New UK e-Gaming legislation on its way

Netcetera offers the e-Gaming industry the most advanced and cost-effective facilities for housing IT infrastructure anywhere offshore, so an issue which we are currently keeping an eye on is the new Bill going through government which is set to change how remote gambling is licensed and regulated.

The Gambling Commission estimates that about 85% of remote gambling operators are unregulated. This Bill, which is an amendment to the 2005 Gambling Act, will essentially require that all providers offering online gambling to UK residents will need to get a licence from the UK Gambling commission and in turn become regulated.

The Bill will aim to better regulate remote gambling. Under the new regime, overseas-based operators will be subject to the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005, its regulations and the Gambling Commission’s social responsibility. This will mean, among other things, that all licensed operators will be required to contribute to research, education and treatment in relation to British problem gambling, and to comply with licence conditions.

The Bill which was proposed by Maria Miller MP and supported by a raft of MPs across the coalition, including both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister is likely to pass through uncontested by the opposition.

The Isle of Man has been included on what is referred to as a “White List” of countries, as they have been deemed to have strong regulatory systems comparable to that of the UK.  The white listed countries will be automatically given licences, so the transition will be smooth and effortless. We hope this new legislation will encourage overseas e-Gaming companies to follow in the footsteps of PokerStars and relocate to the Isle of Man.

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