Gambling Commission outlines upcoming LCCP changes for 2026

The Gambling Commission has confirmed a series of updates to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) that will take effect throughout 2026, introducing new requirements for reporting, consumer protection, complaints handling and gaming machine compliance.

From 19 March 2026, operators will be required to follow revised rules on reporting key events. The threshold for reporting changes in operator status or relevant persons will rise from 3% to 5%, and the definition of relevant persons will be broadened to include entities without share capital, except for society lottery licensees. Operators will also need to report all relevant loans, regardless of whether they are formally documented. A corresponding update will be made to the Licensing, Compliance and Enforcement Policy Statement.

Further changes will follow on 6 April 2026, when references to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 will be replaced with references to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This update affects licence conditions relating to fair terms, transparency and marketing practices, aligning gambling regulation with the UK’s updated consumer protection framework.

Later in spring, amendments will be introduced to the rules governing complaints and disputes. These changes will take effect once the Department for Business and Trade activates provisions of the DMCC Act that remove the existing ADR Regulations. The Commission will update accreditation references and remove outdated references to lists of approved ADR providers.

A further regulatory change will apply from 29 July 2026, when a new licence condition will require non‑remote operators to remove any non‑compliant gaming machines once they receive written notice from the Commission. This follows a consultation concluded in early 2026.

The Commission is encouraging operators to stay informed by subscribing to its eBulletin, as additional updates may follow.