The interactive gaming industry is celebrating today as the UK’s Gambling Bill has finally been passed. While the final bill is being seen as a significant government climbdown on the controversial issue of super casinos, legislation that pertains to iGaming remains intact.
The original proposition to open the doors to between 20 and 40 Vegas style ‘regional casinos’ has now been reduced to just one. Faced with media outrage and backbench revolt, it seems ministers were eager to compromise because of the necessity to pass the legislation before the dissolution of Parliament next Monday. The bill will be debated this evening (Wednesday 6th) and receive royal ascent tomorrow.
Shadow Culture Secretary John Whittingdale today said that the establishment of the Gambling Commission and the regulation of internet gambling are 'necessary and uncontentious”, adding that the provisions of the bill relating to casinos remain highly controversial and have not had proper scrutiny in parliament.'
The iGaming industry was delighted with the news that the UK will regulate online gaming, having been concerned that the bill would not be passed in time. Andrew Tottenham of the Interactive Gaming and Betting Association (IGGBA) said: “The bill will go through unchanged and it looks very, very good. It means a first world jurisdiction will be legalizing and regulating remote gambling. It will have enormous implications for the industry worldwide.
“Now the hard work begins for IGGBA in helping the Gambling Commission in establishing the regulatory framework.”
