Publication date: 05.02.2026
Serhiy Filonenko is a Legal Counsel with experience in supporting businesses in the UK and international jurisdictions. I specialize in opening and structuring companies, tax planning, commercial contracts, GDPR compliance and regulatory support for the gaming business. My key advantage is a personal approach and working not as an external consultant, but as part of the client's team. I provide open communication, detailed explanations of each legal step and support from the first consultation to the full implementation of the project.
In 2026, an international gaming company with Ukrainian founders approached me, attorney Serhii Filonenko, seeking legal assistance with regulatory compliance and licensing requirements for expanding into the United Kingdom market. The client planned to launch online gaming services targeting UK and European customers, but faced significant legal barriers related to UK Gambling Commission regulations, corporate structuring, and the preparation of licensing documentation. Without proper compliance measures, the business risked rejection of its application, financial penalties, and delays in market entry.
Client's core challenges:
— Lack of a clear strategy for UK gaming regulatory compliance;
— Unprepared documentation for Gambling Commission licensing;
— Corporate structuring issues for international gaming operations;
— High risks of enforcement actions and penalties for non-compliance;
— Need for robust AML and responsible gaming policies;
— Uncertainty about overseas company registration for global expansion.
Strategic Approach to Gaming Regulatory Compliance
My first step was to conduct a full regulatory review of the client’s gaming business model, operational structure, and planned UK-facing services. This analysis identified critical gaps in compliance frameworks, licensing preparation, and internal policies required under UK Gambling Commission standards. The client needed a comprehensive roadmap to ensure regulatory approval and sustainable long-term operations.
I developed a tailored compliance and licensing strategy focusing on the following pillars:
- Structuring the UK business entity to meet Gambling Commission expectations.
- Preparing and drafting a complete gaming licence application package.
- Developing AML, KYC, and responsible gaming compliance policies.
- Advising on overseas company registration to support international operations.
- Drafting commercial agreements with software providers and payment partners.
- Establishing ongoing regulatory reporting and compliance monitoring systems.
Implemented Solutions and Legal Measures
During the implementation phase, I provided full legal and regulatory support for the company’s entry into the UK gaming market. This included both licensing preparation and operational compliance structuring.
- Drafting and submitting the UK Gambling Commission licence application with supporting evidence.
- Developing internal compliance manuals covering AML, KYC, and player protection requirements.
- Structuring contracts with payment processors and gaming software suppliers.
- Advising on cross-border tax and corporate structuring for gaming revenues.
- Supporting the registration of additional overseas entities for global scalability.
- Providing ongoing legal counsel to ensure long-term regulatory adherence.
Results and Benefits Realized
- Successfully prepared a full UK gaming licence application meeting all regulatory standards.
- Implemented robust AML and responsible gaming compliance frameworks.
- Reduced regulatory risks and strengthened operational stability in the UK market.
- Improved investor and partner confidence through legally sound documentation.
- Enabled the client to expand internationally with a scalable corporate structure.
- Established long-term compliance systems to prevent penalties and enforcement actions.
Client review
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question
Why is UK Gambling Commission licensing so important for gaming businesses?
Answer
Licensing is mandatory for any gaming operator targeting UK customers. Without it, companies face enforcement actions, financial penalties, and reputational damage, making compliance essential for legal market entry.
Question
What policies are required for gaming licence applications?
Answer
Operators must implement AML and KYC procedures, responsible gaming frameworks, player protection measures, and clear reporting structures to satisfy Gambling Commission standards.
Question
Can gaming companies operate internationally while being UK-compliant?
Answer
Yes, with the correct corporate structuring and regulatory planning, gaming companies can scale globally while maintaining UK compliance and minimizing cross-border legal risks.
Through a comprehensive regulatory strategy, the client successfully built a strong foundation for entering the UK gaming market, ensuring full compliance with Gambling Commission requirements and preparing for long-term international growth.
This case highlights the critical role of specialized legal counsel in navigating gaming regulation, licensing, and compliance frameworks in 2026 and beyond.
