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UNITED KINGDOM - On September 1, 2007, the
United Kingdom will legalize gambling at online casinos. However, in order for
online casino companies based outside of Europe and Gibraltar to place
advertisements, they must receive the approval of the government.
Culture secretary in the British Cabinet, Tessa Jowell, is convinced online
casino customers will be protected from exploitation, facilitated by poorly
regulated online casinos, if the government establishes a ban.
The government-appointed Casino Advisory Panel is currently gearing up to go
public with its recommendation for the citing of the first super casino in the
United Kingdom. Events are scheduled to take place this week.
Responsibility falls upon Ms Jowell to establish a timetable and procedure for
government response to the recommendation. The next step will be voting from
MPs.
The Gambling Act of 2005 was intended to update gambling laws in the UK.
Legalization of internet gambling and the deregulation of online casinos came as
a part of the Act. UK bookmakers and online casino operators will enjoy relaxed
advertising rules. New burdens, unfortunately, fall on online casinos operating
outside of the European Economic Area and Gibraltar. Those companies will have
to prove their licensing regimes deter crime, protect children, and ensure fair
gaming.
Child protection and aid for problem gamblers has not been
lost on Ms Jowell in the midst of deregulations. She has insisted that online
casinos participate in the funding of counseling for gambling addicts.
The gambling industry committed to donations of 3 million
pounds each year to the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, for the aid of problem
gamblers. The trust has made it known that the industry has fallen short of
that goal. Jowell has demanded officials establish motion procedures that would
obligate gaming companies to contribute to the trust.
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