Rather than simply advising on what the regulations say, we help businesses understand what the Gambling Commission are likely to expect and how those expectations can be implemented in practice. Where formal legal services are required, we maintain partnerships with expert gambling solicitors to work alongside while saving you thousand on legal fees.

UK Gambling Commission Licence Applications
Applying for a UK Gambling Commission licence can be a detailed and resource-heavy process.

Applicants must provide information about the business, its ownership, source of funds, financial viability, management structure, gambling products and proposed compliance arrangements.

The Gambling Commission will also expect applicants to demonstrate how they will comply with the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, the Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards and other relevant regulatory requirements.

Luke ARC can support the complete gambling licence application process, including:

• Identifying the operating licences required
• Preparing the application timetable
• Developing the required compliance policies
• Completing the Gambling Commission application portal
• Reviewing ownership and corporate structures
• Preparing source-of-funds evidence
• Supporting financial projections
• Advising on key management responsibilities
• Supporting Personal Management Licence applications
• Liaising with the Gambling Commission
• Responding to further information requests
• Introducing relevant platforms, testing providers and compliance suppliers

Our consultants have reviewed gambling licence applications from both sides of the process. This allows us to identify potential issues before an application is submitted and present the information in a way that is clear and suitable for the Gambling Commission. We have also worked on several due-diligence related issues due to Gambling Solicitors not always having the tailored expertise on complex source of funds.
Our licence application packages are available for an agreed fixed fee, including the relevant policy work and ongoing application support. This can save you tens of thousands compared to gambling solicitors and Gambling Lawyers, with more operational advice and training included in the service.

Speak to Our Gambling Licensing Team for a free consultation

Gambling Commission Compliance Assessment Support

A Gambling Commission compliance assessment can place significant pressure on an operator’s compliance team and the wider business.

The Commission often interview staff as well as review policies, risk assessments, governance and the implementation of controls via customer account reviews.
Luke ARC have multiple Gambling Commission alumni including those responsible for such reviews, with expertise other consultants and gambling solicitors can’t offer. We support operators before, during and after Gambling Commission assessments.

Luke ARC can:

• Carry out a mock Gambling Commission assessment
• Review the documents requested by the Commission
• Prepare management and staff for interviews
• Review customer accounts before the assessment
• Identify likely areas of regulatory concern
• Help the operator respond to information requests
• Review and help draft correspondence to the Commission
• Develop regulatory action plans
• Support operators through the special measures or enforcement process
• Help demonstrate compliance and remedial actions.

Our mock gambling commission assessments are designed to reflect the Gambling Commission’s approach as closely as possible. This is due to our framework being constantly updated following assessments, learning and enforcement actions on which we support. They focus not only on whether suitable controls exist, but whether the controls described within those policies are operating effectively.

Prevention is better than the cure. An independent audit before the Commission letter lands can identify weaknesses while the operator still has an opportunity to address them.

Gambling Commission Enforcement and Licence Reviews
Where the Gambling Commission identifies potential failings, the matter may progress from a compliance assessment into ‘special measures’, enforcement action or a formal review of the operating licence, otherwise known as an S116 review.

At this stage, the way the operator responds can have a significant effect on the outcome. This process can create large bills with gambling solicitors and have also impact internal running costs. Luke ARC can assist with:

• Reviewing the Commission’s findings
• Assessing the seriousness of the potential failings
• Identifying mitigating factors
• Developing a structured remediation plan
• Preparing responses to the Gambling Commission
• Reviewing customer account findings
• Assessing the likely regulatory outcome
• Supporting discussions concerning regulatory settlements
• Preparing senior management for meetings
• Supporting governance and Board oversight
• Working alongside gambling solicitors where formal legal advice is required

Our enforcement and governance support is led by specialists with direct experience of Gambling Commission enforcement, regulatory settlements and licence reviews. Luke ARC team members were literally responsible for deciding regulatory fines during their time at the Gambling Commission. We provide operators with a clear understanding of the Commission’s likely concerns and the practical steps needed to reduce ongoing regulatory risk.

