Just two days before the Gambling Act 2005 comes into force on 1 September, the Gambling Commission has published a Joint Compliance and Enforcement Statement. Under the Act the Gambling Commission and local licensing authorities will jointly administer the new regime that provides more powers and protections for both existing and new forms of gambling. The Joint Statement is signed by the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LARCORS), the Gambling Commission and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Tomorrow all existing gambling licences will cease, irrespective of the dates of expiry. Action against any premises that do not have a new licence in place will be decided on a case-by-case basis, the three enforcement bodies having realised that a blanket approach is not appropriate as some failure to comply could be outside the control of the operators concerned. LACORS, the Commission and ACPO will encourage a proportionate and risk-assessed targeted approach towards compliance and enforcement.

Licensing authorities will generally lead on matters relating to individual premises. The Gambling Commission will generally lead on matters relating to businesses with a national or regional presence. ACPO will support local authorities and the Commission in achieving the delivery of a properly regulated and licensed gambling industry. Local flexibility will be key when making decisions in respect of compliance and enforcement, but the priorities for action will depend on the extent to which the licensing objectives are threatened.

The three licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005 are preventing gambling from becoming a source of crime and disorder; ensuring that gambling is fair and open; and protecting children and vulnerable people from being exploited or harmed by gambling. The new laws aim to make gambling more socially responsible and all operators must abide by the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice published by the Commission in June after extensive consultation.

From tomorrow the Gambling Commission will regulate all gambling except the National Lottery and spread betting, which will remain the responsibility of the National Lottery Commission and the Financial Services Authority respectively. Later in September the Commission is due to publish the British Gambling Prevalence Study 2006. (E-08.31.07)

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