Gambling Commission confirms new enforcement strategy

The Gambling Commission has announced the implementation of its new enforcement strategy following its consultation: Changes to our enforcement strategy: Putting the consumer first.

The Commission’s response to the consultation can be found here and key changes include:

• Changes to the Commission’s statement on financial penalties including introducing higher penalties for breaches, particularly where it sees systemic and repeated failings;
• Putting all regulatory tools, including licence review (both of the operator and personal management licences), on an equal footing by removing the current bias in favour of settlement*; and
• Using time-limited discounts to create better incentives for early settlement.

*Regulatory settlements have been used historically as a resolution between the Gambling Commission and operators in cases where concerns have been raised.  Such settlements allow a positive course of action to be taken without the requirement for the Commission to use its regulatory powers and impose sanctions following licence review.

Sarah Harrison, Commission Chief Executive is quoted as stating that “The industry can be assured that we will use our powers in a targeted way, and consumers and the public can be assured we will take robust and effective action when gambling companies don’t meet their obligations.”

For further information on this issue or any other legal related gambling issues contact solicitor Richard Bradley 0115 953 8500.