The UK Gambling Commission and why it matters

What is the UK Gambling Commission?

The UK Gambling Commission is the regulator responsible for licensing and supervising most forms of commercial gambling in Great Britain, including online casinos and betting sites. Its role includes:

• Issuing and managing licences for gambling operators.
• Setting conditions that licensees must follow.
• Monitoring compliance and taking action where rules are broken.
• Working to keep crime out of gambling and protect vulnerable people.

Why we focus on UKGC-licensed brands

Obsidian Ribbon Alliance is created for adults in Great Britain. We only highlight operators that present themselves as licensed by the UKGC for GB customers. A valid licence does not make gambling risk-free, but it does mean the operator is subject to UK rules and oversight.

Even so, you should always confirm the current status of any brand directly on the UKGC’s public register before you sign up, deposit or play.

How to check a licence

When you visit a casino’s website you should find:

• A reference to the UK Gambling Commission in the footer or legal section.
• A licence number or company details you can search for.

Use those details on the official UKGC register to confirm:

• That the licence is active and not suspended.
• Which company holds it and which brands are covered.
• Any relevant regulatory actions the Commission has published.

Your responsibility as a player

A licence is only one part of safer gambling. As a player you should also:

• Read the operator’s own terms, bonus rules and privacy information.
• Use safer-gambling tools such as deposit limits, reality checks and self-exclusion.
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose and never to chase losses.