, the society or local authority must still ensure that 20% of the proceeds are applied to its purposes. In such cases the society or local authority may have to pay the expenses of the lottery and/or the cost of prizes from other (non-lottery) sources of income such as their financial reserves and the lottery may result in an overall financial loss for the promoting society or local authority.  [1](#1)

 In ensuring all lotteries are conducted in a ‘fair and open way’, societies are required to publish each year the proportion of all lottery proceeds (as a percentage) that were returned in the previous calendar year to the purposes of the society (or, in the case of local authorities, applied to purposes for which the authority has power to incur expenditure).  [2](#2)  The purpose of this is to provide the consumer with information to enable them to see how their money is spent and make decisions about where they spend it.

 Societies and local authorities should calculate the proportion of lottery proceeds returned as profit to the good cause as follows: total profit (amount returned to good cause) in a calendar year, divided by total proceeds (ticket sales) in a calendar year, multiplied by 100 to provide a percentage figure.

 The percentage must only take account of money related to the lottery proceeds (money collected from ticket sales), it must not include funds raised through other activities of the good cause, charity or local authority.

 There is no prescribed way of making this information available, although it should be in a manner that is easy for the consumer to find and understand through the most commonly used medium for that society. Many societies may decide to add the information to the lottery pages of their website, to their annual report or in their annual membership/subscriber newsletter. They can also add the information to their current lottery campaign material. There is no restriction on societies and local authorities providing supporting information about the importance of the work carried out via the lotteries they promote.

 Social responsibility codes attached to all lottery operating licences include a requirement to take account of the Commission’s guidance on providing information to lottery players about how proceeds are used and the likelihood of winning a prize and how those prizes are allocated. This information must be available prior to participating in a lottery.

 Further information about these requirements can be found in the Commission’s guidance:  [Information to lottery players: proceeds and prizes](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/information-to-lottery-players-proceeds-and-prizes)  .


The expenses of a lottery - lottery proceeds

 The Act defines the expenses of a lottery as ‘costs reasonably incurred organising the lottery’. It is the responsibility of the promoting society or local authority to ensure that when making the arrangements for a lottery, that any expenses have been reasonably incurred. The expenses of a lottery are the costs incurred organising the lottery and this may include expenditure such as the salaries of those organising the lottery, the cost of selling or supplying lottery tickets, printing and distributing tickets and marketing material or paying any fee to an ELM or other service provider that has been rightly incurred in the course of organising the lottery (or part of the lottery) for the society or local authority. The expenses of a lottery do not include any expenditure relating to any other fundraising activity not directly connected to organising the lottery, even if that fundraising activity is undertaken in conjunction with the promotion of a lottery.

 Where an ELM is employed to make the arrangements for all or part of the lottery, including paying prizes and expenses, the society or local authority is equally responsible with the ELM  [3](#3)  for the promotion of the lottery. That includes ensuring that all expenses are ‘reasonably incurred’ and that a minimum of 20% of the proceeds are returned to the purposes of the promoting society or to the local authority. It is also important that the promoters of the lottery ensure that the lottery is conducted fairly and openly and that consumers are not misled as to the proportion of the ticket price that is applied to the purposes of the society.

 When apportioning the expenses of a society or local authority lottery and recording how the proceeds collected have been used to pay the expenses, the Commission’s view is that it is reasonable for some of the ‘start up’ costs from the proceeds genuinely attributable to the lottery as a whole rather than those related to a specific lottery to be spread over a number of lotteries. These may include, for example, the marketing and advertising or the initial costs of recruiting members to a new lottery. Any expenses that are spread over a number of lotteries must be expenditure directly attributable to those lotteries and the Commission would expect any expenses being treated in this way to be spread over a reasonable and time limited period. The Commission also considers that it is not unlawful for a promoter to use income from sources other than lottery proceeds to fund the start-up costs or other costs of a lottery.

 Irrespective of how a lottery operator decides to spread the costs of a lottery the priority must be to ensure that a minimum of 20% of the proceeds of each individual lottery are applied to the purposes of the promoting society or local authority.


 The licence conditions attached to all lottery operating licences include a requirement that in respect of each lottery promoted a submission must be sent to the Commission within three months of the date of the lottery, showing the total proceeds and how they have been distributed. It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure that any lottery submission made in respect of the distribution of the proceeds of a lottery is a true and accurate reflection of how those proceeds have been distributed.

 In respect of prizes and expenses, lottery promoters must ensure that only the proportion of proceeds of the lottery used to pay the costs of providing prizes and paying the expenses of the lottery are recorded in the lottery submission sent to the Commission. Funds generated from other sources of income used to pay the expenses or prizes in a lottery must not be recorded in those submissions. The actual total costs of promoting the lottery, including donated prizes and expenses, should be recorded in the annual accounts of the promoting society or local authority. The Commission may require lottery operators to provide their annual accounts or separately submit details of donated expenses and prizes in a lottery where it considers this necessary.

 Societies and local authorities are also required to add details on the nature of each lottery, to the submission. This is information on whether the lottery was part of a branded lottery scheme, what type of lottery it was (raffle-style, subscription, retail scratchcard, vending machine scratchcard) and the value of the largest prize. Further information on branded lotteries is available in our advice on  [promoting multiple society lotteries](/licensees-and-businesses/page/promoting-a-lottery)  .


The Commission requires all lottery promoters to comply with the licensing objectives and treats any breach of the licence conditions very seriously. It expects all licensed lottery operators to put in place arrangements to make sure that the proceeds of each lottery are distributed in a lawful and compliant way. That includes ensuring that a minimum of 20% of the proceeds of each lottery promoted are applied to the purposes of the society or local authority and that any expenses are reasonably incurred. Misuse of the ‘profits’ of a lottery may constitute a criminal offence  [4](#4)  . In circumstances where a breach of the Act and/or the licence conditions occurs the Commission will consider what regulatory or other action it needs to take. That could include a review of the operating licence of the promoting society, local authority and ELM and following that review the Commission has the power to impose sanctions such as a formal warning, additional licence conditions, a financial penalty or suspension or revocation of an operating licence.


 1  Lottery operators will wish to take note of Charity Commission advice on how charity law applies to fundraising:  [Charities and Fundraising (opens in a new tab)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-and-fundraising-cc20)

 2  Social Responsibility code 4.3.1

 3  [Section 252(4) of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/252)

 4  [Section 260 of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/260)


* [Lottery proceeds - Advice note April 2013 (Updated July 2020)](#)
* [Who can promote lotteries?](#who-can-promote-lotteries)
* [‘Proceeds’ and ‘profits’ of a lottery](#proceeds-and-profits-of-a-lottery)
* [The expenses of a lottery - lottery proceeds](#the-expenses-of-a-lottery-lottery-proceeds)
* [Lottery submissions - lottery proceeds](#lottery-submissions-lottery-proceeds)
* [Non-compliance - lottery proceeds](#non-compliance-in-lottery-proceeds)

 [Print this guide](#)


 Lotteries (or raffles) can only be run for good causes, they cannot be run for private or commercial gain.

 Lotteries differ from other types of gambling activity in that the minimum participation age is 16 for the National Lottery, society lotteries, customer lotteries and local authority lotteries, as opposed to 18 for other types of gambling.


Lotteries are defined by the Gambling Act 2005 as either ‘simple’ or ‘complex’

###  A simple lottery is where:

* people are required to pay to take part
* prizes are allocated to participants
* prizes are allocated wholly by chance.

###  A complex lottery is where:

* people are required to pay to take part
* prizes are allocated to participants
* prizes are allocated by a series of processes the first of which relies wholly on chance.

>  Large society lotteries and local authority lotteries require a licence from the Gambling Commission.
>
>

>  Small society lotteries can operate under a registration with their local authority.
>
>

>  [Other types of lottery](/public-and-players/fundraising-and-lotteries)  do not require specific permission but there are rules that must be complied with.
>
>

---

 Last updated: 14 April 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


Using SMS short codes for lottery promotion

 There is growing interest in using mobile phone SMS ‘short codes’ in the promotion of lotteries. This involves licensed operators working with mobile phone operators and payment service providers.

 This is a new initiative in the sector and may potentially involve an increased risk to compliance.

 We have engaged with the following organisations about this initiative:

* [Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) (opens in new tab)](https://psauthority.org.uk/)
* [Chartered Institute of Fundraising (opens in new tab)](https://ciof.org.uk/)  and,
* [Association for Interactive Media and Entertainment (AIME) (opens in new tab)](https://aimm.co/tag/association-for-interactive-media-entertainment/)  .

>  As a licensed operator you must ensure that any product you offer is lawful and compliant with  [the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents)  and the  [Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP).](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/online)
>
>

 We do not approve lottery schemes or provide advice about how they should be organised. However, if you are considering using SMS short codes you should first ensure that the arrangements are lawful and compliant with LCCP and that any potential increased risk to consumers and the licensing objectives has been assessed and, if necessary, policies and procedures put in place to mitigate those risks.


 Some of the issues you should consider and discuss with your legal advisors and any potential service provider before proceeding include:

* How will the social responsibility requirements such as age verification, customer interaction and self-exclusion be met given that these transactions could be anonymous apart from a telephone number. You need to assess the risk of problem gambling and underage play and, if necessary, introduce more stringent checks before a person is allowed to purchase a lottery ticket.
* All entrants must ‘receive a ticket’ which includes all of the required information at the time they pay to enter a lottery, a participant cannot be simply directed to a website or elsewhere to collect their ticket. If the ticket is sent to the participant electronically they must be able to save or print the ticket.
* Payment must be made to the promoter before a person can be entered into a lottery.
* Arrangements must be in place to ensure the secure holding of lottery proceeds including ‘ring fencing’ by a licensed ELM of all proceeds for the promoting society.
* Anyone who is not a member, officer or employee of a licensed society who is doing anything that constitutes ‘promoting’ a lottery must hold an External Lottery Manager (ELM) licence issued by the Commission.
* Anyone providing or adapting remote gambling software for use in a remote lottery must hold a gambling software suppliers licence issued by the Commission.
* The Gambling Act 2005 only relates to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). A lottery operating licence issued by the Commission only gives a society authority to promote a lottery in Great Britain. Members of the public resident in other parts of the UK including Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands have separate gambling laws and you may wish to contact the authorities in those jurisdictions if it is intended to offer this service throughout the UK.

 You should also be aware of other regulatory requirements. For example, the PSA have introduced special conditions, which you will need to follow as of the 1 October 2018, in order to offer lotteries using SMS short codes.

---

 Last updated: 7 June 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


Societies running lotteries for other good causes

>  Lotteries can only be run to raise funds for good causes, they cannot be run for private or commercial gain.
>
>

 Society lotteries are lotteries promoted by non-commercial societies.

 Such societies are organisations that are established and conducted to raise funds to support the specific aims and objectives of the society, which could include any charitable, sporting, cultural or other non-commercial purpose.

 They cannot be promoted for private or commercial purposes.


 Societies holding a lottery licence with the Commission or a registration with their local authority can also run lotteries to raise funds for other good causes provided that the aims and objectives allow them to do so.

 If the society’s current aims and objectives do not allow for this then the society can amend them by widening the aims and objectives to include raising funds for the additional good causes. The society would then be required to notify us or the local authority (dependant on who they hold their licence/registration with) of the amendment to their aims and objectives.

 Societies who decide to expand their aims and objectives in order promote lotteries for other good causes must ensure that their marketing, terms and conditions and other information provided to consumers makes clear the name of the society promoting the lottery and its beneficiaries.

