The newly formed UK Gambling Commission is gearing up to exercise their full responsibilities imparted by the 2005 UK Gambling Act come September 1, 2007. Marking the day in which the new land-based and online casino gambling provisions will be officially enforceable, all eyes will be on the Commission, who will be charged with licensing and regulating all casino gambling and betting activities in the whole of United Kingdom. This will be the first time in which both the brick 'n mortar and online industries will fall under the regulatory enforcement of a single body.

No matter the type of betting operation - arcades, bingo halls, slot parlors, local betting shops and casinos - so long as it is a commercial facility accepting real stakes, all business owners will be required to apply for a gambling license through the Commission. Hazel Canter, who is the Commission's Director of Licensing and Compliance is on record stating that while the new application process might appear confusing and cumbersome to small and local betting shops, their is comprehensive information on the Commission's website intended to guide applicants through the entire process. Furthermore, the Commission says they will provide hands-on support to operators in the early stages of applying for a license.

Three types of licenses will be issued under the new Gambling Act - personal, operating and premises. All casinos and casino-like operations, pool hall betting shops, bingo halls, and punter shops will certainly be required to apply for a license (in some cases, all three licenses). Also, anyone acting as an intermediary for placing stakes, businesses making use of gaming machines, developers and suppliers of gaming machines, lottery promoters and online casino gaming software developers will be required to receive licensing approval.

As of this very moment, applications are being accepted for new casino operators, while existing casino and betting shop operators are permitted to stay in business beyond September 1 so long as their applications are received before April 27. The same goes for businesses holding premises licenses, except the application deadline is July 31. Premise license applications are being accepted starting May 21, and should be sent to the appropriate local licensing authorities. The Commission will be responsible for issuing operating and personal licenses. Operators who are to par with licensing objectives and the strict codes of practice will be granted available licenses.