New technology, the future of gambling and remote gambling

New technology, the future of gambling

The Gambling Act 2005 recognises and accommodates the significant technological changes in the last 40 years and provides for specific licences for remote gambling.

Operators based in the UK must obtain an operating licence to authorise the provision of gambling via remote communication, eg via interactive television or the Internet.

The licensing system has also been designed to keep pace with technological developments, so that, subject to appropriate Parliamentary approval, gambling delivered by new, unforeseen methods can be regulated in the future.

Remote gambling

Operators can for the first time provide remote gambling facilities using British based equipment.

Remote gambling is defined in the Act as gambling in which persons participate by the use of remote communication, including the internet, telephone, television, radio or any other kind of electronic or other technology for facilitating communication.

For information regarding the licensing of remote gambling see: