When the UK Gambling Act becomes fully active in September of 2007, the UK Gambling Commission is going to be the authoritative gambling regulator for both land-based and online betting destinations.  In preparation for this enormous task and responsibility, the Commission has released a consultation document in regards to regulation standards with the objectives of insuring fair gambling, blocking criminal activities, and protecting children and vulnerable gamblers.

The document is titled "Licensing, Compliance and Enforcement," and is designed to be a treatise on how the Commission seeks to regulate the industry in three ways.  As such, the document is divided into three corresponding sections - each dealing with a specific area and activity relevant to the healthy functioning of the UK betting industry - Licensing, compliance and enforcement.

The first section to be addressed primarily deals with the licensing of casino and online casino operators, and how those who are applying for and issued licenses will be subject to a series of checks that include criminal background and financial checks.  In terms of the issuance of licenses, the document explains how decisions within the Commission itself will be made, as well as how gambling licenses will be issued after being properly applied for, maintained and renewed.  This section also further elaborates on how shareholders, investors and prominent individuals within a casino operators ranks will be subject to background checks as well.

The second section titled "Compliance" explains how casinos and gambling destinations will be secretly monitored from afar, as well as through scheduled inspections.  Online casinos will be subject to ongoing evaluation of random number generators, while both internet sites land-based destinations will be visited on a regular basis.  This area of regulation essentially insures that fair and open gaming environment are provided for players at all times.

The final section of the document, "Enforcement" dictates the measures that will be used to discipline gambling establishments who are found in violation of any regulatory conditions, addressing criminal activities, investigations, and punishable offenses, which are all subject to review, suspension and revocation.  To put faith into those who are unsure of the efficacy of regulation and to put fear into those who try to avoid regulation, the Enforcement statute clearly states that the use of extensive legal powers will be used in prosecuting those found guilty of violating the UK Gambling Act.  Those parties interested in making suggestions in document revisions can do so, which the UK Gambling Commission will selectively address in publishing a Regulatory Impact Assessment on their website.