Alderney eGambling Licensing Guide
Understand the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, its eGambling licensing
framework, licence categories, player-facing protections and the steps businesses
take before launching regulated gambling operations.
Independent information website. This website is not operated by, affiliated with,
or endorsed by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
About the regulator
What is the Alderney Gambling Control Commission?
The Alderney Gambling Control Commission, commonly known as AGCC, is the gambling
regulator for Alderney in the Channel Islands. It is recognised internationally for
its specialised focus on remote gambling and eGaming regulation.
The Commission’s stated mission is to ensure and maintain the integrity of electronic
gambling activities that fall within its regulatory remit. Its framework covers licensing,
operational controls, compliance standards, gambling equipment approval and the ongoing
oversight of authorised businesses.
For operators, an Alderney licence can provide a structured regulatory route for
remote-gambling activity. For players, the key practical consideration is whether a
gambling website is genuinely licensed, whether its displayed details match the official
register and whether the operator offers clear routes for support and complaints.
Official regulator
The official website of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is:
Official contact details
Alderney Gambling Control CommissionSt Anne’s House
Queen Elizabeth II Street
Alderney, Channel Islands
GY9 3TB
Telephone:
+44 (0)1481 825500
General enquiries:
[email protected]
Regulatory framework
What does AGCC regulation cover?
The regulatory model is designed for businesses operating in the remote-gambling
ecosystem, from player account management to gambling-platform operations and
supporting technical services.
Licensing
Licensing routes are available for eligible organisations that wish to organise,
prepare or operate qualifying remote-gambling activities.
Operational controls
Licensees must establish documented internal controls that address operational,
compliance and risk-management procedures.
Equipment approval
Gambling equipment and core gaming systems may require independent testing and
regulatory approval before commercial operations can begin.
Ongoing compliance
Regulatory status can be affected by licence conditions, compliance obligations,
changes to an operation, suspension, surrender or revocation processes.
eGambling licences
The two Alderney licence categories
Organisations may apply for one licence category or both, depending on how their
proposed remote-gambling business is structured.
Organisation and preparation of gambling operations
A Category 1 Licence is intended for activities connected with the organisation
and preparation of gambling operations.
- Registration and verification of players
- Customer contractual relationships
- Management of player funds
- Relevant customer-facing operational arrangements
Gambling transactions and platform operations
A Category 2 Licence is intended for the gambling transaction itself and the
operational management of a gambling platform in an approved hosting centre.
- Effecting gambling transactions
- Operational management of the gambling platform
- Approved hosting-centre requirements
- Technical and operational controls
Licensing requirements depend on the proposed business model. Applicants should consult
the applicable regulations, official forms and AGCC guidance before making commercial,
technical or legal decisions.
Application process
How an Alderney eGambling application works
The official process has an application phase and a pre-launch approval phase.
Successful licensing alone does not automatically mean that commercial operations
can begin.
Form an Alderney company
The applicant is required to establish an Alderney-registered company and publish
the required application notice in the Alderney Gazette.
Submit the application
Submit a signed application, supporting documentation and the initial £10,000
investigation deposit to the AGCC.
Regulatory assessment
The regulator assesses the business plan, proposed operations, corporate entities,
associates and relevant key individuals.
Prepare to launch
Before going live, the licensee must obtain approval for its internal control system,
gambling equipment and capitalisation status.
Commercial approval
Once the required conditions are met, the Commission can issue approval for the
licensee to commence commercial operations.
Before going live
Core pre-launch requirements
An operator that receives a licence must still demonstrate that it is ready to run
its proposed operation in a controlled and compliant manner.
Internal Control System
The Internal Control System sets out the procedures and controls used to manage
operations, compliance and associated risks.
Gambling equipment approval
Systems and equipment supporting games may need independent testing and approval,
with relevant core service providers also subject to certification requirements.
Capitalisation status
Licensees are expected to demonstrate adequate financial resources and satisfy
regulatory capital and asset requirements.
Financial readiness
Capitalisation principles
Under the published framework, an Alderney licensee must be adequately financed and
able to satisfy key financial ratios throughout its operations.
- Cash must exceed player balances
- Current assets must exceed current liabilities
- Total assets must exceed total liabilities by at least 25%
This is a simplified overview. Refer to the current regulations and official AGCC
guidance for complete requirements and definitions.
For players
How to check an Alderney-licensed gambling site
A licence logo on a casino website is not sufficient evidence on its own. Always
check the operator against the official AGCC register and review the operator’s own
licence disclosures, terms and support channels.
Find the legal operator name
Look in the casino footer, terms and conditions, privacy policy or licence disclosure
page for the legal entity behind the brand.
Check the official register
Compare the operator name, website domain and licence information with the official
Commission register.
Contact the operator first
If you have a problem with an account, withdrawal or game, first use the operator’s
formal complaint procedure and retain all correspondence.
Escalate with evidence
Where appropriate, submit a complaint to the regulator with account details,
transaction information and records of your communication with the operator.
guidance directs users to submit complaints via the available form, email or post.
Frequently asked questions
Alderney gambling licence FAQs
These answers provide general information only and do not replace the official
regulations, legal advice or guidance issued by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
Is Alderney Casino the official website of the AGCC?
No. This website is an independent informational resource. The official website
of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is gamblingcontrol.org.
What are the two Alderney eGambling licence categories?
Category 1 covers the organisation and preparation of gambling operations, including
player registration, customer relationships and player funds. Category 2 covers the
gambling transaction and management of a gambling platform in an approved hosting centre.
Can one business apply for both licence categories?
Yes. Depending on its planned operations, an organisation may apply for a Category 1
Licence, a Category 2 Licence or both.
Does receiving a licence mean an operator can launch immediately?
No. Before commercial launch, the operator must complete the relevant approvals for
internal controls, gambling equipment and capitalisation status.
How can I make a complaint about a licensed operator?
Start with the operator’s own formal complaint process. Keep records and evidence.
Where a regulatory complaint is appropriate, use the official AGCC complaint channels;
telephone complaints are not accepted.
Official resources
Need authoritative licensing information?
Visit the official Alderney Gambling Control Commission website for current regulations,
licence forms, registers, notices and contact channels.
Licence comparison
Category 1 vs Category 2 Licence
The following table provides a high-level distinction between the two eGambling
licence categories described by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
| Feature | Category 1 Licence | Category 2 Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Organisation and preparation of gambling operations | Gambling transactions and platform operations |
| Player registration | Covers registration and verification of players | Not the primary focus of this licence category |
| Player relationships | Covers contractual relationships with players | May support platform operations but does not replace Category 1 responsibilities |
| Player funds | Covers management of player funds | Not the core Category 2 function |
| Gambling transaction | Not the primary transaction-operating licence | Authorises the effecting of gambling transactions |
| Platform management | May be relevant to the overall business model | Covers operational management of a gambling platform |
| Hosting requirement | Depends on the operational structure | Platform must operate within an approved hosting centre |
| Can both be held? | Yes, where the applicant’s operations require it | Yes, where the applicant’s operations require it |
This comparison is for general guidance only. Always refer to the current official
regulations and AGCC licensing materials before submitting an application.