Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Bill receives Royal Assent

Further to our previous news on this matter we can confirm the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Bill received Royal Assent on 14 May 2014 and has now become an Act. Subject to Parliamentary procedure, it is expected that the Act will come into force as soon as is reasonably practicable, albeit on current indications, this will not be earlier than 1 September 2014.

The Act has amended the 2005 Gambling Act to provide greater protection measures for users of remote gambling services in Great Britain, including online bingo, casino websites and telephone betting.

It will requires gambling operators that transact with or advertise to British consumers to obtain a licence.  There will also be a requirement to hold a licence if remote gambling equipment in GB is retained.  Further, those that advertise remote gambling to British consumers through a British-facing business will require a remote operating licence from the Gambling Commission.

The Gambling Commission has updated its frequently asked questions about the Act which can be found clicking here.