News
Gambling Law changes to be unveiled
19 October 2004
The government's proposals for overhauling the gambling industry are to be published today, Tuesday 19th October 2004.
The Gambling Bill is designed to tighten rules for betting on the internet but other restrictions, such as limits on the number of casinos, will be removed.
There will also be a new Gambling Commission to regulate the industry.
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has insisted the shake-up will be done in a "socially responsible manner".
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More information can be found on the Department of Culture, Media and Sport website
GamCare's View
GamCare welcomes this bill which for the first time will give the government and the gambling commission the power to ensure that the laws prohibiting minors and others gambling illegally will be properly enforced; that gambling via the internet and other new technologies will be properly regulated; that gambling companies will be required to exhibit a high degree of social responsibility; that the public will be properly educated about the dangers of gambling and that expert professional help is freely available to problem gamblers and their families.
GamCare further believes that provided access to the new big prize machines is appropriately limited and regulated, the number of problem and pathological gamblers in the population need not increase.