Renewed co-operation between the Gambling Commission and local authorities

Press release

Date: 24 March 2010

Today sees the publication of the updated Concordat, the agreement between the Gambling Commission (the Commission) and licensing authorities which ensures smooth supervision of the gambling industry and with it the protection of the gambling public.

The Concordat is based on a set of principles to help the industry comply with the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act). The key aims are to prevent gambling from being a source of crime and disorder, to ensure that it is fair and open, and above all, to protect children and vulnerable individuals from being exploited or harmed by gambling.

Whilst the Commission is required by the Act to permit gambling so far as it thinks it reasonably consistent with the licensing objectives and to publish guidance regarding licensing authorities exercising their powers, the authorities should aim to permit premises to be used for gambling, provided the required licensing objectives are met.

The Concordat is an agreement between the Commission and licensing authorities, facilitated by the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS). It is intended to establish a common understanding of the responsibilities of the Commission and the licensing authorities as defined by the Act. It is also a response to the Hampton Review of regulation, published last year, which called for improved co-operation between the Commission and licensing authorities in regulating the gambling industry. 

As the Concordat makes clear, it is up to licensing authorities to ensure that gambling premises comply with the Commission’s guidelines and with their own three-year licensing policy. For its part, the Commission will strive to minimise the regulatory burden on the industry and to allow for local authorities’ variations in their approach.

This joint approach to regulation necessitates a mutual appreciation of both parties’ responsibilities and a willingness to work together effectively. A set of protocols detailing how the principles outlined above are to be met will shortly be published.

Gambling is a fast-evolving industry and with this in mind, the Commission will endeavour to notify local authorities of any changes both promptly and regularly.

Ends

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission

  1. 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. 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. 3. Further detail on the Commission’s guidance to local authorities on issues of licensing can be found on the Commission's website.  
  4. 4. Concordat agreement for working with licensing authorities.  

Further information

  1. You can call John Travers on (0121) 230 6700, (07852) 124624 or email him via communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.