Jowell said the new law would keep the gambling industry free of crime, ensure it was conducted fairly and protect the young and vulnerable.
LONDON (Reuters) - The government has launched a draft bill to deregulate gambling laws dating back to the 1960s, a move ministers believe could revolutionise an industry worth more than 40 billion pounds.
Hilton Group, Rank, London Clubs International and Stanley Leisure are among the major players who could benefit but officials cautioned that the new law would not be passed for some time yet.
"The bill will make major changes to the way in which gambling is regulated and controlled in Great Britain," Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Tessa Jowell said in a written statement to parliament on Wednesday.
Jowell said the new law would keep the gambling industry free of crime, ensure it was conducted fairly and protect the young and vulnerable.
"The current minimum age limits for access to gambling products will be retained and enforced strongly," she said. "The published clauses also strengthen safeguards protecting children and the vulnerable."
A single regulator, the Gambling Commission, will be created and given strong enforcement powers but within those constraints, the government plans wholesale deregulation.
The minister said the rule allowing casinos to be set up only in designated areas will be abolished as will one requiring membership of a gaming or bingo hall at least 24 hours before playing there.
Remote gambling, via the Internet, mobile phones or interactive television, will be licensed and regulated properly in Britain for the first time.
Further proposals are yet to come. "I intend to publish the remaining sections of the draft bill early next year," Jowell said.
The bill will be scrutinised by a committee of parliamentarians who will improve the legislation, ensuring a balance is struck between deregulation and protection.
Only after that will a full bill be piloted through parliament and into law.
Jowell said the draft bill retained powers for a statutory levy to be imposed on the industry if it did not meet a promise to establish a charitable trust funding research and treatment programmes for gambling addicts.
http://www.reuters.co.uk
LONDON (Reuters) - The government has launched a draft bill to deregulate gambling laws dating back to the 1960s, a move ministers believe could revolutionise an industry worth more than 40 billion pounds.
Hilton Group, Rank, London Clubs International and Stanley Leisure are among the major players who could benefit but officials cautioned that the new law would not be passed for some time yet.
"The bill will make major changes to the way in which gambling is regulated and controlled in Great Britain," Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Tessa Jowell said in a written statement to parliament on Wednesday.
Jowell said the new law would keep the gambling industry free of crime, ensure it was conducted fairly and protect the young and vulnerable.
"The current minimum age limits for access to gambling products will be retained and enforced strongly," she said. "The published clauses also strengthen safeguards protecting children and the vulnerable."
A single regulator, the Gambling Commission, will be created and given strong enforcement powers but within those constraints, the government plans wholesale deregulation.
The minister said the rule allowing casinos to be set up only in designated areas will be abolished as will one requiring membership of a gaming or bingo hall at least 24 hours before playing there.
Remote gambling, via the Internet, mobile phones or interactive television, will be licensed and regulated properly in Britain for the first time.
Further proposals are yet to come. "I intend to publish the remaining sections of the draft bill early next year," Jowell said.
The bill will be scrutinised by a committee of parliamentarians who will improve the legislation, ensuring a balance is struck between deregulation and protection.
Only after that will a full bill be piloted through parliament and into law.
Jowell said the draft bill retained powers for a statutory levy to be imposed on the industry if it did not meet a promise to establish a charitable trust funding research and treatment programmes for gambling addicts.
http://www.reuters.co.uk
