Gambling Commission

The independent gambling regulator of all commercial gambling in Great Britain, the Gambling Commission was established by the Gambling Act 2005 with a clear remit to permit gambling as long as the gambling is consistent with the three licensing objectives of: keeping crime out of gambling, keeping gambling fair and open and protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited.

The Commission has licensed more than 3,500 operators based in Great Britain and has powers to prosecute those providing illegal gambling. It does not regulate spread betting or the National Lottery which are regulated by the Financial Services Authority and the National Lottery Commission respectively.

The UK Gambling Commission

The Gambling Act of 2005 in the United Kingdom serves to regulate commercial gambling throughout Great Britain. When this Act came into full effect on the 1st September 2007, all provisions thereof were effected. The UK Gambling Commission acts as the consumer watchdog of all things gambling related. As an independent entity, the UK Gambling Commission is a non-departmental public body. It falls under the wing of the Dept. for Culture, Media and Sport.

The Structure of the UK Gambling Commission

A pool of some 200+ employees ensures the smooth functioning of myriad activities in this organization. The Commission receives funding from the licensing fees of its operators. Among others the UK Gambling Commission regulates the following commercial gaming activities:

• External lottery managers and lottery operators
• Gambling software providers and developers
• Bingo parlours and online bingo rooms
• UK-based remote gambling operations
• Casino and affiliates
• Betting houses
• Arcades

While the undertakings of the UK Gambling Commission are widespread, they do not however regulate the following activities:

• The National Lottery - this falls under the wing of the National Lottery Commission
• Spread Betting - this is covered by the FSA (Financial Services Authority)

The UK Gambling Commission is entrusted with the task of keeping gambling on the level. Thus all criminal-related activities are strictly monitored and prohibited. Furthermore, it is important that there is full accountability, transparency and regulation of the UK online gambling industry. As a responsible gaming guarantor, the Commission works hard to prevent underage gambling from taking place. But by far the most significant work function of the UK Gambling Commission is the licensing and registration of new operators.

Qualifying for Licensing

A stringent set of criteria needs to be adhered to in order to fulfill the requirements of the Gambling Act of 2005. It's not only organizations which are issued official licenses; it's also individuals who are providing gambling amenities to the public. The interests of the general public are always considered when approvals or denials of gambling licenses are considered. Naturally 100% compliance with rules and regulations is paramount. In this vein, the UK Gambling Commission works as the consumer watchdog on all aspects of gambling activity. Policy matters, legal aspects and community welfare top the list of priorities under consideration.

The Capacity to Act

Should the UK Gambling Commission uncover irregularities or anomalies in the functioning of gaming activity, it is empowered to act. Punitive measures such as suspensions, license revocations and the imposition of unlimited fines are but some of the actions that are possible. Prosecution of illegal gambling activities is possible under the provisions of the Gambling Act of 2005. This includes, but is not limited to, initiation of criminal proceedings. Other duties of the UK Gambling Commission include advising various tiers of government on gambling regulation, gambling effects, gambling channels and gambling incidence.