Realistic Games among first to be handed new UK licence

British online gambling software developer Realistic Games has become one of the first producers of slots and table games to be granted a Remote Gambling Software Operating Licence by the UK Gambling Commission.

The company is now among only a handful of suppliers who have the required licensing in place to comply with the new Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act which comes into effect on October 1.

The Act requires operators that provide remote gambling services to British consumers to obtain a UK licence. From January 2015, these operators will also require their suppliers to be licensed in the UK too.

Realistic’s commercial director, Andy Harris, believes the granting of the licence well in advance of the legislative changes is important for both existing and prospective customers.

He said: “There are many things for our customers to attend to as a result of the introduction of the Act, so getting our licensing in place early gives them one less thing to worry about.

“Furthermore, we hope that it provides potential customers with another positive reason to choose Realistic Games as a new supplier partner.

“This licence represents a significant step for us. We’ve worked closely with the Gambling Commission throughout the application process and have now passed the most stringent tests of probity and due diligence.

“Just as importantly, we are ahead of most of our rivals. As we are already compliant with the new regulations we’ll not be caught up in any last minute scramble to gain licences or comply with the new regulations.”

The grant of this licence follows the award of a B2B Remote Gambling Licence in Gibraltar to the Realistic Games group in February 2014.

Among the major UK-facing operators Realistic now supply cross-channel content to, are bet365, Ladbrokes, William Hill, BetVictor, and Paddy Power.