UK Gambling Laws Delayed

UK Gambling Laws Delayed

Friday, 26 September 2014

Despite many months of planning, the much anticipated UK gambling law changes now won't come into effect until November 1.

The news, which was first highlighted by EGR Magazine, relates to the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association's (GBGA) High Court challenge against the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

Having mounted a legal challenge to the new laws soon after they were announced, the GBGA eventually had its case heard inside the UK's High Court on September 23 and 24.

The basis of the GBGA's case is that the new gambling laws will contravene European Union trade rules and are "an illegitimate, disproportionate and discriminatory interference with the right to free movement of services."

After hearing the case, Lord Justice Green stated that it would be "unrealistic" to make a ruling before the law was due to become active on October 1. Because of this, gaming companies and the UKGC will now have to wait until November 1 at the earliest for the new rules to kick in.

Acting swiftly on the news, PokerStars sent out an email to all its UK-based players last night explaining the postponement and stating:

"Until then, you are free to enjoy all your favourite games on your usual PokerStars desktop and/or mobile client."



Tags: Regulation, law, UK Gambling Commission