Timeline

A concise UK gambling and regulation timeline

These milestones are established public facts. Dates mark legislation or programme launches, not marketing events.

Dark teal archival field with faint ruled lines
Regulation accumulated in layers; online casino sits inside the post-2005 framework.
1960

Betting and Gaming Act 1960 liberalised off-course betting shops in Great Britain.

1968

Gaming Act 1968 created a stricter regime for casinos and gaming machines.

2005

Gambling Act 2005 established the modern licensing framework and the Gambling Commission.

2007

Most Gambling Act 2005 provisions came into force, reshaping remote and land-based licensing.

2014

Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014 required remote operators targeting Britain to hold a UKGC licence.

2018

GAMSTOP launched as the national online self-exclusion scheme for GB-licensed operators.

For players today. Check the UKGC register before you register, and use GAMSTOP if you need a hard break across licensed sites.
18+ only. By continuing you confirm you meet the UK legal age. Please gamble responsibly.
UK Gambling Commission GAMSTOP GamCare GambleAware