New Gambling Laws Would Mean No Hiding Place For Cheats
Powers to void unfair bets and the repeal of a 294-year old law that prevents gambling debts being enforced are among the new clauses of the draft Gambling Bill published today.
The clauses, which also include arrangements for gambling in pubs and clubs and a revised offence of cheating, have been sent to the parliamentary Joint Scrutiny Committee currently looking at the draft Bill.
Gambling Minister Andrew McIntosh said:
“This is another step forward in the journey toward the much needed modernisation of gambling laws in the UK. We have made it clear from the start that we won’t put the integrity of gambling at stake. 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.”
The clauses would –
- Enable the proposed Gambling Commission to freeze suspicious bets pending an investigation. Where it concludes unfair practices may have taken place it will then have the power to void the bet entirely
- Broadly maintain the status quo for pubs and clubs. Pubs will be allowed two gaming (fruit) machines automatically with more available under licence
- Require pubs and clubs that run bingo games worth £1,000 a week or more to obtain a licence from the Gambling Commission
- Make gambling debts like any other consumer debt by repealing various provisions dating back to 1710 that prevent gambling debts from being enforced
- Provide for a revised offence of cheating
The Joint Scrutiny Committee have been provided with papers detailing the Government’s policy intention in a number of policy areas that have not yet been addressed by draft clauses.
Notes to Editors
2. The Joint Scrutiny Committee are due to report back to Government by the 8th April after which the Bill will go before Parliament as soon as time allows.
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