 The promoting society must not imply that a beneficiary is promoting the society lottery. This provides transparency to consumers and allows them to understand who is promoting the lottery and the good cause that the society supports.

 For societies that are registered charities or Community Interest Companies (CICs) they may need to check first that any potentially amended aims and objectives are compliant with relevant charity law or CIC requirements.


Alternatively, societies who would like to provide support to another good cause but do not wish to change their aims and objectives could decide to organise an ‘incidental lottery’ at an event such as a fundraising dinner or fete.


 Or a society could organise a lottery within their workplace. This type of lottery is called a ‘work lottery’.

 There is more information on these types of lotteries as follows:

* [fundraising with lotteries or raffles at events](/public-and-players/guide/page/how-to-run-a-fundraiser-with-lotteries-or-raffles-at-events)
* [fundraising with the people you work with](/public-and-players/guide/page/how-to-run-a-lottery-with-people-you-work-with)
* [fundraising for people you live with](/public-and-players/guide/page/how-to-run-a-lottery-with-people-you-live-with)
* [fundraising for people you are in a club with](/public-and-players/guide/page/how-to-run-a-lottery-with-people-youre-in-a-club-with)  .

---

 Last updated: 7 June 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


Guidance and technical standards for businesses providing gambling online, through apps or via TV or other devices.


* [Types of operating licence](#generic-types-of-operating-licence)
* [Licence activities](#remote-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](#remote-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)
* [Technical standards](#generic-technical-standards)
* [Equipment technical requirements](#bingo-and-casino-technical-standards-bingo-and-casino-equipment-technical)


* [Information you’ll need for your application](#generic-getting-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)


 Remote gambling includes all forms of gambling where players take part by using forms of remote communication.

 This includes:

* the internet
* telephone
* TV
* radio, or
* any other kind of technology for gambling remotely.

 Examples of remote gambling include:

* betting and slots apps on mobile phones and tablets
* self-service betting terminals in betting shops
* betting on live or virtual games and events online, such as  [in-play betting](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/in-play-or-in-running-betting)  .

 You can read more about the legal definition of remote gambling in  [Part 1 section 4 of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/4)  .

 You need a licence from us if you provide facilities for remote gambling to consumers in Great Britain.

###  If your business is based abroad

 You  **must**  have a licence to serve British consumers. For example, if your business is based in Malta, but your betting website or app can be played by people in England, Scotland or Wales.


 Guidance for the remote sector.

* [**Guidance**  What is gambling software?

 An advice note, from June 2014 on the definition of gambling software, relevant statutory provisions and licence requirements.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/what-is-gambling-software)
* [Key equipment

 We do not specify where your remote gambling equipment must be located.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/key-equipment)
* [**Guidance**  Live return to player performance monitoring of games of chance

 As of 1 September 2016 remote operators are required to monitor the performance of the games they offer.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/live-return-to-player-performance-monitoring-of-games-of-chance)


 There are different types of licence that remote businesses may need to apply for, you may need more than of the following:

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

 If you have premises which are providing remote gambling, you will need a  [premises licence](/licensees-and-businesses/page/premises-licence)  issued by local licensing authorities.

###  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 remote gambling.

##  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

 If you intend to provide remote gambling from a premises, you will need a premises licence. You will need to apply to the licensing authority the premises is located in.

>  You will 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)
* [Remote](#Remote)
* [Non-remote](#Non-remote)

##  All activities

##  Remote licence activities

##  Non-remote licence activities


* [Remote betting host real events licence

 This licence will allow you to provide facilities for betting on real events (but not virtual events) by means of remote communication (for example, a website).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-betting-host-real-events-licence)
* [Remote betting host virtual events licence

 This licence will allow you to provide facilities for betting on virtual events (but not real events) by means of remote communication (for example, a website).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-betting-host-virtual-events-licence)
* [Remote betting intermediary operating licence

 This licence allows you to bring two or more betting parties together online in circumstances where you do not have liability for their bets. A remote betting intermediary is also commonly known as a betting exchange.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-betting-intermediary-operating-licence)
* [Remote betting intermediary trading rooms only licence

 This licence allows you to run a trading room from a premises licensed by your local licensing authority (betting premises or track premises licence).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-betting-intermediary-trading-rooms-operating-licence)
* [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)
* [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 casino game host operating licence

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

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

 This licence allows you to offer casino games to customers via a website, mobile phone, TV or other online service. This includes poker, roulette, blackjack and other casino games, as well as online slot games.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-casino-operating-licence)
* [Remote external lottery manager operating licence

 This licence allows you to manage a lottery on behalf of a society or local authority.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-external-lottery-manager-operating-licence)
* [Remote gambling software licence

 This licence allows you to manufacture, supply, install or adapt gambling software by means of remote communication.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-gambling-software-licence)
* [Remote gaming machine technical - full licence

 This licence allows you to manufacture, supply, install, adapt, maintain or repair a gaming machine or a part of a gaming machine.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-gaming-machine-technical-full-licence)
* [Remote gaming machine technical – software operating licence

 This licence allows you to manufacture, supply, install or adapt software for a gaming machine; to manufacture, supply, install or adapt gambling software.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-gaming-machine-technical-software-operating-licence)
* [Remote gaming machine technical – supplier operating licence

 This licence allows you to to supply, install, adapt, maintain or repair (but not manufacture) a gaming machine or part of a gaming machine.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-gaming-machine-technical-supplier-licence)
* [Remote general betting limited licence

 This licence allows you to provide facilities for betting only over the telephone or by email (in circumstances where you are manually processing the bets).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-general-betting-limited-licence)
* [Remote general betting standard real events licence

 This licence allows you to provide facilities for remote (online) gambling to consumers in Britain. It allows the provision of facilities for betting on real events (but not virtual events) by means of remote communication (for example, a website).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-general-betting-standard-real-events-licence)
* [Remote general betting standard virtual events licence

