British policymakers on Thursday unveiled new sections of England's proposed Gambling Bill, although none of the new measures pertain directly to interactive gambling.
The new subsections are intended to solidify the main bill, which was proposed in November 2003. The overall bill calls for the overhauling and liberalizing of nearly all aspects of the gambling industry in England. It would also establish a central Gambling Commission to handle all regulatory issues.
Yesterday's updates include language on "remote" gambling, which the government includes as Internet, phone, wireless or other wagering conducted away from a gambling facility, but for the most part pertain to overall regulatory issues.
One of the main changes is the repeal of a 294-year-old law that prevents gambling debts from being enforced. Additional measures include the empowerment of the new commission to void unfair bets, new arrangements for gambling in pubs and clubs and a revised offense of cheating.
Under the new proposals, pubs would be allowed two fruit machines each with more available under a license. Pubs and clubs that run bingo games worth £1,000 a week or more would have to obtain a license from the Gambling Commission.
The unfair betting measure, meanwhile, would enable the commission to freeze and investigate suspicious bets. If unfair practices are found, the bet could be declared void.
"The draft Bill shows that the only dead cert for people looking to cheat is that the Gambling Commission are ready, and will be on their case," Gambling Minister Andrew McIntosh explained.
McIntosh acknowledged that the land-based gaming industry in the United Kingdom will become more in line with that of Las Vegas style casinos and that remote wagering will be part of the landscape, but also stressed that importance of maintaining a high level of standards.
"This is another step forward in the journey toward the much needed modernization of gambling laws in the U.K.," McIntosh said. "We have made it clear from the start that we won't put the integrity of gambling at stake."
The bill is being scrutinized by a parliamentary joint committee. The committee's weekly hearings are schedule to run through much of the winter with a full report due back to the government on April 8.
The committee's report will then be considered, and the Gambling Bill will be tweaked before it is sent to the full Parliament for consideration.
Documents:
New Clauses
The Newly Updated Bill