U.K. Gambling Commission Proposes Online Gambling Regulations

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 15, 2006 - 10:11am.

London - The U.K. government's Gambling Commission has issued a draft Code of Practice that would for the first time bring online gambling under the Commission's jurisdiction. The draft Conditions and Codes of Practice, which if approved would go into effect in 2007 as part of a larger U.K. Gambling Act, would compel online gambling sites to constantly inform users of how much time and money they've spent online, as well as keep track of and provide help and information to problem gamblers -- including the ability for them to prohibit themselves from such sites. Gambling sites would also have to apply for licenses from the Commission, carry out random checks to ensure bettors are over 21, and provide filtering technology to parents. "We will monitor all British gambling operators to make sure they comply with our rules," said Gambling Commission chairman Peter Dean. "We have the power to fine or revoke the licenses of those who fail to do so, and to prosecute illegal gambling. We won't hesitate to use these powers if need be."
http://tinyurl.com/f227u (Gambling Code PDF)