Discuss a Regulatory Matter in Confidence!

Independent Gambling Compliance Audits

Luke ARC provides independent gambling compliance audits for remote, land-based and hybrid operators. These are from Gambling Commission trained auditors as opposed to Gambling Solicitors.

As such, our audits are focused on Gambling Commission priorities and are designed to identify whether the operator’s policies, procedures and controls are effective in practice with the best operational expertise in the UK market. Audit services include:

Anti-Money Laundering Audits
Safer Gambling Audits
Marketing and Advertising Audits
Other bespoke audits for tailored focus areas.

Each Gambling Compliance audit provides clear, risk-graded findings and practical recommendations and are well know for being the most aligned to a gambling commission compliance assessment, with practical advice at every turn. Our audit packages also include follow-up reviews of remedial action.

Gambling Policy and Compliance Framework Development

Policies submitted to the Gambling Commission must be tailored to the business and supported by effective procedures and controls.

Using generic templates without considering the operator’s products, customers, delivery channels and risk profile can create significant problems during a licence application or compliance assessment. Luke ARC can develop or review:

• Anti-money laundering policies
• AML risk assessments
• Safer gambling policies
• Customer interaction procedures
• Marketing and advertising policies
• Customer acceptance policies
• Complaints and dispute policies
• Data protection policies
• Governance frameworks
• Compliance monitoring controls
• Training materials
• Risk management procedures
• Regulatory reporting processes

We do not simply provide a policy and leave the operator to work out how it should be implemented. Our consultants explain the requirements, help develop the associated procedures and provide practical guidance on how the controls should operate within the business.

Corporate Due Diligence and Source of Funds

The Gambling Commission will examine the ownership, funding and financial viability of a business applying for or holding a gambling licence, or changing ownership. Poorly presented or incomplete information can lead to additional questions and delays.

Luke ARC frequently support with:

• Licence application due diligence
• Corporate ownership reviews
• Source-of-funds submissions
• Source-of-wealth information
• Financial viability assessments
• Financial projections
• Change of corporate control applications
• Regulatory settlement related calculations
• Complex ownership structures
• Investor and key-person due diligence

Our due-diligence related procedures were created by the former Head of Forensic Accounting at the Gambling Commission, who previously designed procedures for the Gambling Commission. Also supported by our specialist team.

Personal Management Licences and Senior Management Support

Individuals responsible for specified management functions may require a Personal Management Licence. The Gambling Commission will assess whether those individuals have the necessary integrity, competence, knowledge and experience to perform their responsibilities.
Luke ARC can provide training and support for PML holders. During licence applications we can provide support for PML licenses without additional cost as part of the process.

Gambling Compliance Training

The Gambling Commission expects staff to understand the requirements relevant to their roles. Which is why we provide industry leading gambling compliance training.
Luke ARC provides remote, on-site and online training covering:

• Anti-money laundering
• Safer gambling
• Customer interactions
• Marketing and advertising compliance
• Senior management responsibilities
• Personal Management Licence responsibilities
• Remote Technical Standards (RTS) compliance
• General gambling compliance

Training can be tailored to front-line staff, compliance teams, senior management or the Board. Our online training platform also provides structured courses, assessments, completion certificates and management reporting. All of our online modules are fully CPD certified.

New Gambling Products and Novel Regulatory Issues

New gambling products, technology and business models can create regulatory questions that are not clearly addressed by existing guidance. Obtaining early regulatory input can help avoid expensive changes later in the development process.

Luke ARC can review:

• New gambling products
• Alternative payment methods
• Crypto-related gambling proposals
• Regulatory technology
• Software and platform controls
• New customer journeys
• Prize draws and competitions
• New market-entry proposals
• Products combining gambling and non-gambling features

Our team includes former Gambling Commission licensing, policy and sector specialists who have experience reviewing new and novel products. A focused regulatory review can help identify the likely licensing position, key compliance risks and the controls that should be built into the product. We can provide expert opinions and via our gambling law partners we can secure legal opinions for competitive prices.

