News
Peter Dean wants to see international co-operation
Gambling Commission chairman Peter Dean has called for international gambling regulators to work together to police what is fast becoming a global activity.
Peter Dean's Speech at BACTA's Convention
The gambling industry is in a new world that needs a watchdog far different than the former Gaming Board for Great Britain
Presidents speech
Tough trading, falling machine numbers and the need for consistency were main features of Colin Daniel's message
Yawning gulf separates industry's high and low achievers
New research indicates that a third of the country's amusement parks and arcade companies are seriously struggling to break even, let alone make a profit. Conversely and, somewhat perversely for the stragglers, the remaining two thirds are doing very well.
Linnewebber case gathers momentum in pub sector
First it was the amusement arcade and AGC sectors that learned about fiscal neutrality. Now the pub business is getting in on the act and it, too, wants to share in a multi-million pound pot of VAT rebate money.
DCMS consults with local authorities over costs
The DCMS has launched another consultation paper, but this one is aimed at local authorities in order to determine at what level the licence fee bands should stand.
Jowell holds firm on independence of casino panel
The process of selecting locations for the new casinos has found itself under severe scrutiny recently, as Tessa Jowell found out when she faced the Culture Select Committee.
ABB airs concern over regulator's timetable
The Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) has suggested that the Gambling Commission should be given more time to fully establish itself, echoing calls from LACORS, the body that helps local authorities with their regulatory services, to delay the implementation of the Gambling Act.
Arcade operators given smoke ban brief
In a bid to clarify some of the key issues generated by next year's smoking ban in public places, Nick Arron, a partner at law firm Popplestone Allen, explains exactly what amusement centre operators need to be aware of.
Counting the cost of AMLD increases
The bookies and operators of Section 16 products stand to lose most from the changes in AMLD. But while both segments prepare to take a hit, it seems that neither will be rendered unviable by the duty.
£15m Commission outlines fee structures
The DCMS has issued a consultation document to test the industry's response to funding proposals for the Gambling Commission.The publication sets out a new framework which divides stakeholder liability into distinct bands depending on size of operation, gross gaming yield or value of gross sales.
LACORS recommends code contact with local authorities
Hot on the heels of their liquor licensing responsibilities, local authorities are now turning their attention to gambling. LACORS advises operators to get in early.
Order sees changes ahead of 2005 Act implementation
The drip-drip process that will see the end of low stake and prize AWPs in takeaways and chip shops will start next week,as licences for the machines will no longer be renewed.The transitional order that instigates this change also automatically renews certain existing permissions (including S34 permits,casino and bingo licences and prize gaming permits),which would have expired in the transitional period.
Industry asked for input to advertising consultation
The possibilities of advertising a gambling product are about to increase, but the regulators want to make sure that they have got their codes correct. Inevitably, this means yet another consultation.
DCMS reaffirms that there will only be one regional licence
In the clearest language yet, the government has insisted that the casino pilot of one/eight/eight is the way forward. The trouble is, you won't find many in the gambling sector who back that formula.
Commission moves into Birmingham HQ
It may not have been the popular choice for some Gambling Commission staff, but the regulator's new Midlands HQ offers the ideal working environment.
DCMS consultation on simplifying definitions
The DCMS has published a consultation document regarding the future definitions of casinos under the Gambling Act. The DCMS is intent on simplifying the definitions by having the three new categories of casino defined solely by the total gambling area they provide, and leaving the specific size of table-gaming and non-gambling areas to be dealt with in mandatory conditions for casino licences.
More MPs give support to stake/prize increase
The support for an increase in stake and prize levels for AWPs is continuing to grow as the industry looks to save the ailing product genre. Selby MP John Grogan's Early Day Motion supporting a 50p stake/£35 prize combination has attracted the support of 148 MPs so far, including shadow culture secretary Hugo Swire, indicating that such an increase would not meet with too much opposition in Parliament.
Industry will have to raise its social responsibility game
When the Gambling Commission announced the appointment of Rachel Lampard there were some raised eyebrows across the industry. The church helping to police the gaming business! Whatever next? But Lampard's role, according to the official commission line, is one of social responsibility rather than preaching from gospel the dangers of gambling.
