Gambling - Primary Authority - Inspection plans for gambling are now live

Following on from our news article last year ('Primary Authority') when we reported that the Primary Authority Scheme had been extended to cover under age sales. We can now confirm that the first inspection plans for Gambling are in operation in Milton Keynes and Reading.

The plans which have been developed in conjunction with partners Ladbrokes and Paddy Power respectively, contain national inspection strategies which together will cover a large portion of the betting sector.

In particular there has been concern in the betting industry with regards inconsistent test-purchasing. It is hoped that by working together as well as with the Gambling Commission, Authorities will develop inspection plans which address all concerns and which can be used by the Primary Authorities to assist in the prevention of underage gambling on betting premises.

In order to bring consistency to test purchasing the inspection plans have been designed to be largely uniform. Before carrying out a proactive test-purchase, enforcing officers will have to notify the relevant Primary Authority which will need to be followed up with feedback at the end of the test-purchase operation.