UK Gambling Bill Just Passes Second Reading

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

04 November 2004

The UK's controversial new Gambling Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons by an unexpectedly tight 286 to 212 vote margin.

In terms of liberalising measures contained in the legislation, which observers predict could be in place by summer 2005, the requirement for registration 24 hours prior to attendance at a casino will be abolished, the "permitted areas" rule governing where casinos can be built will be removed, and gambling establishments will be permitted to advertise in a limited way. Casinos above a certain size will also be permitted to offer unlimited jackpots.

However, the Gambling Bill also contains increased protections and restrictions, including tighter regulation of internet betting exchanges (in terms of obligations to verify the age of their customers), the introduction of criminal charges for those who invite, permit or cause a child to gamble, the introduction of new powers to allow local authorities to limit the number of casinos granted licences in their area, and the creation of a research trust funded by the industry into the causes and treatments of problem gambling.

The Bill also enables the creation of the Gambling Commission, which will regulate the newly liberalised industry.

Although there have been several embarrassments for the government since the Bill was first introduced last month, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell still professed surprise at the "level of fury" that the legislation had prompted in the House and amongst the general public.

Critics have suggested that the creation of 'super casinos' is likely to fuel an increase in problem gambling in the UK, and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) recently condemned proposals to increase the level of transactions at which gamblers must produce identification, arguing that such a move is likely to attract money launderers.

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