Online bingo is legal in the United Kingdom and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission under the Gambling Act 2005 (1). Operators need a remote bingo operating licence to run any kind of online or remote bingo, including games offered through websites, apps, social media, telephone, television, radio, or any other form of remote communications (1). All operators selling into the British market must hold a Gambling Commission licence to transact with British consumers and advertise in Great Britain, whether their operation is based in the UK or abroad (2). Running an online bingo game without a licence constitutes a criminal offense punishable by fines or prosecution (1).
The Gambling Commission has worked with industry stakeholders to define three fundamental principles of bingo: it must be played as an equal chance game where all players have the same chance of winning, involve a degree of participation such as marking cards or claiming wins, and have a clearly defined end point communicated to players (1). To obtain and maintain an operating licence, online bingo operators must adhere to licence conditions and codes of practice regarding socially responsible gambling, fair gaming practices, player privacy protection, and effective management systems (2). Executives of these businesses may also need personal management licences to comply with regulatory requirements (2).
"These proposals will ensure that British consumers enjoy consistent standards of protection, regardless of where a gambling business is based, and will also help the fight against illegal activity and corruption in sports betting."
Overseas operators are required to inform the Gambling Commission about suspicious betting patterns involving British customers, helping fight illegal activity and corruption in sports betting (2). They must also pay and contribute to research, education, and treatment relating to British problem gambling and regulatory costs (2). Licensed operators must implement age and identity verification processes to prevent underage gambling, provide self-exclusion tools and deposit limits, ensure advertising complies with Advertising Standards Authority guidelines, and adhere to anti-money laundering laws with regular financial audits (2). The regulatory framework ensures that UK consumers playing through licensed bingo sites are guaranteed fair games with comprehensive consumer protections (1).
Source:
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/guide/page/running-online-bingo
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/increased-protection-for-online-gamblers
Last updated: 29-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
