The Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act is expected to come into force on 1 October 2014. Offshore gambling operators – currently regulated overseas but transacting with consumers in Britain – wishing to continue to provide services in Britain beyond this date have until 16 September to make an application and pay a fee to ensure their business is not impacted. Licence applications must be made through the Commission’s website.
The Act will ensure that all remote gambling operators offering services to consumers in Britain are subject to consistent regulation and will bring the 85% of the remote gambling market in Britain currently regulated overseas within the Commission’s remit. This means that the Commission will be better placed to protect players and to respond to and advise the government on emerging player protection and consumer risks and issues.
If an application – made by an operator currently legally transacting with consumers in Britain – has not been determined by commencement of the Act, the applicant will be issued with a continuation licence to enable them to continue to trade until completion of the application process.
Further information on the changes is available here and by signing up to our blog.