UK Government Publishes Draft Bill Relaxing Gambling Laws

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

24 November 2003

The UK government on Wednesday unveiled the major proposals contained within its new draft Gambling Bill, which is designed to liberalise and update the industry.

Speaking at the Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL) annual conference, Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell explained that:

"Our gambling laws date back to the 1960s. Since then attitudes to gambling have changed and the law has failed to keep pace with rapid technological change.

Proposals contained within the bill include:

• The creation of a new Gambling Commission to supervise the industry;
• Stringent suitability tests for commercial gambling operators;
• Strict controls on access by children to areas in which gambling takes place;
• The creation of an industry-funded gambling trust to support problem gambling prevention and treatment
• Strict licence conditions on gambling operators to ensure that they act in a socially responsible way.

In addition to these additional protections, deregulatory proposals contained within the draft bill include the introduction of online gambling, and the relaxation of advertising restrictions.

Speaking following the release of the draft legislation, Minister for Gambling, Andrew McIntosh observed that:

"The Bill removes unnecessary restrictions on the ability of businesses to meet consumers' wishes. It recognises that adults need to be treated as such and trusted to make informed decisions about their free time." He continued:

"The proposed changes will move gambling conclusively into the mainstream of the leisure industry - one that is demonstrably well regulated and socially responsible. Reform will create new jobs and generate significant inward investment, boosting tourism and regeneration programmes in key areas."

The Culture Secretary is expected to publish further proposals in early 2004, with the full Gambling Bill to go before Parliament in April.

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