Gambling In The UK
The majority of improvement to the regulatory gaming of the UK came as a result of the Gambling Act of 2005. This act has brought in the inclusion of internet gambling to uk gambling laws. The Act allowed for 17 new style casinos and gives the local area authorities where the new casinos are to be located the opportunity to deny licensing if they so choose. It is the responsibility of the European regulators to oversee the regulatory aspects of the law and represent them amongst the International regulators.
The basics of the UK on land gambling rules are not too rigid. In respect to general UK casino regulation some of the major ones are:
- It is not mandatory to become a casino member except at private casinos.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- Identification such as ID/passport is not mandatory, although will be required for proof of age if necessary.
- Although you are not required to become a member you must register your name,dob, and a digital photo, with services for this being provided at most of the casinos.
How the Regulations Work
It should be remembered that prior to the new UK gambling laws that went into effect December 15, 2007, all Casinos were clubs and as such required membership.
UK Casino gaming is governed and regulated under the laws upheld by the Gaming Board of Great Britian. There are rigid rules that are applicable to the gaming industry in general in the UK but they vary in respect to the different types of gaming venues.
Poker playing is allowed in establishments such as pubs that hold liquor licenses. They are allowed to hold poker games, which are subject to the gaming rules including the limits on stakes and prizes.
Casino gaming machines are restricted to four categories. The first category "A" does not have any limits on their stakes and prizes but will only be found at regional casinos. The other three B, C, and D all have limits and can be found at all casinos.
UK Gambling laws are constantly being upgraded, with the latest coming into effect on January 2009. There were several proposed changes implemented at this time, which are still unclear. It does define the responsibility code provisions and codes of practice.
About the Gaming Commission
The Gaming Commission is basically the enforcement arm of the Gaming 2005 act although it is an arms length from the Government. It was set up in October 2005 and took over the duties of the Gaming Board of Great Britain. Their responsibilities are the regulation of remote gambling, bingo, casinos, gaming machines and lotteries. They have no authority over Spread betting, which fall under the Financial Services Authority and it also excludes the National lottery which is governed by the National Lottery Commission.
All casino games in any of the UK casinos or those permitted in pubs have individual UK gambling laws in respect to the rules of each of the games. This includes the operation of arcades.
The rules upheld by the gaming commission are detailed and precise covering every aspect in respect to the gambling industry. For example, they cover what machines are allowed, what their limits are, and when a machine is approved for the casinos. Then there are all of the regulatory rules that apply to all of the table games as well. It is the mandate of the European regulators to keep the international regulators up to date with their current regulations and viewpoint as well as be able to contribute to the answering of questions from other countries.