1,500 officers to enforce new Gambling Act

As many as 1,500 council officers will enforce the new UK gambling laws which came into force over the weekend.

The act will see licensed premises such as pubs able to run poker nights within clearly defined stake and prize limits for the first time without seeking special permission from their local licensing authority.

It is also set to herald a new age of competition between casinos and restaurants due to the lifting of advertising restrictions, which will see casinos able to push their restaurant offerings to attract punters through the doors.

The new laws will also be policed by 50 dedicated Gambling Commission enforcement officers.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "The Government brought in the Gambling Act because most of our laws were nearly 40 years old and these developments were going unchecked and unregulated. That's why 1 September is so important.”

“The Gambling Act will give the Gambling Commission and local authorities unprecedented powers to ensure gambling is conducted fairly, children and vulnerable people are protected and crime is kept out.”

The Gambling Act 2005 in full >>

Gambling proposals outlined by DCMS >>

Gambling and the law >>

Casinos set to compete with restaurants >>

Pub industry body wins concession on gaming worth £750,000 >>

Industry in limbo after government decision to reconsider supercasino >>

By Chris Druce

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