Online Bingo in the UK: The Complete Guide to Licensed Sites and Responsible Play
The UK online bingo market processes over £800 million in annual stakes across roughly 120 licensed operators. That figure comes straight from Gambling Commission regulatory returns, which track every spin, dab and ticket sold on platforms like Gala Bingo, Sun Bingo and Heart Bingo. The sector has matured considerably since the 2005 Gambling Act created its licensing framework.
What separates a solid bingo room from a frustrating one usually comes down to software stability, payout speed and how honestly the site communicates its terms. This guide breaks down the technical side of play, the regulatory mechanics that keep you protected, and which operators actually deliver on their promises in 2026.
You will find direct comparisons of welcome packages, withdrawal processing times and game variety across the major UK-facing brands. The focus stays practical throughout, because nobody needs another listicle praising every site equally. Some operators deserve your attention, others deserve a wide berth, and a few sit somewhere in between depending on what you value most.
How UK Online Bingo Licensing Actually Works
Every operator offering bingo to British players must hold a licence from the Gambling Commission, issued under the Gambling Act 2005. The Commission currently oversees roughly 2,400 remote gambling licences, with bingo-specific permissions forming a significant subset of that total. Licence numbers appear at the bottom of every compliant site footer.
That licence obliges operators to follow the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, a 200-page document covering everything from game fairness to marketing restrictions. The LCCP gets updated periodically, and operators must adapt within set timeframes or face enforcement action. The Commission issued £62 million in fines during 2024 across all sectors.
One detail most players miss: the Commission distinguishes between bingo, casino and slots licences even when one brand offers all three. A site might hold separate permissions for each product type, and those permissions carry different conditions. Checking the licence number against the Commission’s public register takes under two minutes and reveals any historical enforcement action.
What protections does a full UK licence provide?
A full UK licence guarantees your deposits sit in a separate account from operational funds, protecting them if the company becomes insolvent. It also mandates independent testing of random number generators every 12 months by approved laboratories like GLI or eCOGRA. Those test reports must remain available for Commission inspection.
Dispute resolution operates through the licensed operator’s internal process first, then escalates to an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution provider. The Independent Betting Adjudication Service handles most bingo complaints, with decisions binding up to £10,000. The Commission itself investigates regulatory breaches rather than individual player disputes.
Financial protections extend beyond segregation. Operators must conduct affordability checks on players exhibiting higher-risk patterns, with thresholds currently set at £100 net losses within 24 hours. Expected losses of £500 within 90 days trigger additional verification. These checks became mandatory following the 2020 review of gambling harm.
Comparing the Major UK Bingo Operators
The UK bingo market splits into two distinct tiers. The first contains established brands backed by major gambling groups, often running on proprietary software with decades of operational history. The second features newer entrants, typically white-label operations using third-party platforms from suppliers like Pragmatic Play or Aspire Global.
Brand heritage matters more in bingo than in most gambling verticals. Players develop loyalty to specific chat rooms, hosts and communities, making migration between sites relatively rare. That retention dynamic explains why the biggest operators invest heavily in original content and social features rather than competing purely on odds.
Below is a comparison of the leading UK-facing bingo brands based on publicly available information about their software, licensing and commercial terms. All figures reflect standard published offers as of early 2026, subject to change and always worth verifying on the operator’s site.
| Operator | Software Platform | Licence Type | Withdrawal Time | Game Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gala Bingo | Proprietary | Full Remote | 2-4 hours | 500+ slots |
| Sun Bingo | Proprietary | Full Remote | Up to 24 hours | 400+ slots |
| Heart Bingo | Proprietary | Full Remote | Up to 24 hours | 350+ slots |
| MrQ Bingo | White Label | Full Remote | Under 2 hours | 600+ slots |
| Sky Vegas | Proprietary | Full Remote | 2-6 hours | 800+ slots |
| Betfred Bingo | Third-party | Full Remote | Up to 24 hours | 300+ slots |
Which operator offers the fastest withdrawals?
MrQ Bingo consistently processes withdrawals fastest among major brands, with most e-wallet payouts landing within 2 hours. The operator uses Trustly’s instant bank transfer system, eliminating the traditional waiting period. Gala Bingo follows closely at 2-4 hours for PayPal and debit card withdrawals.
