UK Gambling Regulation

Gambling is one of the biggest industries in UK, and for this instance, the government systematized the UK gambling regulation. Only two types of gambling and betting are allowed under the bill, the private or non-commercial gaming and non-commercial betting. The Gambling Commission, which is formed under the bill, is the new regulator and in charge of releasing licenses to gambling establishments. The said commission issues license if the applicant assures that there are no links between crime and gambling. They also take into consideration if the conducted gambling is fair and open.

Just like any other bill passed by some other states and countries, the commission also demands for the protection of vulnerable people and the children from any harm or manipulative systems. They also prohibit minors to be associated with any form of gambling activity. Not only has the regulation affected the providers, but the gamblers as well. For instance, where a person under 16 years of age engages himself to any kind of gambling, he will be committing an offense & thus subject to minor punishments.

In all cases, any form of gambling that is not allowed would be illegitimate and will be subjected to certain punishments. Gambling is permitted to operate if the provider has a license, registration, permit, or at least an exception. Another thing that will violate the UK gambling regulation is if the facilities used have no appropriate permission, then it would be considered as an offense, thus subject to be sentenced accordingly. Each offense may end up to six months of imprisonment, otherwise damages or fines will be applied.

Most casinos in the UK are now allowing people to immediately start playing casino games. Nevertheless, private casinos require a membership to be able to engage in their provided gambling activities. Luckily, people can now avoid the hassle of being forbidden within some establishments. This is because of the new law that requires no membership processes. As a substitute, all private casinos in the UK simply require to list the name and the birth date, together with a photo being taken straight away by the management itself. If the traditional process requires people to present their IDs or passports then, now it is no longer required. However, this is not automatically applicable to those who happen to look younger than 18 years of age, which is strictly prohibited.

The three mostly played form of gambling is the lotto, bingo and the slots. The Act 1960 about gaming and betting allowed Bingo halls as long as it is established as a members-only club. They are permitted to get proceeds only from their usual charges and membership fees and not from entry fees. The UK gambling regulation applies the same concept to casinos. Casinos are required to have an issued license by the Gambling Commission so they will be addressed as a legitimate form of gambling establishment. It must also be a member-only club like bingo. Only 10 gaming machines are allowed to operate.

On the previous research of the UK government pertaining to gambling, the number of problem gamblers is frequently increasing. It involves gambling addiction issues, which happen to be a major concern of the UK government.