Why Businesses Choose Luke ARC over other Consultants and Gambling Solicitors
Luke ARC is trusted by more than 100 businesses operating within the UK betting and gaming market. Our team includes former Gambling Commission specialists from the Commissions:

• Compliance team
• Enforcement team
• Licensing team
• Policy and insight teams
• Anti-money laundering function
• Forensic accounting function

This experience is supported by many years working directly within gambling operators and advising businesses through licence applications, compliance assessments, enforcement matters and independent audits. Our clients receive practical advice based on how gambling regulation works in the real world.

We aim to:

• Give clear and direct advice
• Identify problems before they become regulatory issues
• Reduce unnecessary delays and costs
• Provide recommendations that can be implemented
• Tailor our services to the operator
• Remain available throughout the process
• Work constructively with internal teams and external advisers

Our compliance consultancy can provide a more operational and cost-effective solution than instructing a traditional gambling law firm for every regulatory matter.

Speak to a UK Gambling Compliance Specialist

Whether you are searching for a gambling solicitor, gambling lawyer or specialist UK gambling regulatory adviser, the first step is understanding exactly what support your business requires.

Luke ARC offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation!

We can review the issue, explain how we may be able to assist and identify whether formal legal representation is also required.

Contact us for support with:

• UK Gambling Commission licence applications
• Compliance assessments
• Gambling Commission enforcement action
• Licence reviews
• Independent compliance audits
• AML and safer gambling
• Policy development
• Due diligence and source of funds
• Personal Management Licences
• Staff and management training
• New or novel gambling products

Email Info@LukeARC.com, or complete our online enquiry form.

Book Your Free Consultation TODAY!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a gambling solicitor?

Luke ARC is a specialist gambling compliance consultancy rather than a legal practice. Our team includes former Gambling Commission staff and experienced gambling compliance professionals. We provide practical regulatory, licensing, audit and compliance support and cover everything gambling compliance, cancelling the need for legal support.

How to get Gambling Commission assessment support?
We can review the Gambling Commission’s concerns, assess the seriousness of the findings, help prepare responses and develop an effective remediation plan. We can also support management meetings and work alongside legal advisers where necessary.

How to get a UK Gambling Licence?

Luke ARC support the application from the initial planning stage through to submission and the Gambling Commission’s determination and give free initial advice.

Our support can include work on policies, financial information, due diligence, Personal Management Licences, portal completion, provider introductions and responses to further questions.

How do I get my gambling policies reviewed?
Luke ARC review existing policies or develop a complete compliance framework tailored to your business. This includes AML, safer gambling, marketing, customer interaction, governance and regulatory risk assessments.

Do Luke ARC work with gambling solicitors and law firms?
In the rare instance a matter requires both regulatory and legal input, we can work alongside the operator’s existing solicitors. Luke ARC supports the operational compliance and regulatory concerns without the need for a gambling solicitor, but we have legal partners on hand where needed.

How much does Luke ARC charge?
The cost depends on the scope and complexity of the work. Gambling licence application packages can be provided for an agreed fixed fee, while audits, assessment support and ongoing consultancy services are tailored to the operator.
The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation. In general we are very competitive on price but a quick call can give more details.

Do you support both online and land-based gambling businesses?

Yes. Luke ARC supports remote, land-based and hybrid operators, including online casinos, betting operators, betting shops, casinos, bingo businesses, lotteries, software providers, arcades and external lottery managers.

Support to get a UK gambling licence?

We support new market entrants from the initial planning stage. This can include identifying the licence required, reviewing the proposed product, developing policies, preparing financial projections and managing the application process. So before you reach out to a Gambling Solicitor or Lawyer, see if we can save you time and money with a free, no obligation consultation.