Bank transfers remain the slowest method across every operator, typically taking 3-5 working days regardless of which site you use. Debit card withdrawals average 1-3 working days industry-wide. E-wallets like PayPal and Skrill offer the quickest route, with most operators processing these within 4 hours.
Verification status affects every withdrawal. Unverified accounts face additional checks that can add 24-72 hours. Completing KYC verification immediately after registration, rather than waiting for your first withdrawal request, eliminates this delay entirely. Most operators now require proof of ID and address before processing any payout.
What welcome bonuses do top bingo sites offer?
Gala Bingo currently offers new players a £40 bonus when they spend £10 on tickets, structured as 400% match on their first deposit. Sun Bingo provides £50 in bonus funds against a £10 stake. Heart Bingo matches deposits up to £50 with a 4x wagering requirement, notably lower than the industry standard of 6-8x.
MrQ Bingo takes a different approach entirely, offering no deposit bonus but instead providing 30 free spins on selected NetEnt slots. This reflects their broader no-wagering philosophy across all promotions. The trade-off means fewer bonus funds but simpler terms when you do win.
Wagering requirements vary substantially across operators. Gala applies 4x to bingo bonuses but 25x to any slot component. Sun Bingo standardises at 5x across all products. Sky Vegas imposes 30x on slot bonuses, making them the strictest among major brands. Always read the full terms before depositing.
How do chat games and community features differ?
Chat games represent a significant revenue stream for operators, with Gala Bingo running over 60 hosted sessions daily across their rooms. These games cost between 10p and £1 per entry, with prizes typically ranging from £5 to £500. The social element keeps players engaged beyond the bingo itself.
Sky Vegas integrates their bingo chat with broader casino promotions, offering cross-product tournaments that award free spins on Pragmatic Play titles. Ladbrokes Bingo focuses on traditional hosted games with a more restrained prize structure. The differences reflect each operator’s broader marketing strategy.
Moderation standards also vary. Gala and Sun employ dedicated chat hosts around the clock, while smaller operators may only staff peak evening hours. The Gambling Commission requires all chat functions to have active moderation to prevent underage access and problematic behaviour, but enforcement intensity differs noticeably between brands.
Technical Features Behind Responsible Gambling Tools
Responsible gambling features in UK bingo operate through a combination of mandatory and voluntary systems. The Gambling Commission mandates that every licensed operator provides deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion through GAMSTOP. These basics appear across all major sites, but implementation quality varies considerably.
Session timers represent the most visible technical control. These display elapsed playing time and typically trigger at 30, 60 and 120 minutes. The Gambling Commission’s research indicates that players who receive session reminders reduce their play duration by approximately 15% compared to those without such prompts.
Behind the scenes, operators run sophisticated behavioural analytics. Systems from suppliers like Neccton and Mindway AI analyse playing patterns, flagging potential harm indicators such as rapid deposit escalation or extended late-night sessions. These flags trigger automated interventions, ranging from pop-up messages to mandatory cooling-off periods.
How do reality checks and session timers function?
Reality checks appear as pop-up notifications at set intervals during play, typically every 30 minutes. They display cumulative session time, net losses and the option to continue or stop. The technical implementation requires the game client to track session duration server-side, preventing manipulation through browser refreshes.
Operators configure these timers differently. Gala Bingo defaults to 30-minute intervals, while MrQ Bingo uses 60-minute checks. Players can adjust intervals within limits, but the option to disable reality checks entirely was removed following the 2021 consultation on game design. The Commission now requires mandatory check-ins.
Session limits work differently from reality checks. These terminate your session automatically once a preset duration elapses. Common configurations include 45, 60 or 120-minute maximums. The technical enforcement happens at the account level, meaning you cannot bypass limits by switching between different games or platforms within the same operator.
What happens during a cooling-off period?
Cooling-off periods temporarily suspend your account for a defined duration, typically 24 hours to 6 weeks. Unlike self-exclusion, cooling-off does not require you to contact customer support to reinstate the account. The period ends automatically, and you can resume play without additional verification.
During cooling-off, all marketing communications cease. Operators cannot send promotional emails, SMS messages or push notifications. The Gambling Commission’s rules require this cessation within 24 hours of the cooling-off request. Some operators implement this instantly, while others take the full day to update their marketing systems.
