Statement of Principles Draws Responses

Among the issues that have received the most responses are the Commission's proposed measures to prevent the vulnerable and the under-age from gambling online. Other subjects that have received public attention are the issues of fairness and security, and the relationship between gambling and illegal elements.

The Statement of Principles is the first document to be launched by the Commission as part of the process toward regulating the industry. Future proposals outlining licensing conditions and codes of conduct for the online casino industry are expected later in the year. Gambling Commission Chairman Peter Dean has stated that the Commission has gladly accepted feedback on the Statement of Principles from the public, as well as from operators of online casinos, consumer protection groups and social and religious organizations. Responses to the document were invited via post or through the Gambling Commission's website.

The Gambling Act 2005, which will fully license and regulate gambling sites in Britain, will be fully implemented by September 2007. It is regarded as a major breakthrough by fans and operators of online casinos, many of whom hope that the UK government's decision to accept gaming will have a persuasive effect on the U.S. government.