How do I know if a UK gambling site is safe and licensed?

The definitive check is the UKGC's public register. Every legitimately licensed operator is listed at gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register, where you can search by company name or licence number. A safe gambling site will display its licence number in the footer, typically linking to the register entry. Beyond the licence, look for SSL encryption (the padlock icon in your browser's address bar), published payout rates or RTP information, and the presence of responsible gambling tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion. If a site doesn't display a verifiable UKGC licence number, treat it as unlicensed regardless of what else it claims.

What are wagering requirements and how do they work?

A wagering requirement is a multiplier that determines how much you must bet before bonus funds convert into withdrawable cash. If you receive a £20 bonus with a 10x wagering requirement, you must place £200 in total bets before you can withdraw any bonus winnings. The UKGC has capped wagering requirements at a maximum of 10x for all UKGC-licensed operators since 19 January 2026 — previously, requirements of 35x or higher were common. Note that different games contribute at different rates: slots typically count 100%, while table games like roulette and blackjack contribute 10-20%. Always check the contribution table in the bonus terms before you claim.

How do I self-exclude from online gambling in the UK?

The UK offers a national self-exclusion scheme called GamStop. By registering at gamstop.co.uk, you can block yourself from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites simultaneously. The process is free and takes a few minutes. You choose the exclusion period: six months, one year, or five years. Once registered, every licensed operator is required to prevent you from gambling on their platform for the selected duration. GamStop does not cover offshore sites operating without a UKGC licence, nor does it cover the National Lottery. For individual site exclusion, every UKGC-licensed operator must also offer its own self-exclusion option, accessible through the responsible gambling section of your account.

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