Deposits remain blocked throughout the cooling-off period. Attempting to deposit produces a message explaining the restriction and its end date. Withdrawals of existing balances remain available, which distinguishes cooling-off from self-exclusion where withdrawal processing follows a different timeline. The distinction matters for players managing their funds.
How does GAMSTOP self-exclusion integrate with bingo sites?
GAMSTOP operates as the national multi-operator self-exclusion scheme, covering all licensed online gambling in the UK. Registration through the GAMSTOP website applies exclusion across every participating operator simultaneously. The scheme currently holds over 350,000 active registrations, with 92% of licensed operators participating.
Exclusion periods run for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years, selected at registration. The chosen period cannot be shortened once activated. Operators receive daily updates from GAMSTOP’s database, and must block excluded players’ accounts within 48 hours of the data update. Most major sites implement this within 24 hours.
The technical integration requires operators to check new registrations against the GAMSTOP database during account creation. Existing accounts are checked against daily data refreshes. Attempting to circumvent exclusion through new account creation fails because the check occurs before any deposit can be made.
Which deposit limit tools offer the most flexibility?
Deposit limits in UK bingo range from £10 to £10,000 per day, with operators required to offer at least daily, weekly and monthly options. The Commission sets minimum requirements, but many operators exceed these with additional customisation. MrQ Bingo offers the most granular controls, allowing limits as low as £5.
Limit increases take effect after 72 hours under current Commission rules. This cooling-off mechanism prevents impulsive raises during losing sessions. Decreases apply immediately, allowing players to tighten controls without delay. The asymmetry between increase and decrease timing exists specifically to protect vulnerable players.
Some operators link deposit limits across their entire product portfolio. Gala, Ladbrokes and Coral, all owned by Entain, apply a single limit across the group’s sites. This prevents players from circumventing limits by switching between sibling brands. Standalone operators like Betway apply limits only within their own platform.
Game Selection and Software Providers
The bingo software market concentrates around a handful of major suppliers. Pragmatic Play, recognised as one of the largest providers globally, supplies bingo platforms to numerous white-label sites including several UK-facing brands. NetEnt and Microgaming focus primarily on slots but their titles populate the game lobbies of every major bingo operator.
Traditional 90-ball and 75-ball games remain the core offering across UK sites. The 90-ball format dominates, with games typically running every few minutes around the clock. Ticket prices range from 1p to £2.50 per game, with jackpots scaling accordingly. The largest network jackpots currently reach £100,000.
Speed bingo variants have grown significantly since 2020. These 30-ball games run every 60-90 seconds, appealing to players seeking faster action. Operators typically allocate these games higher house edges, offsetting the lower ticket prices. The rapid format generates significantly more rounds per hour than traditional games.
Which operators offer the best game variety?
Sky Vegas leads on pure game count with over 800 slot titles alongside their bingo rooms. The operator integrates games from NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play and Hacksaw Gaming, providing exceptional variety. Their bingo offering itself remains more limited, with approximately 20 rooms operating concurrently.
Gala Bingo balances their portfolio differently, offering around 500 slots but maintaining the most extensive bingo schedule in the UK. Their rooms run continuously with dedicated hosts, and the operator invests heavily in original bingo variants unavailable elsewhere. For pure bingo players, Gala offers the deepest experience.
MrQ Bingo, despite operating on white-label software, provides access to over 600 slots from Pragmatic Play and other leading suppliers. Their bingo games come from the supplier’s standard platform, meaning less differentiation in game mechanics but broader slot coverage. The trade-off between bingo depth and slot variety defines the market.
How do progressive jackpots work across networks?
Progressive jackpots in UK bingo pool contributions from multiple operators sharing a common network. The largest network, run by Pragmatic Play, connects over 30 UK sites. Each game contributes approximately 2% of ticket sales to the jackpot pool, which typically starts at £10,000 and grows until won.
Network jackpots differ from site-specific jackpots. Site-specific versions accumulate only from that operator’s games, resulting in smaller but more frequently won prizes. Gala Bingo operates several exclusive jackpots with starting values around £2,000. These pay out more often than their network counterparts.
