Specialist Irwin Mitchell Regulatory Lawyers Say Industry Must Prepare For Next Set Of Consultations

Specialist betting and gaming sector lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are calling on all organisations within the industry to prepare now for the upcoming set of consultations in relation to the Gambling Review.

The Gambling Act Review white paper published in April 2023 set out the government's plans for modernising the regulation of gambling in Great Britain. Some 50 further Gambling Commission consultations are still expected with the most recent on financial risk checks, remote game design, customer marketing choices, extension of the Personal Management Licence regime, changes to Regulatory Panels, and age verification for land-based gambling having closed on October 18.

The Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) have also concluded consultations on land-based gambling entitlements and proposals to impose maximum stake limits for online slots games.

On 17 October 2023 DCMS launched a further consultation on the proposed statutory gambling levy to fund research, education, and treatment of problem gambling. The powers to implement a statutory levy are already on the face of the Gambling Act but have never been implemented.

Irwin Mitchell's Regulatory team urges all organisations within the sector to be proactive and engage in these consultations as they will play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the industry.

Expert Opinion

“The consultations present an opportunity for stakeholders to actively participate in developing the future of the industry and its regulation.

“We understand the importance of collaboration and dialogue in creating a sustainable and socially responsible gambling sector and by actively participating in these consultations, organisations can contribute their expertise and perspectives.

“This is a unique chance to have a say in the development of regulations that will govern the industry, and it is crucial that all stakeholders seize this opportunity." Andrew Cotton, Director of Betting and Gaming at Irwin Mitchell

Andrew Cotton alongside Philip Somarakis, a partner and the Head of Irwin Mitchell’s Regulatory and Compliance team, joined Irwin Mitchell in September 2023 as part of a team of regulatory lawyers who moved from Ince & Co.

Following this move, Irwin Mitchell’s Regulatory & Compliance team was recently named as a ‘Firm to Watch’ for Gaming and Betting by Legal 500. The independent directory described the team as having a 'depth of gaming industry knowledge, derived from collective decades of experience'. In addition to praising the expertise of Philip and Andrew, the guide also highlighted Julie Dao, who has a focus on anti-money laundering compliance.

Andrew and Philip will be attending SiGMA Europe in Malta. The conference, which is organised in the home of one of the world’s leading online gambling jurisdictions, runs from the 14-17 November.