UKGC Data: Just Two New Casino Licences in 2023
Freedom of Information request reveals slow growth in the UK's land-based casino sector.
A Freedom of Information disclosure from the Gambling Commission shows that only two new land-based casino operating licences were granted in 2023. This data points to a highly stable and slow-growing market for physical casinos in Great Britain.
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A Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed that only two new land-based casino operating licences were granted throughout 2023, pointing to a market with minimal expansion.
The data, released following a public request, provides a clear snapshot of the state of the brick-and-mortar casino industry in Great Britain.
What the Data Shows
For the calendar year 2023, the Gambling Commission received a total of two applications for land-based casino operating licences. The regulator confirmed that both of these applications were approved, resulting in a 100% grant rate for the year. No applications were refused or withdrawn.
The two operators who successfully secured a licence were:
- Silvertime Casinos Limited: Licence granted on 19 October 2023
- Merkur Casino: Licence granted on 20 October 2023
Why This Matters for Consumers
An operating licence from the Gambling Commission is a legal requirement for any business offering gambling facilities to customers in Great Britain. The low number of new applications and approvals suggests that the land-based casino market is highly stable, with few new entrants attempting to join.
For consumers, this indicates that the choice of physical casino venues is not growing at a significant pace. However, it also underscores the rigorous process new operators must undergo. The UKGC's response highlighted its comprehensive suitability assessment, which scrutinises an applicant's:
- Identity and ownership
- Financial resources and stability
- Integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness
- Competence and experience
- Criminal history
These checks are designed to uphold the core licensing objectives, which include keeping crime out of gambling and protecting children and vulnerable people. The fact that both 2023 applicants were approved suggests they successfully met these high standards.
Industry Significance
The data indicates a mature and potentially saturated market for physical casinos in the UK. The significant financial investment and stringent regulatory hurdles involved in establishing a land-based casino likely deter a large number of potential applicants.
While the online gambling sector often dominates headlines with new launches and technological shifts, this FOI disclosure confirms that the physical casino landscape remains far more static. The successful applications from Merkur Casino and Silvertime Casinos Limited represent rare additions to this established sector, having passed the UKGC's thorough vetting process designed to ensure they operate fairly and safely.