Some of the changes in British law that are part of the Gambling Act 2005 will take effect Saturday, including the formal launch of the Gambling Commission.
Taking over the authority and responsibilities that previously belonged to the Gaming Board, the Gaming Commission will regulate casinos, bingo, gaming machines, lotteries, betting and all forms of remote gambling. The self-stated core objectives of the commission are to keep crime out, to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and properly and to protect children and vulnerable people. To that end, the commission will have the legal power to levy fines or revoke licenses and to investigate and prosecute illegal gambling. Other new powers granted to the commission but previously unavailable to the Gaming Board are the ability to investigate cheating and prosecute cheaters, the ability to enforce gambling debts and the authority to regulate betting.
The fully independent body will operate at arm's length from the government and receive funding primarily through income generated by license fees.
One of the commission's first tasks will be to ensure that new licenses and codes of practice issued under the Gambling Act meet the interests of the public and the industry.
The commission will also soon launch a major national study of the prevalence and social impact of gambling in Britain.
Other changes under the Gambling Act taking effect Saturday include the abolition of a rule requiring casino patrons to wait at least 24 hours after registration before they may gamble and increasing the number of jackpot machines allowed to 20.
Further provisions of the new Gambling Act will continue to be implemented in stages until it comes fully into force in September 2007. Licensing structures for remote gambling operations will be finalized during one of the later stages.