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Online bookies face tighter UK regulation
... unless they nip off to Bermuda, Gibraltar, Macau...

By Will Sturgeon

Published: Friday 10 March 2006

Online betting exchanges, bookies and casinos look set to face tighter controls with the Gambling Commission today publishing new guidelines to regulate the industry.

The Commission has said it will not hesitate to use the full force of its powers - such as fining or even removing licences - to bring to book businesses that breach its rules.

Among the measures suggested is the introduction of systems that would inform punters how much time and money they have spent on the website. They are also being encouraged to design sites to promote regular breaks in play.

Peter Dean, chairman of the Gambling Commission, said UK businesses involved in all areas of gaming must do more to promote responsible gambling.

He said: "Our new rules are all designed to keep crime out of gambling, to make sure it is fair and open, and to protect children and vulnerable people. Combating problem gambling is particularly important to us.

"This is the first time the Commission has had the power to do something about it, and we intend to use that power to maximum effect. We've drawn from international experience to make sure that standards of social responsibility amongst gambling operators will be the highest in the world."

Dean added in a statement: "We will monitor all British gambling operators to make sure they comply with our rules. We have the power to fine or revoke the licences of those who fail to do so, and to prosecute illegal gambling. We won't hesitate to use these powers if need be."

Other measures will see companies forced to train staff to recognise patterns consistent with problem gambling, bring in stricter measures to control underage gambling and will require all key staff to be licensed by the Commission.

However, with many of the best known UK-operating online casinos and gaming companies based offshore, the remit of the Commission is far from extensive and it's likely to face criticism over the relevance of such regulation.