The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is widely regarded as a pillar of safety and trust for British players navigating the online casino landscape.

A UKGC license signals that a casino has undergone rigorous vetting to meet standards that most other jurisdictions do not impose.

This isn’t just about regulatory compliance—it’s about creating a gambling environment where players can trust they’re protected.

To learn more about the importance of the licence, we spoke to Joonas Karhu. He is the CEO of Bojoko, an iGaming comparison platform solely showcasing UK-licensed casinos, as well as betting and bingo sites, and is a staunch advocate of the commission’s approach. We have previously spoken to his colleague, Christoffer Ødegården, about how Brits can avoid scams, but this interview will go beyond the general safeguards of the UKGC, look at the standards it sets, and how the industry has responded.

“In the UK, players are fortunate to have the Gambling Commission as their watchdog. A UKGC license is a badge of trust, showing that a casino is serious about player safety, responsible gaming, and financial integrity. Most countries do not currently have the framework to regulate the iGaming market and hold them accountable themselves. This is a great advantage for UK players. Should something go wrong, the channels of complaint and protection are all in Britain,” Karhu explains.

To Karhu, a key advantage of the UKGC-licensed are the standards surrounding bonuses and their terms and conditions.

“In many online casinos outside the UK, players often encounter too-good-to-be-true promotions with hidden terms, leading to frustrating and costly surprises. In contrast, UKGC regulations require operators to clearly present the terms and conditions of all bonuses and promotions. All key terms must be listed. There is no real room to be backhanded,” says Karhu.

“When you see a promotion on a UK-licensed site, you know exactly what you’re signing up for. There are no buried clauses—just straightforward terms. Should there be an exception to this rule, you have the right to complain, with the casino possibly facing fines. This clarity builds trust between players and operators, creating a fairer gaming experience.”

For a UKGC-licensed operator, offering responsible gambling tools isn’t optional; it’s a mandatory aspect of their service. UK casinos must provide players with options like deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion periods to help them manage their gambling habits effectively. For Karhu, this isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a crucial part of what makes the UKGC licence so valuable.

“The UKGC is dedicated to promoting responsible gaming,” he says. “These tools aren’t just there as a formality—they’re essential for helping players control their behaviour. A good casino should empower its players, and these tools are a vital way to do that.”

Another essential protection for players is how the UKGC mandates casinos to handle player funds. Operators with a UKGC license must keep player deposits in separate accounts from their operational funds. This safeguard means that even if a casino encounters financial difficulties, players’ deposits are ring-fenced and protected.

“Player fund protection is often overlooked, but it’s incredibly important,” Karhu explains. “The UKGC’s rules ensure that, in the worst-case scenario, players don’t lose their money if a casino faces problems. It’s this kind of regulation that sets the UKGC apart and gives British players an added layer of security.”

While UKGC regulations are known for being strict, they are generally respected across the industry. Reputable operators understand that compliance with these rules not only safeguards players but also builds their own credibility.

“There’s no denying the high bar set by the UKGC,” says Karhu. “For operators, it’s demanding, but it also means players know they’re dealing with trustworthy casinos. A UKGC license is seen as a sign of integrity and commitment to doing things right.”

For British players looking to choose a reliable online casino, Karhu’s advice is simple: always look for the UKGC licence.

“The licence is your assurance that a casino is serious about player protection and transparency,” he says. Bojoko only lists UKGC-licensed casinos, ensuring that every recommendation is backed by the security and integrity that the UKGC represents. Karhu also encourages players to review bonus terms carefully and use the responsible gambling tools these platforms provide. “These tools are there to help players manage their gaming. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience.”

Bojoko’s commitment to promoting safe and fair gambling aligns with the UKGC’s standards. Every casino listed on Bojoko has been vetted to ensure it meets the UKGC’s requirements, focusing on factors like transparency, customer service, and responsible gambling features.

“For us, it’s all about supporting players and helping them make informed choices,” Karhu explains. “We know the standards British players expect, and the UKGC license helps us ensure they receive the fair, secure experience they deserve.”

For Joonas Karhu and Bojoko, the UKGC licence is more than just a mark of regulation—it’s a standard that guides the entire industry. In a space where trust is paramount, the UKGC sets a benchmark for safety, fairness, and integrity, giving British players peace of mind and allowing them to enjoy online gaming with confidence.

Written by Jennifer Carter