Frequently asked questions
Questions readers send us, grouped roughly. If something is missing, write to desk@keelguide.co.uk and we'll add it.
About the site
Is Keel an operator?
No. We are an editorial publication. We don't take wagers, run games, or hold customer funds. Operators we cover are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and run their products on their own platforms.
Is the site free to use?
Yes. The site is funded through referral fees from tracked links to licensed operators. The fee comes from the operator, not the reader, and it doesn't change what we publish.
Do you write the reviews yourselves?
Yes. Reviews are written by the editorial team. We don't republish operator copy and we don't accept paid editorial.
About the operators
Are all listed operators legal in Great Britain?
Yes — every operator featured here holds a current UKGC remote operating licence. Each review links to the licence record on the public register so a reader can verify directly.
What if an operator's licence is suspended or surrendered?
We re-check the register periodically. When status changes, the review page is updated. The register is the canonical source — we follow it, not the other way around.
Why don't you publish bonus amounts?
UKGC and ASA guidance on promotional content has tightened. Specific figures, percentages, and superlative claims belong on the operator's own page where the full terms apply. Reproducing them on a third-party page risks them going stale or misleading a reader.
About licensing
What is the UK Gambling Commission?
The Commission is the regulator for commercial gambling in Great Britain. It was established under the Gambling Act 2005 and licences every operator that takes real-money wagers from British customers.
Where can I check a licence?
The public register at gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register. You can search by licensee name, brand, or domain.
Do offshore licences count for UK players?
No. Whatever licence an operator holds elsewhere — Malta, Gibraltar, Curaçao — none of them legally permit the operator to take wagers from a Great Britain customer. Only a UKGC remote licence does that.
About responsible gambling
What is GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP is the national online self-exclusion scheme. One registration excludes you from every UKGC-licensed online operator for six months, one year, or five years. Every operator on this site is in scope.
Where can I get help?
BeGambleAware.org runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 — free and 24/7. GamCare provides counselling and group support. The responsible gambling page on this site has the longer list.