The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 and was formally established in October 2005.
It has taken over the role previously played by the Gaming Board for Great Britain in regulating casinos, bingo, gaming machines and lotteries.
In addition from 1 September 2007 the Commission has responsibility for the regulation of betting and remote gambling, as well as helping to protect children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The Commission is also responsible for advising local and central government on issues related to gambling.
The Commission is not responsible for regulating spread betting or the National Lottery which are the responsibility of the Financial Services Authority and the National Lottery Commission, respectively.
The Gambling Commission is a Non-Departmental Public Body, sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It operates at arm's length from government and its advice is independent. Its work is funded mainly by licence fees from the gambling industry.
A brief introductory leaflet to The Gambling Commission is available to download from this site.
