The National Casino Industry Forum is “delighted” with the recommendations set out in a report into the UK’s gambling regulations by the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee.

Malcolm Moss Malcolm Moss

In its report, the committee said the introduction of the Gambling Act 2005 had resulted in “inconsistencies” in the country’s casino regulations. The report called for local authorities to be given more power in such matters and for casino licences to be made portable to allow operators to relocate to new areas.

“We’re delighted at the outcome of the report because it more or less delivers what we’d been asking for,” NCiF chairman Malcolm Moss told InterGaming.

It showed “acceptance of the failings” of the 2005 Act, he said, noting that its implementation alongside the existing 1968 regulations effectively created a “twin-track system.” 

“The recommendations for harmonisation are very welcome,” Moss said.

The committee also urged the government to reconsider its plans to test the impact of the new casinos permitted under the 2005 Act, stating that in light of some of its other recommendations, it believes “casino operators will already be doing enough to enable the industry to grow safely.”

Moss said the recommendations ought to enable the industry to “make a contribution to the growth agenda.”