Facilitating betting in pubs and clubs is illegal
Date: 6 March
2008
Bookmakers, publicans and club officials are being warned by the
Gambling Commission that commercial betting is not allowed in pubs,
clubs or similar licensed premises.
This means, for example, that it is illegal for bookmakers or
their agents to sit in the pub taking bets. It is also illegal for
bookmakers to put their agent in clubs to take bets.
"The Commission is aware there may be some misunderstanding
about what is and is not permitted.
We want to make it clear that commercial betting in pubs and
clubs is illegal gambling and anyone providing these facilities is
breaking the law," said Andrew Lyman, the Commission's Director of
Monitoring and Enforcement.
A leaflet called
Facilitating betting in pubs and clubs is illegal - February
2008 is available on
the Commission's website.
Notes to editors
Gambling Commission
- The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the public
interest. It does so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring
that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting
children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by
gambling. The Commission also provides independent advice to
government on gambling in Britain.
- The Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating all
gambling in Great Britain other than the National Lottery and
spread betting, which are the responsibility of the National
Lottery Commission and the Financial Services Authority (FSA)
respectively.
Further information
For further information please contact the Gambling Commission
Press Office on 0121 230 6700 or email communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.