Gambling Commission sets out improved regulatory approach
Press release
Date: 8 October
2009
The Gambling Commission (the Commission) has today published a
set of documents, which restate the principles that guide its
regulatory approach.
The documents, which include the Commission’s
Statement of principles for licensing and regulation, have been
revised to take account of the Commission’s experience since the
Gambling Act 2005 (the Act) came fully into force in September
2007.
The Commission’s Chief Executive Jenny
Williams said:
“These documents set out our risk based
approach to regulating the gambling industry. With the
benefit of two years’ experience we are restating the principles
that underpin this approach.
“Our intention is to clarify, and where
possible simplify, the documentation - but the principles already
established remain largely the same.”
A full public consultation took place over the
summer. Amongst other things the documents emphasise the
Commission’s pursuit of the Hampton and Macrory principles in
promotion of the licensing objectives. For example, our
approach has regard to the impact of regulation on different types
and sizes of licence holder and our compliance work focuses on
preventative activity rather than regulatory action by
communicating with licence holders and keeping them informed of our
requirements.
Ends
Notes to editors
The Gambling Commission
- 1. The Gambling Commission (the 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.
- 2. 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.
- 3. The Commission is required to prepare, publish, and keep
under review, a statement that sets out the principles which will
govern the exercise of its functions, and, in particular, explains
how those principles will assist the Commission in its pursuit of
the licensing objectives.
- 4. There are four documents: a revised Statement of principles
for licensing and regulation, a revised Licensing, compliance and
enforcement policy statement, a revised Statement of principles for
determining financial penalties and a new document entitled
Licensing and regulatory decisions: procedures and guidance. The
documents replace the previous versions published in 2007. The four
documents are available under policies and
procedures.
Further information
- Further information is available from the Commission's website
at: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
- You can also call John Travers on (0121) 230 6700, (07852)
124624 or email him via j.travers@gamblingcommission.gov.uk