Freedom of Information Guidance

Request

Could I get a FOI act information document who not just the description and front end look of the site, but who governs the invisible coding for the gambling for the National Lottery Online. How is it randomised, who/what agency can ask about actual randomisation and monitoring of regulations.

Just wondering because the information isn't clear on the site, who decides whether the site is fair?

Response

Thank you for your request which has been processed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

In your email you have requested:

Could I get a FOI act information document who not just the description and front end look of the site, but who governs the invisible coding for the gambling for the National Lottery Online. How is it randomised? Who/what agency can ask about actual randomisation and monitoring of regulations. Just wondering because the information isn't clear on the site, who decides whether the site is fair?

In order for us to progress part one of your request, the Gambling Commission requires further clarification with regards to the information you have requested. The FOIA covers recorded information held by a public authority at the time a request is made and does not require a public authority to create information in order to fulfil a request. Unfortunately, part one of your request is not sufficiently clear to enable us to locate or identify the recorded information you are looking for.

Specifically, where you have requested:

• Who governs the invisible coding for the gambling for the site.
• How it is randomised.

We are unable to determine the information we may or may not hold in relation to these elements of your request and would therefore ask you to clarify the information you are seeking. Your clarified request will represent a new request for information and the new 20 working day time limit will commence from the day after your clarified request is received.

In relation to part two of your request, the Gambling Commission is the regulatory body responsible for regulating the National Lottery, including the company (the operator) which runs the National Lottery. The operator needs to comply with the National Lottery Licence (Third National Lottery Licence). The relevant condition in respect of the provision of information is Condition 7.

Where issues become apparent in terms of potential non-compliance with the National Lottery Licence, the Commission will investigate these in order to ensure that the interests of all players are protected and the Lottery is run with due propriety.

Consumers can raise specific queries or complaints with the operator in the first instance (Complain about the National Lottery (gamblingcommission.gov.uk). If they are unsatisfied with the response they receive, this can then be raised to the Gambling Commission (Complain to us about how the National Lottery is being run (gamblingcommission.gov.uk)).

Review of the decision

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your Freedom of Information request you are entitled to an internal review of our decision. You should write to FOI Team, Gambling Commission, 4th floor, Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B2 4BP or by reply to this email.

Please note, internal review requests should be made within 40 working days of the initial response. Requests made outside this timeframe will not be processed.

If you are not content with the outcome of our review, you may then apply directly to the Information Commissioner (ICO) for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have already exhausted the review procedure provided by the Gambling Commission.

The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office (opens in a new tab), Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Information Management Team
Gambling Commission
Victoria Square House
Victoria Square
Birmingham B2 4BP