Commission to regulate Britain's 'modern' casinos

A Gambling Commission will regulate the industry and have the power to fine operators, under plans announced today.

The government's modernisation of Britain's gambling laws will also include tougher controls on gaming machines with high prizes and new powers for councils to stop casinos opening in their areas.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said that the government would adopt a "more cautious and incremental approach" to gambling reform, with the protection of children and vulnerable people at the heart of its plans. The Minister was responding to the report of a committee that has been examining the draft Gambling Bill.

The government has accepted most of the joint scrutiny committee's recommendations, including measures to ban fruit machines from unlicensed premises like takeaways and minicab offices and prevent small casinos from offering bingo.

Tessa Jowell also announced tougher powers that go beyond the committee's recommendations. These include: studies on problem gambling every three years to help the Gambling Commission regulate the industry; compulsory non-gambling areas in all casinos; and giving local councils the power to prevent new casinos opening which will give local residents a voice in these decisions.

"Modernisation is essential if we are to keep gambling fair, crime free, and protect children and vulnerable people from new and old temptations," said Ms Jowell.

"I want to introduce a Gambling Bill as soon as possible, hopefully later this year."

She also said that new powers and protections in the Bill are intended to keep Britain's rate of problem gambling among the lowest in the world.

"If the evidence tells us that we need to be tougher to protect the public, then we will be... If there is sustained evidence that reform has gone well, then we can consider allowing further choice.

"But we will be cautious for now and will always put the interests of children and vulnerable players first, second and third," she added.

(gmcg)