 This licence allows you to provide facilities for remote (online) gambling to consumers in Britain.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-general-betting-standard-virtual-events-licence)
* [Remote pool betting licence

 This licence allows you to run a pool betting business online (or through other means of remote communication).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-pool-betting-licence)
* [Remote society lottery licence

 Society lotteries can only be run for good causes and cannot be run for private or commercial gain. Local authorities can promote a lottery to raise funds to spend on anything where they have power to incur expenditure.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-society-lottery-licence)
* [Non-remote linked licences gambling software

 If you already hold, or are applying for, a full operating licence you may also, in certain circumstances, apply for a linked licence.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/non-remote-linked-licences-gambling-software)
* [Remote linked licences gaming machine technical

 If you already hold, or are applying for, a full operating licence you may also, in certain circumstances, apply for a linked licence.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-linked-licences-gaming-machine-technical)


* [Remote betting host real events licence

 This licence will allow you to provide facilities for betting on real events (but not virtual events) by means of remote communication (for example, a website).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-betting-host-real-events-licence)
* [Remote betting host virtual events licence

 This licence will allow you to provide facilities for betting on virtual events (but not real events) by means of remote communication (for example, a website).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-betting-host-virtual-events-licence)
* [Remote betting intermediary operating licence

 This licence allows you to bring two or more betting parties together online in circumstances where you do not have liability for their bets. A remote betting intermediary is also commonly known as a betting exchange.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-betting-intermediary-operating-licence)
* [Remote betting intermediary trading rooms only licence

 This licence allows you to run a trading room from a premises licensed by your local licensing authority (betting premises or track premises licence).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-betting-intermediary-trading-rooms-operating-licence)
* [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)
* [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 casino game host operating licence

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

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

 This licence allows you to offer casino games to customers via a website, mobile phone, TV or other online service. This includes poker, roulette, blackjack and other casino games, as well as online slot games.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-casino-operating-licence)
* [Remote external lottery manager operating licence

 This licence allows you to manage a lottery on behalf of a society or local authority.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-external-lottery-manager-operating-licence)
* [Remote gambling software licence

 This licence allows you to manufacture, supply, install or adapt gambling software by means of remote communication.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-gambling-software-licence)
* [Remote gaming machine technical - full licence

 This licence allows you to manufacture, supply, install, adapt, maintain or repair a gaming machine or a part of a gaming machine.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-gaming-machine-technical-full-licence)
* [Remote gaming machine technical – software operating licence

 This licence allows you to manufacture, supply, install or adapt software for a gaming machine; to manufacture, supply, install or adapt gambling software.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-gaming-machine-technical-software-operating-licence)
* [Remote gaming machine technical – supplier operating licence

 This licence allows you to to supply, install, adapt, maintain or repair (but not manufacture) a gaming machine or part of a gaming machine.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-gaming-machine-technical-supplier-licence)
* [Remote general betting limited licence

 This licence allows you to provide facilities for betting only over the telephone or by email (in circumstances where you are manually processing the bets).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-general-betting-limited-licence)
* [Remote general betting standard real events licence

 This licence allows you to provide facilities for remote (online) gambling to consumers in Britain. It allows the provision of facilities for betting on real events (but not virtual events) by means of remote communication (for example, a website).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-general-betting-standard-real-events-licence)
* [Remote general betting standard virtual events licence

 This licence allows you to provide facilities for remote (online) gambling to consumers in Britain.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-general-betting-standard-virtual-events-licence)
* [Remote pool betting licence

 This licence allows you to run a pool betting business online (or through other means of remote communication).

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-pool-betting-licence)
* [Remote society lottery licence

 Society lotteries can only be run for good causes and cannot be run for private or commercial gain. Local authorities can promote a lottery to raise funds to spend on anything where they have power to incur expenditure.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-society-lottery-licence)


* [Non-remote linked licences gambling software

 If you already hold, or are applying for, a full operating licence you may also, in certain circumstances, apply for a linked licence.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/non-remote-linked-licences-gambling-software)
* [Remote linked licences gaming machine technical

 If you already hold, or are applying for, a full operating licence you may also, in certain circumstances, apply for a linked licence.

 Further details and fees](/licensees-and-businesses/licences-and-fees/remote-linked-licences-gaming-machine-technical)


 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 applicable to all licensees.

* [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)
###  Technical standards

 All licence holders must comply with our technical standards and requirements. However, these standards should not be used as a measure of reliability, quality or security.

 These standards and requirements permit equivalence between different types of technology and do not specify proprietary products or technologies.

 Testing regimes for these standards will permit equivalent international standards (ISO).

* [**Guidance**  Remote gambling and software technical standards (RTS) guidance

 Gambling software and remote operating licence holders (including ancillary remote betting) are required to comply with our remote technical standards (RTS).](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards)
* [**Standards**  Remote gambling and software technical standards (RTS)

 Remote gambling and software technical standards under section 89 and section 97 of the Gambling Act 2005.](/standards/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards)
* [**Strategy**  Testing strategy for compliance with remote gambling and software technical standards

 Requirements for the timing and procedures for the testing of remote gambling products.](/strategy/testing-strategy-for-compliance-with-remote-gambling-and-software-technical)
* [**Guidance**  Test houses

 All gambling products must have been tested by an approved test house before they are released to the market.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/test-houses)
* [**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)
* [**Guidance**  Technical standards: security requirements

 Our testing strategy requires a third party annual security audit against particular sections of ISO/IEC 27001:2013.](/licensees-and-businesses/page/technical-standards-security-requirements)
* [**Guidance**  Security audit advice

 For holders of all remote gambling operator licences including specified remote lottery licences.](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/security-audit-advice)
###  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 remote games.

