In order to rein in gambling practices in the UK, government officials worked to implement the Gambling Act in 2005. Due to the explosion of online gambling, the UK completely revamped their laws to include participation of online games in the new legislation.

In order to make sure everyone within the jurisdiction abided by the same lawful practices, the UK Gambling Commission was started in October of 2005. This commission has filled the role that was previously played by the Gaming Board for Great Britain. Among its many duties were regulating casinos, bingo halls, lotteries and gaming machines.

Today's Gambling Commission has taken on some new roles, and now has the responsibility of regulating all betting practices in remote gambling. The commission is also charged with the task of protecting children by keeping them away from the games, and to raise awareness of gambling addiction and the role it plays in society.

The UK Gambling Commission, though it's the primary regulatory body in place, doesn't retain complete control in the final say. It's up to the commission to report issues related to gambling to local and central government. However, in terms of enforcing their regulations, the Gambling Commission acts as a solitary force.

The Gambling Commission only covers remote gambling, meaning online casinos, poker rooms, bingo rooms, and other types of sites and games that can be played from a remote location. They are not responsible for regulating any type of spread betting, lotteries, and other games that are the responsibility of either the National Lottery Commission or the Financial Services Authority.

Any person or other entity wishing to provide gambling facilities needs to have a license. The three types of licenses offered by the UK Gambling Commission are an operating license, a personal license, and a premises license. Depending on what type of business is being operated, all three license types may be needed. However, you may also only need one.

Remote gambling refers to the Internet, telephones, television, or any other type of remote location. In order to apply for a license, visit the home page of UK Gambling Commission and fill out their respective forms. All applicants are subject to immediate refusal, and all applicants will be put through a thorough vetting process to ensure honesty and fairness.

The UK Gambling Commission also takes great strides to eliminate gambling addiction. Of course, this is a giant obstacle to overcome, but by making information readily available to all players, the commission hopes to reduce and eventually eliminate gambling addiction from society.

The union is a strong advocate of personal responsibility; however, they are fully aware of the implications on society. They hold the belief that a person fully aware of the dangers can enjoy gambling as entertainment without risk of becoming dependent. They identify the risk factors and also help gamblers who are having problems. Just last year, the commission reviewed its policy on education and the treatment of gambling addiction and has since implemented new measures for prevention.