Commission launch online licence application

The UK Gambling Commission have launched an online application service. Prospective operators applying for a remote licence or for a non-remote licence alongside a remote licence are required to use the online service available via the Gambling Commission website.

The move is aimed at improving the service provided by the Commission. Applicants can navigate through the application in a way that reflects their business model and individual circumstances by giving them the option to skip questions that are not applicable. Applicants can also be able to upload information and supporting documentation, including certified copies of identity documents and bank statements, which reduces the risk of original documents being lost in the post and unnecessary delivery delays.

The online application includes the Multi-Jurisdictional Business Form (MJBF) developed by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). The MJBF standardises the general information, track record and compliance records businesses are required to provide to regulators as part of their application for an operating licence. Its inclusion is to reduce the burden on those that may apply to multiple jurisdictions as the MJBF is portable.

While the inclusion of the MJBF means that the Commission is asking for more information at the point of application than has been the case in the past, the introduction of the online application service will over time reduce costs for the Commission which will help keep regulatory costs down for operators.

Dawn Best, Licensing Manager at the Gambling Commission said: “This further development of online services for operators builds on the introduction of eServices in 2013. It’s always been our aim to enable licence applicants to make applications online and this is the first step towards that.”

The new system is only available to those who are applying for a remote licence or for remote and non-remote licences at the same time (ie not those applying only for a non-remote licence), and who are not already licensed by the Commission