With the UK Gambling Act beginning to enforce online gambling regulation and the U.S. imposing a prohibition on the internet betting industry, the UK House of Commons held a forty minute adjournment debate last week regarding England's evolving place in the online gambling industry, and for what many believe to be an upcoming onslaught of gambling business. MP for Wirral South, Benjamin Chapman, called for the debate, which was also attended by Minister of State for Sport, Richard Caborn.

Chapman did most of the talking, much of which was geared towards concerns that the 1968 Gambling Act was outdated and that much of its principle enforcement was being widely ignored. Chapman said that with mobile gambling blossoming - not just at online casinos, but also in brick 'n mortar casinos - along with a void left by the U.S. after its decision to ban online gambling, many gaming operators are turning to the UK, which could ultimately make Britain a global center for online gambling.

Chapman said this is something which should be avoided at all costs. Although he does not agree with U.S. actions to issue a carved out prohibition, he does believe that more needs to be done to restrict and regulate, thereby preventing underage and problem gambling. Chapman quoted a recently televised show by the BBC program, Panorama, which reported that problem online gambling could very easily grow out of control with the passage of the UK Gambling Act. Although several statistics cited in this report were thought to be inaccurate and challenged by GAMCARE, Chapman sees it as a warning sign.

Caborn said he agreed the 1968 Gambling Act is a "draconian piece of legislation", and that more regulations need to be implemented regarding football team sponsorship by online casinos and gambling sites. When all was said and done, it appeared this, over everything else, would assuredly receive more "looking into" by the Gambling Commission in the coming year. With a recent increase in team sponsorships, including a major 32Red Online Casino sponsorship deal with football club, Aston Villa, the Commission is concerned that too much overt online gaming advertising will be permitted.