 A remote application can take up to x 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

 Details of the information we'll ask you for when you apply for a licence.

* [**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. Compliance requires licence holders to 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](#generic-technical-standards)  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)


 The Gambling Commission (the Commission) published  [Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP)](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/online)  (consolidated version) May 2014 which made a number of improvements to the previous version of the LCCP. One such provision  [1](#1)  requires licensed remote gambling operators to source their gambling software from Commission licensed gambling software businesses. During the consultation period and during a subsequent workshop held with the industry in January 2014 the industry sought further guidance on the application of this provision to explain what constitutes gambling software and the activities which require a gambling software licence to be held.

 The Commission’s intention is to ensure a smooth transition of those operators currently legally targeting the British market from overseas to the point of consumption licensing which will be implemented under the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014. On this basis, the Commission has announced that the requirement for licensed remote gambling operators to source their gambling software from Commission licensed gambling software businesses came into force on 31 March 2015  [2](#2)  .

 This note is intended to help businesses consider whether they need a gambling software licence and furthermore, if they do, whether they also require any other form of Commission licence by virtue of their role in the provision of facilities for gambling. It may also be used to assist remote operators to assess whether their suppliers require a gambling software operating licence. It builds on and replaces previous information published by the Commission in the form of frequently asked questions. This document does not provide a definitive legal view, nor can this note cover each and every possible scenario that may arise. If in doubt businesses should seek their own legal advice.

##  Definition of gambling software

##  Relevant statutory provisions

##  When is a licence required?

##  Supplying gambling software

##  Installing gambling software

##  Manufacturing and adapting gambling software

##  Do gambling software businesses require additional remote operating licences?

##  Technical standards for gambling software

##  Footnotes

---

 Last updated: 13 July 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


 Gambling software is defined in  [Section 41(2) of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/41)  as “computer software for use in connection with remote gambling”, but does not include anything for use solely in connection with a gaming machine.

 The Commission does not consider that software which is used by non-gambling businesses as well as gambling businesses, such as general infrastructure or business applications, to be gambling software. For example we do not intend to license companies that supply or install general Microsoft, Oracle or Apple applications.

 This exclusion does not extend to cover the products produced using non-gambling business applications, such as Microsoft Visual Studio. For example, the resultant software produced from these tools would be considered gambling software if it meets the definition explained herein.

 Subject to the exception as previously explained, the Commission considers any software which is designed for use in connection with remote gambling (including online gambling), that is intended to be used or is used by a gambling operator in the provision of facilities for gambling, to be gambling software. This includes any gambling specific application, such as software used in:

* virtual event web pages
* virtual event control
* bet capture/matching
* settlement
* random number generation
* gambling records  [3](#3)  , showing detailed results of games.

 In our view, the purpose of gambling software licensing is to ensure that those manufacturing software which can impact on the fairness of remote gambling do so in a regulated environment. At its core this generally means the software that accepts and records gambling transactions, determines the result, calculates and allocates any wins to the customer’s account. It would not include software developed more generally for associated activities such as performance analytics, affiliate and CRM management.


 There are two relevant provisions when considering who needs a gambling software operating licence, one set out in the Gambling Act 2005 the other in LCCP (consolidated) May 2014.

 [Section 41(1) of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/41)  states that ‘a person commits an offence if in the course of a business he manufactures, supplies, installs or adapts gambling software unless he acts in accordance with an operating licence’. This provision has been in place since the Act came into force in September 2007.

 [Licence condition 2.2.1](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/2-2-1-gambling-software)  ‘gambling software’ which comes into force on 31 March 2015 states that:

 “All remote casino, bingo and betting licences other than ancillary licences and remote betting intermediary (trading room only) licences

 All gambling software used by the licensee must have been manufactured by the holder of a gambling software operating licence. All such gambling software must also be supplied to the Licensee by a holder of a gambling software operating licence. Such software must only be installed or adapted by the holder of such a licence.”


 Whether a licence is needed comes down to what constitutes the activities of manufacture, supply, installation and adaptation of gambling software.

 Performance of any one of these functions will require a company to hold a gambling software licence. There will be businesses that conduct all or a number of those activities and in complex and extended supply chains businesses that may undertake one or more of thoseactivities.


 We do not expect to require a business to hold a gambling software licence if the extent of its involvement in the supply chain is that it purchases or otherwise acquiresgambling software from a person and sells or otherwise supplies it to a third party without any involvement itself in its manufacture, adaptation or installation.

 The exception is that the final supplier to a Commission licensed operator will require a gambling software licence as set out in  [Licence condition 2.2.1](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/2-2-1-gambling-software)  , even if they actually perform no development/manufacturing, adaptation or installation activity. The Commission considers a licence to be required by such an entity simply by virtue of it entering into a supply contract with a Commission licensed operator.

 However, there are circumstances where the final ‘supplier’ is a company (IP holding company) whose only function is to hold the intellectual property rights subsisting in software developed by another company in its wider group (ie it has no tangible assets and does not adapt or install software). Such a group’s software development company (developer) which manufactures the software product may supply the product to the IP holding company through an intra-group arrangement, the IP holding company then selling or licensing the software to a Commission licensed operator.

 In such circumstances, where the developer and the IP holding company are under common ownership, management and control, we may consider it appropriate to issue the developer with an ‘umbrella’ licence covering supply through the agency of the IP holding company subject to the arrangement meeting our information note on ‘umbrella’ licensing.

>  In circumstances where an umbrella licence is not appropriate both the developer and IP holding company will require their own gambling software licence.
>
>


The Commission considers that any person that installs gambling software on the system of a Commission licensed operator must do so in reliance on a gambling software licence issued by the Commission.  If you already hold, or intend to apply for, a remote gambling operating licence with the Commission (eg remote casino licence) but also want to install software updates or otherwise manufacture, supply or adapt gambling software that is used in your own gambling business, you will require a gambling software licence but may in certain circumstances apply for a supplementary or ‘linked’ gambling software licence.


