Description
The Gambling Commission is an executive, non-departmental public body of the Government of the United Kingdom responsible for regulating gambling and supervising gaming law in Great Britain. Its remit covers arcades, betting, bingo, casinos, slot machines and lotteries, as well as remote gambling, but not spread betting.
Free prize competitions and draws are free of the Commission's control under the "Gambling Act 2005".
The stated aims of the Commission are to keep crime out of gambling, and to protect the vulnerable. It issues licenses to operators and advises the government on gambling-related issues. It also collaborates with the police over suspected illegal gambling. The Commission replaced the Gaming Board for Great Britain in 2007. In 2013, it assumed responsibility for regulating the National Lottery.