Journey

Set up a gambling or betting business

A step-by-step path through the regulations that apply to gambling and betting businesses — bookmakers, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres, online gambling operators and lottery managers. Start by identifying which rules apply, work through the universal workplace duties, then cover the Gambling Commission licensing regime, premises licences, gambling duties and anti-money-laundering supervision, and finish with the compliance checklist.

Sports & Leisure Starting Updated 22 October 2026

This learning path takes you through the regulatory framework for gambling and betting businesses in order. Each step links to a guide that covers one part of your obligations. Follow them in sequence to build a complete picture.

Step 1 — Find out which rules apply

Identify the full set of workplace and gambling-specific obligations that apply to your business, and understand that the Gambling Act 2005 regime covers Great Britain only.

Step 2 — Set up your workplace safely

Work through the five universal duties every gambling business must meet: health and safety, fire safety, employers' liability insurance, equality and data protection.

Step 3 — Meet your gambling licensing and regulatory duties

Obtain a Gambling Commission operating licence, personal licences for key staff and a premises licence if you have physical premises. Register for gambling duties with HMRC and, if you operate a casino, comply with anti-money-laundering supervision.

Step 4 — Confirm you are compliant

Work through the compliance checklist to confirm every obligation is in place before you open or continue trading.