UK Parliament announces draft remote gambling regulatory reform

Consequently, all operators selling into the British market, whether based here or abroad, will be required to hold a Gambling Commission licence to enable them to transact with British consumers and to advertise in Great Britain.

The new licensing arrangements will also mean that, for the first time, overseas based operators will be required to inform the Gambling Commission about suspicious betting patterns involving British customers, to help fight illegal activity and corruption in sports betting. Overseas based operators would also be required to pay and to contribute to research, education and treatment in relation to British problem gambling and regulatory costs.

Discussing the bill, Minister for Sport & Tourism, Hugh Robertson, said: “These proposals will ensure that British consumers enjoy consistent standards of protection, regardless of where a gambling business is based, and will also help the fight against illegal activity and corruption in sports betting.”

“We welcome the proposed changes as currently we regulate less than 20 percent of online gambling by British consumers and cannot insist on overseas operators providing us with information about suspicious sports betting transactions," added Philip Graf, Chairman of the Gambling Commission.

The Bill will now undergo a period of pre-legislative scrutiny by the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee.  It is hoped that the Bill will be introduced in the third session, Parliamentary time allowing.