UK Releases Gambling Licensing Codes

Codes for Online Companies Soon to Follow

The U.K. has taken another step to allow most forms of gambling within its borders.

A document containing general codes and conditions for the gambling industry was today released by U.K.’s Gambling Commission. The “License Conditions and Codes of Practice” document outlines everything from technical specifications of gambling equipment to pool betting.

By next fall, the U.K. will have all the rules and regulations in place to have both online gambling companies — including poker sites — brick and mortar establishments, located there.

All gambling operators who want to work in the U.K. must be licensed through the Gambling Commission.

“Another milestone has been reached by the Gambling Commission in publishing these conditions and codes today,” said Peter Dean, the Commission’s chairman. “The conditions and codes set out the rules which operators must observe to meet our three licensing objectives of keeping crime out of gambling, ensuring that gambling is fair and open, and protecting children and other vulnerable people.”

In October 2005, British lawmakers established the Gambling Commission to collect taxes from both online and land-based card rooms and casinos, and to also ensure that consumers are protected at all times.

This, of course, goes against the stance that the U.S has recently officially taken when it passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to target the cash flow to and from American accounts.

The U.K.’s Gambling Commission held a symposium a few weeks ago that included representatives from more than 30 countries around the world. The conference was held to jump-start dialogue among the attending countries to figure out the best way to regulate online gambling.

Representatives from the U.S. did not attend. The codes that were published today did not include any details about how online gambling will be taxed and regulated. These rules will be in place by next fall.

courtesy of cardplayer.com

News Added: 28 November, 2006

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