Licensed operators make their point at open events

Press release

Date: 4 March 2010

The Gambling Commission’s nationwide series of open events are proving an effective platform for meeting and discussing issues with groups of smaller licensed operators.

In total to date, more than 200 smaller gambling businesses have attended the first five of the 15 events, in Bolton, Lancaster, Cardiff, Chester and Plymouth. Arcade operators, off-course bookmakers, on course bookmakers and gaming machine suppliers have attended the events. 

The main feature of each day has been an open forum with senior figures at the Commission. Operators have been able to make clear their concerns about the industry and the Commission has clarified its approach to issues such as self-exclusion and test purchasing.

There has been a frank exchange of views at each event and despite the difficult economic times in the industry the majority of operators have backed the events. To date, over 70% of those who attended rated the overall day as good or excellent overall.

The Commission’s Chief Executive Jenny Williams, who attended the events in Cardiff and Chester, said: “This has been an invaluable opportunity to listen to the industry’s concerns about the impact of the Gambling Act 2005 and to explain our approach.

“We look forward to meeting more operators and hearing what they have to say in the next three months.”

Still to come are towns and cities as diverse as Weymouth (next event on Monday 22 March), Louth, Rotherham and Dunblane. Operators can find out more or book a place by calling (0121) 230 6666 or registering at:

www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/openevents

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.