Tighter Online Casino Controls In Gibraltar
Published: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 Online-Casinos.com
TIGHTER ONLINE CASINO CONTROLS IN GIBRALTAR
Strict rules on access to servers, responsible online casino gaming and ownership
details upfront promulgated
The BBC reports that the Mediterranean licensing jurisdiction for online casino
gaming, Gibraltar has passed a new law to create a statutory licensing and regulatory
framework for online gambling, having already attracted fifteen online gaming
companies to its shores.
A ministerial-controlled Licensing Authority is to be introduced, while
the current Gibraltar Regulatory Authority is to act as the Gambling Commissioner.
Computer equipment used for online casino gambling must be kept in premises which
are "secure and free from access by unauthorised persons," says the
new law passed in the Gibraltar House of Assembly this week.
Under the heading 'Responsible gambling', any gambling website under licence in
Gibraltar is required to contain a direct link to an organisation dedicated to
assisting problem gamblers. "A licence holder must "designate a named
person to be responsible for formulating responsible gambling policies, "
says the law, which adds that persons must be warned that they should not gamble
beyond their means.
A gambling website must display the full name of the licence holder and the address
from which he carries on business, and avoid advertising which is "false,
deceptive or misleading."
In an effort to curb any money laundering, the new law stipulates that if there
is suspicion of money laundering, the licence holder is given 24 hours to inform
the Gambling Commissioner.
Enforcement provisions, and the appointment of investigators, is also a feature
of the new rules.
A Gibraltar Government spokesman said that the gambling ordinance provides a modern
legislative framework for the licensing and regulation of Gibraltar's gambling
industry. "This will ensure that Gibraltar remains the world's foremost reputable
jurisdiction for virtual and online casino gambling," said the spokesman.