Manufacturing and adapting gambling software

 The activities of manufacturing and adapting are similar and relatively straight forward in that both activities involve developing gambling software to produce a finalised (or almost finalised) product. However this activity is also one of the more complex areas as multiple parties may be involved in the overall development project, each developing a piece of gambling softwarethat, in aggregate, create the ultimate gambling product. There may be various contractual arrangements in place to facilitate manufacture of such software and that govern the various relationships between the parties.

 In such complex cases the Commission, when considering which parties require a gambling software licence, is interested in where the ultimate control of the development of the product sits. At a high-level the Commission understands that not all circumstances in which a third party is contracted to assist with software development are the same. Ultimately, we will be looking to determine whether the contract between the parties in essence involves purchase of a product or merely payment for time and expertise.

 In circumstances where a business is purchasing a product and the overall control, design and development of the product sits with the third party (the development company) then the development company needs a gambling software licence.

 This is in contrast to circumstances where a business (company Y) is purchasing time and/or skills and company Y retains control over the design and content of the product and the contracted third party is working to specific parameters, then company Y requires the gambling software licence and the contracted third party does not.

##  The Commission when determining where control sits (and therefore who needs a licence) will want to understand:

 Where the third party is only providing part of a game, such as artwork, under the control and design specifications of Company Y, then this indicates Company Y is in control and is the entity to hold a gambling software licence whereas the third party does not.

 We would expect information about the respective indicators will be contained within a commercial contract. Operators are recommended to review their existing contracts to ensure this is the case and, where this is not the case, should consider how they would satisfy the Commission in the absence of such contract terms.


The Commission when determining where control sits (and therefore who needs a licence) will want to understand:

* which company is responsible for the design and functionality of the software?
* which company is responsible for approving design changes?
* which company is responsible for the functionality and acceptance testing?
* which company is responsible for the quality assurance/regulatory compliance testing of the product?
* which company retains the IP for the product  [4](#4)
* what the contract says in terms of responsibilities and liabilities.


Do gambling software businesses require additional remote operating licences?

A gambling software licence only authorises the manufacture, supply, installation and adaptation of gambling software. It does not permit the provision of facilities for gambling and therefore any business that provides facilities for gambling (even if they hold a gambling software licence) will need a relevant remote operating licence: a casino, bingo, general betting, pool betting, betting intermediary or lottery licence. For example a business that holdsa gambling software licence but also hosts a poker network or a games platform will also require a remote casino operating licence as it is responsible for the fairness of the gambling.


Technical standards for gambling software

 All gambling software (eg that which runs a slots game or sports betting service) must meet the Commission’s remote gambling and software technical standards if it is made available to customers, for example via an online casino or sports betting service in reliance on a Gambling Commission operating licence. Any such gambling software must be tested in accordance with the testing strategy  [5](#5)  prior to the game being made available to customers.

 However, if the gambling software (eg for a slots game) is only ever supplied to operators licensed only in other jurisdictions it does not need to comply with the Commission’s remote gambling and software technical standards.


 1  [Licence condition 2.2.1](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/2-2-1-gambling-software)  .

 2  [Licence condition 2.2.1](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/2-2-1-gambling-software)  .

 3  This includes gambling software used in the facilities for gambling, eg software using player records as a basis for awarding bonuses in a gambling session.

 4  IP that relates to the functionality of the game and does not include branding (eg superhero characters) that may be subject to their own IP.

 5  Please refer to Annex A of the Testing strategy for compliance with remote gambling and software technical standards (version containing updates for transitional licensees June 2014).


* [What is gambling software?](#)
* [Definition of gambling software](#definition-of-gambling-software)
* [Relevant statutory provisions](#relevant-statutory-provisions)
* [When is a licence required?](#when-is-a-licence-required)
* [Do gambling software businesses require additional remote operating licences?](#do-gambling-software-businesses-require-additional-remote-operating-licences)
* [Technical standards for gambling software](#technical-standards-for-gambling-software)

 [Print this guide](#)


 We will take into account a number of factors when considering applications in order to ensure that we have appropriate controls over the gambling offered and can ensure we can fulfil our compliance and enforcement activities.

 The factors that will be considered will include ensuring:

* equipment is located in jurisdictions where operating a remote gambling business is permitted
* we have access to data on demand in order to conduct our regulatory activities. For example, local DPA laws must allow data to be transferred to us. If it cannot you could not locate equipment in that jurisdiction
* we can be satisfied that all data and records are accurate and complete.

 In addition, we will require access to key staff at potentially short notice. It will be your responsibility to provide us with satisfactory assurance over the manner in which you structure and manage your business.

---

 Last updated: 28 January 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


Live return to player performance monitoring of games of chance

 Remote operators are required to monitor the performance of the games they offer.

 See  [remote technical standards: section 5](/standards/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards/5-annex)  .

 Even though games must be tested prior to release (and after updates which may affect fairness) it is possible for a design, implementation or operational issue to evade identification during testing or deployment. This may affect the game’s RTP and result in either an overpaying or underpaying product.

 If you provide applicable products you must have processes in place to measure the ongoing performance of games. These would usually be periodic reports or automated backend processes running over the stored transactional data.

 You should raise alerts where a game appears to be falling outside the acceptable performance range. You should keep appropriate records as evidence of these processes as well as any more detailed investigations that have been performed as a result of an alert or an escalated customer complaint that warrants such an investigation.

 Where a game indicates an error in its performance that is confirmed upon further investigation a key event must be submitted.  Businesses in scope for the annual games testing audit (those who produce and update games and obtain the external testing by approved test houses) part of this audit will involve a review of RTP monitoring processes for adequacy.

