The government has announced that more than 1,500 inspectors will be enforcing the new gambling laws that will come into effect on 1 September.
Under the new Gambling Act 2005, all premises that run any type of gambling activity will have to comply with the new regulations, which include displaying information about responsible gambling prominently and how to seek help for addictions.
As part of the changes, 1,500 licensing officers will work alongside 50 specialist Gambling Commission compliance officers to inspect gambling premises in order to enforce the new guidelines.
Operators offering gambling will also have to work proactively to prevent underage gambling and contribute to research and education on problem gaming.
The new law will give additional powers to local authorities, who will be able to impose sanctions on operators, which include limiting opening hours and reducing numbers of gaming machines.
New rules will include making cheating an offence and making gambling debts legally enforceable.
Gerry Sutcliffe, sports minister, said: “Many people like to gamble, and for the vast majority it’s harmless fun. This has and always will be the case. But what has changed is the way people gamble.
“It used to be that you had to leave the house to place a bet, but advances in technology have changed that - TVs, home computers and mobile phones have become the digital equivalent of a betting slip and casino chip.
“The Government brought in the Gambling Act because most of our laws were nearly 40 years old and these developments were going unchecked and unregulated.
“That's why 1 September is so important. The Gambling Act will give the Gambling Commission and local authorities unprecedented powers to ensure gambling is conducted fairly, children and vulnerable people are protected and crime is kept out.”
New codes governing advertising of gambling will also come into effect, which mean that although TV ads will be allowed for the first time, they will be subject to a voluntary 9pm watershed.
