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The Gambling Commission
Last updated: 14 September 2007 12:00 UKThe Act introduces a new regulator for gambling, the Gambling Commission (“the Commission”) and introduces a new licensing regime for commercial gambling. The new regime will be conducted by the Commission or by local licensing authorities depending on the matter to be licensed.
The Act removes from licensing justices all responsibility for granting gaming and betting permissions. Instead, the Commission and licensing authorities will share between them responsibility for all those matters previously regulated by licensing justices.
Gambling in the form of spread betting and the National Lottery will not be covered under the new Act as they will continue to be regulated under existing provisions.
The Commission has taken over from the Gaming Board for Great Britain. In addition to taking over responsibility for the Board’s current remit of regulating gaming and certain lotteries, the Commission will take on responsibility for regulating betting. The Commission will be responsible for granting operating and personal licences for commercial gambling operators and personnel working in the industry. It will also regulate certain lottery managers and promoters. The Act sets out different types of operating licence that cover the full spectrum of commercial gambling activities conducted in Great Britain. The Act also makes provision for the Commission to have powers of entry and inspection to regulate gambling, with safeguards for those who will be subject to the powers.
The Act also establishes a Gambling Appeals Tribunal to hear appeals from decisions made by the Commission.
