Guidance
Guidance to operators for age verification test purchasing (non-remote)
This guidance explains what data we need from you about age verification test purchasing when you hold a non-remote operating licence.
Guidance on recording and submitting age verification test purchasing results data
Non-remote licensees are required to conduct age verification test purchasing and must send us annual returns listing the aggregated results they, or organisations contracted by them, have conducted each quarter.
Returns have previously been submitted using a Microsoft Excel template, this process has been changed for 2025 to 2026 onwards and we now require submissions using the Age Verification Test Purchasing Form (opens in new tab).
Completed returns need to be submitted within 42 days of the end of each UK financial year (that is, by 12 May for the year ending 31 March).
Operators who hold licences for more than one gambling sector (such as, adult gaming centres, betting, bingo, casino and/or family entertainment centres) must submit separate, individual results for each operating licence they hold. The option to add sectors can be found at the end of the form.
We only require operators to submit aggregated data (such as, total volume of tests, by result type), but we expect operators to record more detailed information, such as addresses, time and date of test and, where failures occurred, the results of retests. This additional information must be made available should we, or a local authority, request it.
Operators are uniquely responsible for submitting test purchase results to us. We will not accept submissions by third-party age verification test purchasing suppliers or trade bodies.
We use age verification test purchase data to assure ourselves that age verification test purchasing is being carried out by licensees and to assess the effectiveness of age verification policies and procedures on a licensee, sector, and industry-wide basis.
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Other age verification related reporting requirements
Last updated: 10 March 2026
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