Confidential telephone line

Press release

Date: 16 March 2010

The Gambling Commission (the Commission) is exploring the feasibility of a confidential telephone line for gathering intelligence on matters relating to gambling regulation. The line is expected to be a route for intelligence relating to all aspects of illegal gambling. We also expect it to be of particular relevance to the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU), which the Commission is in the process of establishing.

The line, which we will run as a 12 month pilot, will be operated according to nationally recognised guidelines and reflect best practice in the intelligence and law enforcement community. It will be open to anyone with relevant intelligence to offer, including those running businesses and working in the gambling industry. 

The line will not replace the Commission's contact centre, which will continue to provide advice to operators and others in the usual way. At present, the Commission receives confidential intelligence through a number of sources including the contact centre and compliance managers nationwide.

Before making the line fully operational, the Commission is working with Trade Associations, Sports Governing Bodies and others to ensure the line is focused appropriately on effectively keeping gambling fair and safe for all.

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.

Further information

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