 While the focus of this guidance is on RNG driven products with a statistically defined RTP, such as slots games, there will be some performance monitoring applicable for other products as indicated in some of the examples. This will generally include products such as bingo, peer-to-peer poker, blackjack and virtual sports where skill or player choices can influence the return. For these products the focus of monitoring would instead be on the frequency and distribution of possible event outcomes to ensure they are acceptably random.

 The overall aim of this monitoring is to ensure games are operating fairly as designed and advertised.

##  How to calculate return to player (RTP)

##  What volume of play should be achieved before measuring the actual RTP?

##  Other considerations for live return to player performance monitoring of games of chance

##  Measuring each stake level

##  Measuring per channel

##  Segregating base game activity from bonus features or progressive jackpots

##  Virtual sports products

##  What about live dealer casino games?

##  Measuring progressive jackpots

##  Key terms relating to live return to player performance monitoring of games of chance

---

 Last updated: 1 November 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.


 By dividing the win and turnover figures generated from a game you can determine the actual RTP.

 For example, if after one month of play a game, designed with a 91.68% RTP, has accrued £1,200,000 of turnover and £1,085,000 in wins the RTP can be calculated as follows:

 1,085,000 / 1,200,000 = .9042

 Therefore this game has achieved an actual RTP of 90.42%, which is below the designed RTP.

 Importantly however the volatility of the game must also be considered as it will inform the allowable tolerance above or below the theoretical RTP. The tolerance will be wider when only a limited amount of play has been measured, but as the volume of play increases the tolerance will decrease.

 After a significant amount of plays the actual RTP should be very close or equal to the theoretical RTP. To continue with the above example, if the game had a volatility (standard deviation) of 5.6 then the acceptable upper and lower tolerance will be as below:

|  Number of games played  |  Range +/-  |  % from the mean  [†](#ref-†)  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  50,000  |  +/-  |  4.90862  |
|  100,000  |  +/-  |  3.47092  |
|  200,000  |  +/-  |  2.45431  |
|  300,000  |  +/-  |  2.00393  |
|  400,000  |  +/-  |  1.73546  |
|  500,000  |  +/-  |  1.55224  |
|  600,000  |  +/-  |  1.41700  |
|  700,000  |  +/-  |  1.31188  |
|  800,000  |  +/-  |  1.22715  |
|  900,000  |  +/-  |  1.15697  |
|  1,000,000  |  +/-  |  1.09760  |

 †  This deviation from the mean is calculated with a 95%  [confidence interval (opens in new tab)](http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Confidence-Interval)  . This would mean a non defective game might still fall outside range approximately 1 in 20 tests. A higher confidence interval can be selected to reduce the chance of false alarms however caution should be exercised so as not to create tolerances that are too wide. The confidence interval should not exceed 99%, this would mean a non-defective game might fall outside range approximately only 1 in 100 tests. One measurement failure does not confirm the game/RNG is faulty, however sequential failures or a number of failures over a given frequency of measurements might.

 So if 400,000 games had been played to accrue turnover and win figures of the example then the allowable tolerance will be 1.75 above or below 91.68. The game could return between 89.93% and 93.43% and still be considered to be performing as expected.

 The game’s designers will have calculated the exact theoretical RTP as well as the game’s volatility (these figures will also be reviewed as part of the required external testing). These are the figures against which the actual performance should be measured.


What volume of play should be achieved before measuring the actual RTP?

 Measuring a game with only a small amount of play will be pointless as the tolerance will be too large for meaningful results. On the other hand waiting for millions of game plays to occur might mean a game with errors is not detected for an unreasonably long time. The volatility of a game will detail the acceptable tolerance range and must be taken into account regardless of the amount of play accrued. In this way measurements can be performed at any time and the volatility derived tolerance will determine whether the game is performing as expected or not.

 As one instance of a remote game will be released to potentially thousands of players the game will quickly accrue thousands of game plays, particularly if it’s a popular game offered by multiple remote casinos. In cases where the game is offered via a B2B supplier they will likely hold the aggregated win and turnover figures for all of the B2Cs offering the game to their customers.

 It will be up to the licensee (often based on the game designer’s instructions) to determine the measurement approach and frequency. One approach could be to perform daily measurements based on the previous 30 days of play, which will ensure fresh data sets are measured as time progresses. Measuring months and months of activity could hide errors that have been introduced by new updates. A wider date range (eg measuring a rolling 90 days of activity) could be measured in parallel so that a greater volume of play is considered (meaning the data will have a much finer tolerance).

 Another approach instead of basing the measurement on a number of days could be to measure once X number of plays has been achieved. This would account for volume of play issue between popular and unpopular games.

 The following example chart shows how the actual RTP will be expected to align with the theoretical RTP based on the volume of play

 Chart?

 The theoretical RTP is the centre line and the allowable tolerance above and below is represented by the green and red lines respectively and is determined by the game’s volatility. As more gameplay is achieved the actual RTP should be very close to the theoretical RTP.


Other considerations for live return to player performance monitoring of games of chance

As remote gambling will record transactions in databases, and often at a very granular level, it easily facilitates more sophisticated measurements. The granularity of recorded gaming transactions and performance measurements should be commensurate with the game’s design and complexity, it should enable accurate performance monitoring. Below are more detailed examples, these could be performed as part of the normal monitoring processes, on an ad-hoc basis, or when investigating an apparent discrepancy.


A game that allows players to alter the stake per spin will result in turnover and win figures with mixed stake and wins from all bet levels. This will mean that activity played at max bet levels might drown out activity played at minimum bet levels. After a high number of games the influence of this will reduce, however measuring a game independently for each main bet level can give more accurate results. It can also detect if there is a problem that only exists with certain stake levels (eg a designed multiplier might not be working properly). Consideration should be given to monitoring games at a stake level where possible, particularly when investigating possible game faults.


