Department for Culture Media and Sport
gambling and racing
We are responsible for the law regulating gambling and racing, and we sponsor the gambling and racing industries.
We are currently implementing the new Gambling Act 2005, which comprehensively updates existing gambling laws that are several decades old, providing new powers and protections for both new and old forms of gambling. Some 90% of the Act is about new protections.
The Act has three main aims:
- Keeping gambling crime free
- Making sure that gambling is fair and open
- Protecting children and vulnerable adults
Social responsibility remains the top priority – protection of the public, especially children and the vulnerable.
The Act is also underpinned by close, open and consultative working with all stakeholders – the industry; faith, belief and community groups; researchers; those dealing day to day with problem gamblers.
The "Gambling Act 2005: Transitional arrangements" publication PDF [880kb] explains the arrangements we have put in place for the commencement and implementation of the Gambling Act 2005.
By September 2007 all current gambling law for Great Britain will be replaced by the new Act.
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Government welcomes 48th Horserace Betting Levy agreement
Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe has welcomed the news that the 48th Horserace Betting Levy scheme has been agreed without the need for Government determination. This annual scheme is a levy on the profits of bookmakers on betting on British horse racing that goes towards funding the sport of racing, including through prizes, veterinary science, educational initiatives and breeding programmes.
Gerry Sutcliffe said: "I welcome the fact that both sides came to an agreement and the levy does not have to go to government for determination. I would like to pay tribute both to the Independent Members of the Board for their perseverance in brokering an acceptable agreement, and to the racing and bookmaking industries for their flexibility in reaching constructive solutions to some very difficult issues.
"I also welcome the progress already made in modernising the current levy system."
A press release from the Horserace Betting Levy Board providing further details can be found on their website.
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