Gambling

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In the UK, certain forms of entertainment are considered to warrant legal control as a form of gambling. Three basic types can be distinguished:

  1. •

    betting

  2. •

    gaming

  3. •

    lotteries

The term 'gambling' covers all three.

The current legislation is contained primarily in the Gambling Act 2005 (GA 2005). This major piece of reforming legislation swept away a complex and historical system that had evolved organically for more than 200 years, reflecting changing attitudes to gambling. GA 2005 governs all forms of gambling except the National Lottery and forms of betting which are controlled as financial products. There are more than 70 pieces of subordinate legislation which have been created since GA 2005 was passed.

For a general overview of the gambling regime in the UK, see Practice Note: UK gambling licensing regime.

The Gambling Commission has overall responsibility for the regulation of the regime in the UK. It issues both personal and operating licences as required by GA 2005 and provides guidance to licensing authorities who issue premises licenses. See further Practice Note: Gambling Commission.

Application of the Act and principal offences

The

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