31-08-2007 Saturday 1 September 2007: a new dawn for UK gambling

As the Gambling Act 2005 finally comes into force and online gambling operators look forward to the opportunity to advertise on television and radio for the first time, GamCare deplored the government's decision not to make mandatory for advertisers to include a helpline number in their TV ads.

"Gambling advertising will produce more gamblers which will in turn produce more problem gamblers," stated Gamcare.

Earlier this week, Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said any increase in problem gambling in Britain would be unacceptable.

But Ian Spearing, William Hill's Group Director, said the spectre of a problem gambling culture in the UK was false. "The UK gambling industry is the most well managed, tightly regulated and socially responsible in the world," added Neil Goulden, CEO of Gala Coral.

In related news, the Gambling Commission announced to be ready to take on its new responsibilities and powers. For the first time, remote betting operators based in the UK will be required an operating license and their senior management will need personal licenses issued by a dedicated regulator.