Britain's Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has promised a crackdown on unregulated gambling sites advertising in the UK is only months away. Legislation to take effect from September 1 will protect gambling fans from exploitation and criminal activity, Jowell told the Financial Times this week. Firms operating from outside of Europe and traditional gambling haven Gibraltar will be forced to apply for government permission before being allowed to advertize their services in the UK.
The announcement is the latest in ongoing plans to legalize the gambling industry in the UK. The 2005 Gambling Act, which will allow British gamblers to legally gamble online, will come into effect this year in an attempt to provide stronger protection for minors and vulnerable persons. The Act relaxes advertising rules for UK operators but firms based outside the EEA will have to prove they are licensed before being permitted to operate within the UK.
In response to criticism that the Act will pave the way for a new generation of problem gamblers, Jowell has enlisted the help of industry officials to combat issues relating to problem gambling and gambling addiction. With support from the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, she is lobbying ministers to approve an initiative that would see online gambling firms contributing financial aid earmarked for counselling those with gambling problems.
The Responsibility in Gambling Trust has indicated that approximately £3 million each year is lacking to tackle problem gambling effectively. The Trust's chairman John Greenway has spoken out on the need to ensure adequate funding. "The main problem is that we are dependent on people making a voluntary contribution. There is some concern [from online gambling companies] about the costs of implementing the Gambling Act."
In further news, the Casino Advisory Panel is expected to announce its recommendation on the site for the UK's first super casino.  A government response to the recommendation along with how plans will proceed will be prepared by Tessa Jowell and voted on by MPs.

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