UK supplier condition delayed until 2015
Operators granted additional time to bed down new UK framework before having to ensure software suppliers are UK-licensed
The UK Gambling Commission’s has put on hold the requirement that operators must only use software suppliers licensed by the regulator until January 2015.
Software suppliers to UK-facing companies are obliged to obtain a licence from the regulator at the same time as operators later this year as part of the Gambling Bill, which is currently making its way through parliament.
One of the licence conditions for operators will be to ensure that all software is provided by suppliers in receipt of a licence from the Gambling Commission however this requirement has now been put back until January 2015 to allow both suppliers and operators more time to adjust to the new regulatory regime.
“This nine-month period will give time for software suppliers to apply for a licence as they are not covered by the transitional arrangements in the Bill,” a document issued by the Gambling Commission said.
“It will also give licensed operators time to adapt their own controls to ensure they meet the licence requirement,” it added.
The Commission confirmed the plans ahead of the Bill’s final reading tomorrow, where it could receive Royal Assent.
At the same time, the regulator also confirmed that it will not issue “advertising only” licences, which would have allowed overseas operators continue to advertise in the country despite not looking to transact with UK-based consumers.
Critics had raised questions about the feasibility of gambling companies such as 188 and 12Bet signing sponsorship agreements with Premier League football clubs despite being predominately Asia-facing, however, the Commission has said that such companies would have to apply for a full operating licence.