Gambling Commission

The British Gambling Commission came into being in October 2005. It was charged with the task of regulating casinos, bingo halls, gaming machines, and lotteries. The Gambling Commission took over the role of the now defunct Gaming Board for Great Britain.

Set up under the UK Gambling Act of 2005, the Gambling Commission is responsible for the regulation of betting and remote betting enterprises. It maintains an additional role in protecting children and vulnerable people in the community from being harmed or exploited through gambling. In addition to the above, the Gambling Commission also acts as advisor to local and central government bodies on all matters relating to gambling.

In its role as a non-departmental public body, the Gambling Commission is sponsored by the UK Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, and its remit is to operate fully independently of the UK government.