Remote games are often released separately on different platforms or channels (eg mobile, flash, download). Depending on the game’s design and architecture it could mean a game faults might only exist in one channel, this will be harder to detect if activity from all channels is aggregated into one measurement. We have seen instances where although the mobile version of a game was based on a previous flash version errors made in the adaption process have resulted in errors that only existed in the mobile version. Where there is the potential for fairness to be affected as a result of differences between channels then measurements should be made at both an aggregated level and per channel level.


Segregating base game activity from bonus features or progressive jackpots

Where games are designed with complex bonus features the ability to monitor the game at both a base game and feature game level should be included. This will be particularly important where the feature has a large effect on the overall game’s RTP and is certainly important where a game implements a skill component in the feature (as the skill RTP component will vary greatly depending on players’ actions). For example, some games will offer a 50/50 (double or quits) gamble feature; monitoring the overall game RTP including gambles will not necessarily confirm that the gamble is operating as a true and fair 50/50. Similarly for games connected to progressive jackpots, the base game should be measured independently of the progressive component.


In a similar way to skill games virtual sports returns will mostly depend on the player choices and so there won’t be a single theoretical RTP. In its place operators could monitor the hit rate and distribution of each possible event outcome against the designed probability. For example if there are seven virtual horses in a racing event ensure each horse is winning the expected number of races according to their designed probability, as reflected by the offered odds (with over round). A similar approach might apply to roulette and blackjack.


 The primary focus in RTP monitoring is on RNG driven software product. Live dealers use physical equipment (such as roulette wheels and decks of cards) to determine the results and there are a range of other integrity measures that surround such provision. For example, there will be controls over the supply (from casino standard manufacturers), installation and continuing operation of these devices. Fair shuffling of cards, ongoing integrity measurements of roulette wheels and dealing processes all have an influence over the fairness and will be part of everyday provision.

 There is still merit in measuring certain outputs after a period of play, such as the distribution of results on a roulette wheel over an extended period to see if they are acceptably random. This information will be held in databases and can easily be measured.


Games connected to progressive jackpot systems will need to be measured at a base game level (ie the game without the jackpot component). Jackpots are reaching very high values and their performance should be separately monitored. Given jackpots tend to be infrequent and large they will have high volatility ratings, therefore measuring their RTP might not be feasible. In its place other checks can be performed such as whether the frequency and distribution of jackpots and average jackpot levels are as expected. Designers of the jackpot system will be best placed to define the monitoring approach.


Key terms relating to live return to player performance monitoring of games of chance

###  Theoretical RTP

 This is the designed return to player percentage of the game, it will also be the advertised RTP of the game as displayed in the player facing rules, as per RTS 3C.

###  Actual RTP

 Calculated using the generated win and turnover figures of the live (operational) game. It shows the RTP the game has actually achieved for the past period as covered by the selected win and turnover amounts.

###  Volatility

 Most commonly the standard deviation of the game is used to represent the game’s volatility. A highly volatile game will have a larger tolerance and might be comprised of prizes falling into the ‘very large but rare’ category. A low volatility game will be much more predictable and mostly comprised of prizes falling into the ‘small and often’ category. Standard deviation is a mathematically calculated figure (square root of the game’s variance, where the variance depends on the game’s cycle and prize frequency).

###  Turnover

 The total of all stakes made on the game, this will include reinvested winnings awarded during play.

###  Win

 The total of all prizes awarded during game play. The GGY of a game will be the turnover minus win.


* [Live return to player performance monitoring of games of chance](#)
* [How to calculate return to player (RTP)](#how-to-calculate-return-to-player-rtp)
* [What volume of play should be achieved before measuring the actual RTP?](#what-volume-of-play-should-be-achieved-before-measuring-the-actual-rtp)
* [Other considerations for live return to player performance monitoring of games of chance](#other-considerations-for-live-return-to-player-performance-monitoring-of-games-of-chance)
* [What about live dealer casino games?](#what-about-live-dealer-casino-games)
* [Measuring progressive jackpots](#measuring-progressive-jackpots)
* [Key terms relating to live return to player performance monitoring of games of chance](#key-terms-relating-to-live-return-to-player-performance-monitoring-of-games)

 [Print this guide](#)


>  You must ensure category B gaming machines are only made available in a manner which is reasonably consistent with the  [licensing objectives](/about-us/what-we-do)  .
>
>

 [LCCP: Social responsibility code 9.1](/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/2/9)

 This applies to:

* non-remote betting
* non-remote bingo
* non-remote casinos.

 The LCCP requirements are aimed at ensuring the policy objectives below are embedded consistently across the non-remote betting, bingo and casino sectors to ensure higher stake and prize gaming machines are made available in a socially responsible manner:

* with very few low-risk exceptions, gambling should be confined to dedicated gambling premises (casino, betting or bingo premises)
* distinctions between different types of licensed gambling premises are maintained
* gambling activities are supervised appropriately
* within bingo, betting and casino premises gaming machines must only be made available in combination with the non-remote gambling facilities named on the operating licence.


 The approach to enforcing these requirements will continue to provide you with the flexibility required to determine how best to deliver the above outcomes within your business. It is not for us to prescribe how you operate your gambling premises or to encourage a tick box approach to compliance.

 The ability to provide (and derive the commercial benefits) from  [category B gaming machines](/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/b1-gaming-machines)  in your business, comes with a responsibility to ensure this is done in a manner consistent with the  [licensing objectives](/about-us/what-we-do)  . Compliance with existing and new regulatory requirements provides us, licensing authorities and the public with the necessary assurance.

 Where we have concerns that an operating model has not taken sufficient account of regulatory requirements we believe the most proportionate and effective means of dealing with that, is through agreement or imposition of specific licence conditions relating to that particular business. This ensures any issues with specific operating models are addressed without impacting on the wider sector.

---

 Last updated: 8 June 2021

 Show updates to this content  No changes to show.