DCMS launches review of gambling legislation

“The Culture Secretary has launched a wide ranging review of the current gambling legislation to consider online stake and spend limits, advertising and marketing rules and the powers of the Gambling Commission.

Proposed changes are to ensure that customer protection is at the heart of any regulation, whilst permitting individuals to gamble safely.

The review will consider the actions that customers may take where they feel that operators have breached social responsibility requirements and ensure that children and young people are kept safe from gambling related harm.

The Government has recognised the need to balance the enjoyment people get from gambling with the correct regulatory framework and statutory protections.

The review will also consider the Gambling Commission’s powers and available resources to ensure that it keeps pace with the licensed sector and continues to tackle the black market.

As part of current proposals, the age restriction on participation in the National Lottery is to be raised from 16 to 18 with changes to be brought into effect by October 2021 at the latest.

The current call for evidence will run for 16 weeks and will close on 31st March 2021 and full details can be found here.”

For further information on this legal news or any other gambling licensing issue, contact solicitor Richard Bradley 0115 953 8500.