U.k. Gambling Commission Opens Online Licence Applications

By Casinomeister, Last updated Feb 28, 2014

Ready in good time for the imposition of secondary licensing and taxation

The UK Gambling Commission has launched its online application service for operators applying for an online gaming licence in the country…in good time for the expected deluge of offshore operators who will be seeking secondary licensing under Britain's new requirements for operators seeking to access the British punter.

All companies applying for a remote licence, and those seeking land-based certification alongside an iGaming licence, will be required to use the service, which has been launched as the Commission looks to improve the service it provides by offering applicants a tailored application process.

The applicants can navigate through the forms in a way that reflects their business model and unique circumstances, allowing companies to skip questions that do not apply to their submission. The service also allows prospective operators to upload information and documentation such as copies of ID documents and financial statements, removing the need to send such pieces by post.

It also includes the Multi-Jurisdictional Business Form (MJBF), developed by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). The MJBF standardises the information, track record and compliance records operators are required to submit to regulators, helping simplify the process for companies licensed in multiple jurisdictions by allowing licensing bodies to share such documentation.

The launch of the online system, including the MJBF, allows for a simplified process that the Commission believes will reduce costs, and by extension reduce regulatory costs for operators.

"This further development of online services for operators builds on the introduction of eServices in 2013," Gambling Commission licensing manager Dawn Best commented. "It's always been our aim to enable licence applicants to make applications online and this is the first step towards that."

The online system has gone live ahead of the UK's introduction of a licensing system for operators and a point of consumption tax, due to be enforced by the end of 2014.

UPDATE: The UK's new Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Bill requires all UK-facing operators to hold a British licence if they intend to accept wagers from and advertise their products in the United Kingdom.

The act is currently on its last legislative lap in the House of Lords before going to Buckingham Palace for Royal assent into law sometime in March this year.

Two months after royal assent has been achieved – which takes us to May 2014 – the Gambling Commission takes over, and will give operator applicants 31 days plus 7 extra days for late applicants to file licence applications.

The position regarding formerly "white listed" operators licensed in European Economic Area jurisdictions like Alderney, Antigua, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar has been clarified. If they file their applications timeously they will be given "transitional licensing" that will empower them to maintain their UK-facing activity until their formal applications have been processed and granted.

Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa

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