The odds of winning a network jackpot depend on ticket sales volume. A typical 90-ball game with 10,000 tickets sold offers roughly a 1 in 10,000 chance of winning the jackpot with a single ticket. These odds remain consistent regardless of jackpot size, making larger jackpots objectively better value when they accumulate.
Payment Methods and Transaction Processing
UK bingo sites support a standard range of payment methods, with debit cards and PayPal dominating transaction volumes. The Gambling Commission banned credit card deposits in April 2020, a prohibition that remains in force. All major operators comply, with technical blocks preventing credit card transactions at the payment gateway level.
Processing times vary significantly between deposit and withdrawal methods. Deposits process instantly across all major methods, with funds available for play immediately. Withdrawals follow different timelines depending on the method and the operator’s internal processes. E-wallets offer the fastest route, typically 2-24 hours.
Bank transfers remain the slowest option, taking 3-5 working days. This delay stems from the banking infrastructure rather than operator processing. The operator initiates the transfer within their stated timeframe, after which the banking system handles the remainder. Players prioritising speed should avoid bank transfers.
What are the fastest withdrawal methods in 2026?
PayPal remains the fastest widely-available withdrawal method, with most operators processing PayPal payouts within 2-4 hours. Skrill and Neteller follow closely at 2-6 hours. Trustly instant bank transfers, offered by operators like MrQ and Casumo, complete within minutes but require the recipient’s bank to support the service.
Debit card withdrawals take longer, typically 1-3 working days. The card networks process these as merchant refunds, which introduces additional verification steps. Some operators offer faster card withdrawals through their payment processors, but this varies by site and card issuer.
The Gambling Commission requires operators to process withdrawal requests promptly, with the current guidance suggesting same-day processing for e-wallets. Most major operators exceed this requirement. The practical constraint comes from the payment provider’s own processing times rather than operator policy.
Which operators charge withdrawal fees?
Most UK bingo operators do not charge withdrawal fees, treating them as a standard service. This represents a significant improvement from the early 2010s when fees of £2-£5 per withdrawal were common. Competitive pressure has eliminated most such charges across the market.
Some operators still impose fees for specific methods. Bank transfers may incur charges from the receiving bank rather than the operator. International withdrawals, rare for UK-focused operators, typically attract currency conversion fees. Players should verify fee schedules in the operator’s terms before requesting withdrawals.
MrQ Bingo and Casumo advertise zero-fee withdrawals across all methods. Gala Bingo and Sun Bingo also waive fees but reserve the right to charge for inactive account payouts. The trend toward eliminating withdrawal fees shows no sign of reversing, with operators competing increasingly on payment efficiency.
Mobile Bingo Experience and App Performance
Mobile play now accounts for over 70% of UK online bingo sessions, according to Gambling Commission participation data. This shift has driven operators to prioritise mobile optimisation, with most major brands offering dedicated apps alongside mobile-optimised websites. The quality of these experiences varies considerably.
Native apps generally provide superior performance to browser-based play. They offer push notifications, smoother animations and better battery efficiency. However, they require regular updates and occupy device storage. Browser-based play offers convenience without installation but may compromise on graphics and responsiveness.
The technical demands of bingo differ from slots. Bingo requires persistent server connections for real-time number calls, making connection stability crucial. Players losing connection during a game risk missing numbers, though most operators now implement automatic dab features that mark all numbers regardless of connection status.
Which operators have the best mobile apps?
Gala Bingo’s mobile app consistently receives the highest user ratings among UK bingo operators, currently averaging 4.7 stars on both iOS and Android. The app offers the full range of desktop features, including chat access, which some competitors omit from mobile versions. Push notifications for game starts and promotions work reliably.
Sky Vegas and Heart Bingo follow closely with 4.5-star ratings. Both apps provide stable performance across older devices, a consideration for players not upgrading phones annually. Sun Bingo’s app scores slightly lower at 4.3 stars, with users reporting occasional connection drops during peak evening hours.
MrQ Bingo operates entirely through their mobile-optimised website without a native app. This approach eliminates installation requirements but sacrifices some features. The site performs adequately on modern devices, though older Android models may experience slower load times during complex game sequences.
How does browser-based play compare to native apps?
