Gambling Commission Consultation on proposed new social responsibility controls

The Gambling Commission has launched a consultation asking for views from the industry and the public on the levels and nature of social responsibility protections that gambling operators must provide. The Consultation which can be viewed here proposes amendments to the Social Responsibility Provisions in the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice.

The proposals include participation in a national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling and the introduction of compulsory third party testing for the majority of operators. It also invites informed public debate on how far to constrain the leisure pursuits of the many to prevent serious harm to the few. The main areas covered by the Consultation are:

• access to gambling by children and young persons;
• information to players on responsible gambling;
• customer interaction;
• gambling management tools;
• self-exclusion;
• local risk assessments;
• information requirements (regulatory returns and the introduction of an Annual Assurance Statement);
• research, education and treatment;
• marketing, advertising and fair and open terms; and
• bingo and gaming machines in pubs and clubs.

All responses should be sent by email to consultation@gamblingcommission.gov.uk by 31 October 2014 using the response form which can be found on the following link

Alternatively, responses can be sent by post to:

Consultation co-ordinator
Gambling Commission
Victoria Square House
Victoria Square
Birmingham B2 4BP

We would strongly recommend that anyone involved in the gambling arena take the time to consider and respond to the document.

If you require assistance in responding, please contact one of our solicitors.