Set up a site

[frissing]

Hi everybody,

I just joined to the site today, so I am really "freshman" here, and in making affiliate website, too. But, I have read lots about this topic. I would like to share my idea with you (mean: the forum) and ask for your help.

I would like to set up a webpage where I would advertise gaming sites (as affiliates) and give betting tips.


The tips would be free for everybody and I would set up a VIP group where the members could buy subscriptions. But, the main source of my income would be the advertising. I did not set up my company yet because I do not know in which country shall I do. I read about the gambling laws in the UK but I would not pay so much (or nothing) for the licensing. As I read if I would set up a company in Britain, I would have to pay for the licenses (because of giving tips). And, if my website would aim the UK residents.


I am a UK resident and I live in Northern Ireland. The gambling laws say nothing about online advertising and gambling here (Northern Ireland). The last act was made in 1985 that says about advertising broadcast and in newspapers but not mentioned online advertising. So, as I see it is not allowed and not prohibited. Am I right? Or shall I set up my company in Ireland if I would like to pay firstly less?


Which country could you advise me? The main thing is that the first steps (set up the company, licenses) should be not so expensive and must be legal anyway.


All in all, I would need your advise in the above. My consumers could be from anywhere, the website would say that everybody have to know their country's law and use the site for their own responsibility.

Thank you for your help!

[Doolally]

Hi.

You don't need to setup a company straight away. If you're new to affiliate marketing and websites then probably a good way to test the water would be on your own, outwith any formal company. You would register any profits and losses personally through your self assessment form.

If things work out well for you and you start making a reasonable income, you could then look at forming a formal company which may give additional tax advantages and allow you to employ others, etc.

As far as I'm aware, you don't need any licensing for what you're doing so long as you stay within the standards laid down for gambling by the Advertising Standards Agency.

[frissing]

Hi Doolally,

Firstly, thanks for your answer!

Probably, it's a good idea to test myself as self-employed. I just have to ask my accountant if could I use a nominal address? Because as I mentioned, I'd give tips, too. I don't want any annoyance if I would give a bad prediction... You know, I'm sure I will not able to give 100% tips all the time...

Can I have one more question? Are you sure that I don't need a licence if I would give tips on the site?

[Moltez]

Have a look at the standards laid down for gambling by the Advertising Standards Agency. If you do it right, you don't need a license!

[DanHorvat]

You sure as hell don't need a licence.

[baldidiot]

You know, I'm sure I will not able to give 100% tips all the time...

Can I have one more question? Are you sure that I don't need a licence if I would give tips on the site?

You don't need a license. Only if you're actually facilitating the bets. See below from the gambling commission:

3.9 The Commission has adopted a common sense approach to the question of what constitutes ‘facilitating’ the making or acceptance of bets between others. For example, the Commission does not consider that merely placing advertisements about where to place bets or providing tips in a newspaper is sufficient to fall within the definition. In contrast, the offer of tipster services, whereby the tipster places bets on behalf of third parties in return for payment or commission would, in the Commission’s view, fall within the definition in section 13 of the Act

I just have to ask my accountant if could I use a nominal address? Because as I mentioned, I'd give tips, too. I don't want any annoyance if I would give a bad prediction...

I agree in not using your home address, but mainly to stop spam and marketing crap being sent to you rather than angry punters.

This service would set you back a whopping £15 a year and should cover most of your needs: https://www.scanmypost.co.uk/

Don't forget about your phone too - within hours of registering a domain we often start receiving web design spam calls to our number. I'd recommend either getting a VOIP with a landline number (such as skype) or, as a cheaper option, pick a pay as you go sim - ideally one where the credit doesn't expire.

We have an O2 one that I bought about 6 years ago that still has £7 of the initial £10 credit on it. Frickin' bargain.

Just make a call every 3 months so it doesn't deactivate.

[frissing]

Tanks again for your useful answers! Good news!!!
As I see, I have to learn lots, but I am ready to learning! I can do that from this site, too.
This is a great portal with great members!
I will back to have a review of my site. Hopefully soon!