Browser-based bingo has improved dramatically since 2020, with modern HTML5 implementations matching native app performance on current devices. The primary advantage of browser play is instant access without downloads, enabling play across multiple devices with a single account. This flexibility appeals to players switching between phone, tablet and desktop.
Native apps retain advantages in notification delivery and offline stability. Push notifications from apps arrive reliably, while browser notifications depend on the user keeping the site open. Apps also cache game assets, reducing load times during play. For committed players, the app experience remains superior.
Battery consumption favours browser play, as apps running in the background consume resources even when not actively used. Modern browsers handle background tabs more efficiently. Players concerned about battery life may prefer browser-based sessions, particularly for extended play periods.
Bonuses, Promotions and Wagering Requirements Explained
Welcome bonuses in UK bingo typically match your first deposit by 100-500%, with the percentage varying based on deposit amount. The highest percentage offers usually apply to smaller deposits. Gala Bingo’s current offer provides 400% up to £40, requiring a £10 minimum deposit to qualify for the full bonus.
Wagering requirements determine how many times you must play through bonus funds before withdrawing winnings. Bingo wagering typically ranges from 1x to 4x, significantly lower than slot requirements of 20-40x. This difference reflects the lower house edge in bingo and the slower pace of play.
Bonus terms also specify which games contribute to wagering. Most operators count bingo tickets at 100%, slots at 50-100%, and exclude table games entirely. Some operators now offer no-wagering bonuses, where winnings from bonus funds are immediately withdrawable. MrQ Bingo pioneered this approach in the UK market.
What are the most common bonus terms and conditions?
Standard terms include a minimum deposit threshold, typically £5-£10, to activate the bonus. Time limits for meeting wagering requirements range from 7 to 30 days. Maximum bet limits during bonus play, usually £5 per spin, prevent players from clearing wagering through high-stakes slot play.
Bonus expiry periods vary by operator. Gala Bingo bonuses expire after 30 days, while Sun Bingo allows 60 days. Unused bonus funds are forfeited at expiry. Winnings generated from bonus funds but not meeting wagering requirements are also removed at expiry, making the time limit a critical consideration.
Game restrictions apply universally. Progressive jackpot slots often contribute 0% to wagering due to their high variance. Live casino games typically contribute 10-20%. Bingo games contribute 100% across most operators. Understanding these contribution rates helps players select games that efficiently clear wagering requirements.
How do no-deposit bonuses work at bingo sites?
No-deposit bonuses provide free funds or tickets without requiring a deposit. These offers typically range from £2 to £10 in value, with winnings capped at £50-£100. The low value reflects the operator’s risk, as no-deposit bonuses attract significant numbers of players who never make a subsequent deposit.
Wagering requirements on no-deposit bonuses run higher than deposit bonuses, often 20-30x. The maximum withdrawal from no-deposit bonus winnings rarely exceeds £100. Some operators now offer free spins instead of cash bonuses, with winnings subject to the same withdrawal caps.
The Gambling Commission’s rules on bonus transparency require operators to clearly display all terms. This includes wagering requirements, maximum withdrawal limits and game restrictions. The rules, effective from 2022, have reduced the prevalence of misleading bonus offers across the UK market.
Player Safety, Complaints and Dispute Resolution
The UK gambling regulatory framework provides multiple layers of player protection beyond the initial licensing checks. The Gambling Commission’s enforcement powers include fines, licence suspensions and personal liability for senior executives. In 2024, the Commission issued 14 fines exceeding £1 million each across all gambling sectors.
Player complaints follow a structured escalation path. The first step involves the operator’s internal complaints process, which must respond within 8 weeks under Commission rules. If unresolved, the complaint escalates to the operator’s approved Alternative Dispute Resolution provider. IBAS handles most bingo-related disputes.
IBAS decisions are binding on operators but not on players. If a player rejects an IBAS ruling, they retain the right to pursue civil legal action. The practical reality is that IBAS rulings favour players in approximately 40% of cases, according to the organisation’s published statistics.
How do I escalate a complaint against a bingo operator?
Begin with the operator’s customer support team, documenting all communications and referencing specific dates and amounts. If the operator fails to resolve the issue within 8 weeks, request a deadlock letter confirming the complaint remains unresolved. This letter enables escalation to the ADR provider.
