Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe last week announced proposals to bring in new licence requirements for overseas-based online gambling firms who want to have a customer base in Britain. The plans, which will be subject to a consultation period, would mean that online operators currently licensed outside Britain will have to apply for a licence from the Gambling Commission if they want to advertise or provide their gambling services to British consumers.

Mr Sutcliffe said, “Online gambling has changed significantly in recent years with many European countries taking new approaches to regulation. It would be wrong of us to stand still where things are changing around us - especially where the protection of British consumers may be at stake. The new system outlined today will also ensure that all businesses offering online gambling to our consumers adhere to our rules – not someone else’s.”

Under the plans, all online gambling firms active in the British market will have an obligation to share information about suspicious betting patterns with the UK’s sports governing bodies as well as the Gambling Commission. They will also have to comply with British licence requirements including the protection of children and vulnerable people, and will have to demonstrate how they will contribute to the research, education and treatment of problem gambling in Britain.

Commenting that the Gambling Act is already one of the best regulatory frameworks in the world and that the changes will ensure that it sets the standard for all online gambling companies that target British consumers, Mr Sutcliffe added, “This is also about making sure overseas firms contribute their fair share towards regulatory costs and vital services like problem gambling treatment. In terms of the Horserace Betting Levy, I remain firmly of the view that all operators taking bets on British races should pay their fair share. There is more to do but I am committed to making sure this happens.” (E-01.11.10)

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