WIREDGOV

The Gambling Commission (the Commission) yesterday published a set of documents, which restate the principles that guide its regulatory approach.

The documents, which include the Commission’s Statement of principles for licensing and regulation, have been revised to take account of the Commission’s experience since the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act) came fully into force in September 2007. 

The Commission’s Chief Executive Jenny Williams said:  

“These documents set out our risk based approach to regulating the gambling industry.  With the benefit of two years’ experience we are restating the principles that underpin this approach.  

“Our intention is to clarify, and where possible simplify, the documentation - but the principles already established remain largely the same.”

A full public consultation took place over the summer. Amongst other things the documents emphasise the Commission’s pursuit of the Hampton and Macrory principles in promotion of the licensing objectives.  For example, our approach has regard to the impact of regulation on different types and sizes of licence holder and our compliance work focuses on preventative activity rather than regulatory action by communicating with licence holders and keeping them informed of our requirements.

Ends

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission

1. 1. The Gambling Commission (the Commission) regulates gambling in the public interest. It does so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The Commission also provides independent advice to government on gambling in Britain.
2. 2. The Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating all gambling in Great Britain other than the National Lottery and spread betting, which are the responsibility of the National Lottery Commission and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) respectively.
3. 3. The Commission is required to prepare, publish, and keep under review, a statement that sets out the principles which will govern the exercise of its functions, and, in particular, explains how those principles will assist the Commission in its pursuit of the licensing objectives.
4. 4. There are four documents: a revised Statement of principles for licensing and regulation, a revised Licensing, compliance and enforcement policy statement, a revised Statement of principles for determining financial penalties and a new document entitled Licensing and regulatory decisions: procedures and guidance. The documents replace the previous versions published in 2007. The four documents are available under policies and procedures.

Further information

1. Further information is available from the Commission's website at:  www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
2. You can also call John Travers on (0121) 230 6700, (07852) 124624 or email him via j.travers@gamblingcommission.gov.uk