Submit your complaint to the ADR provider with all supporting evidence, including screenshots, transaction records and correspondence. The ADR typically responds within 10 working days and reaches a decision within 90 days. The entire process from initial complaint to ADR resolution typically takes 3-4 months.
The Gambling Commission also accepts complaints about regulatory breaches, distinct from individual disputes. These include unlicensed operation, marketing failures or responsible gambling failures. The Commission investigates such reports but cannot award compensation to individual players. Their role focuses on regulatory enforcement rather than dispute resolution.
What recourse exists for unfair bonus terms?
Bonus terms form part of the contract between player and operator, subject to UK consumer protection law. Terms deemed unfair under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 hold no legal force. The Competition and Markets Authority investigated gambling bonus terms in 2017, leading to significant industry-wide changes.
Common unfair terms identified by the CMA included hidden wagering requirements, restrictive withdrawal conditions and complex eligibility criteria. Following the investigation, operators simplified their terms and improved transparency. The Gambling Commission’s subsequent rules made clear bonus communication mandatory.
Players encountering manifestly unfair terms should document the issue and complain to the operator first. Escalation to the ADR provider follows if the operator refuses to address the concern. The ADR can award compensation up to £10,000 for valid complaints about bonus terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bingo
What is the legal age for online bingo in the UK?
The legal age for all online gambling in the UK, including bingo, is 18 years old. Operators must verify age during registration using government-approved identification databases. The Gambling Commission’s enforcement actions have fined operators for age verification failures, with penalties reaching £1.7 million in recent cases.
Are online bingo winnings taxable in the UK?
Online bingo winnings are not taxable in the UK. Winnings from all forms of gambling, including bingo, slots and casino games, fall outside income tax and capital gains tax. This exemption applies to both professional and recreational players, distinguishing the UK from many other jurisdictions.
How do I verify my identity at a bingo site?
Identity verification typically requires a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, plus proof of address dated within 3 months. Most operators perform electronic verification through databases like Experian or Equifax, completing checks instantly. Manual verification takes 24-72 hours when electronic checks fail.
What happens to my balance if a bingo site closes?
Licensed operators must maintain player funds in segregated accounts, protecting balances in case of insolvency. The Gambling Commission’s guidance requires operators to return player balances within a reasonable timeframe on closure. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not cover gambling deposits.
Can I play bingo on multiple sites simultaneously?
Playing on multiple sites simultaneously remains legal in the UK, though operators may restrict this in their terms. The Gambling Commission permits multi-operator play but encourages players to use deposit limits across all sites. GAMSTOP self-exclusion applies across all participating operators regardless of individual account status.
How do bingo odds compare to other gambling forms?
Bingo house edges range from 10-30% depending on game type and operator. This compares unfavourably to blackjack at 0.5-2% with basic strategy, but favourably to many slot games at 3-10%. The social entertainment value of bingo partially offsets the higher house edge for many players.
Making Your Final Choice: Key Considerations for 2026
Selecting an online bingo site ultimately depends on your priorities across game variety, payout speed, bonus terms and community features. Gala Bingo offers the deepest bingo experience with the most extensive schedule. Sky Vegas provides superior slot variety. MrQ Bingo delivers the fastest withdrawals and simplest bonus structure.
The responsible gambling tools available at each operator deserve equal consideration with game offerings. Deposit limits, reality checks and self-exclusion functionality vary in quality across sites. The Gambling Commission’s regulatory oversight ensures minimum standards everywhere, but some operators exceed these requirements meaningfully.
Before registering anywhere, verify the operator’s licence on the Gambling Commission’s public register. Check their enforcement history for any regulatory breaches. Read the full bonus terms rather than just the headline offer. These verification steps take minutes but prevent most common problems players encounter.
Remember that online bingo should remain entertainment rather than a financial strategy. The house edge ensures operators profit over time, regardless of individual session outcomes. Set your deposit limits before playing, take regular breaks, and treat any winnings as a bonus rather than expected income. This mindset, combined with choosing a properly licensed operator, makes for a sustainable and enjoyable bingo experience in 2026.
Gamble responsibly. The legal gambling age in the UK is 18. If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, contact the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential support available 24/7. You can also register for self-exclusion through GAMSTOP at www.gamstop.co.uk to block access to all UK licensed gambling sites for a period of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.