UK Gambling Laws May be Changed to Stop Suspicious Betting at Olympics

London prepares to host summer Olympic Games in 2012 as all relevant industries are working hard to ensure a smooth event after the destruction from the country wide riots, looting and mayhem is cleaned up.

The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) stated that it plans to change British gambling laws and UK Gambling Act 2005 in particular. No legislation will be changed regarding punishments for the rioting of the minorities.

The scheduled legislation changes are supposed to allow the Gambling Commission to share all kinds of information on questionable betting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other international sport bodies. The sharing of information is aimed at preventing suspicious and unlawful betting activity during the Games.

According to current regulations the Gambling Commission can only give out relevant information to sports governing bodies, which are mentioned on the Gambling Act. However some partial exceptions are allowed in extreme cases.

In order to be better prepared for battling unlawful wagering at both land-based and online sportsbooks in United Kingdom, the DCMS will add the IOC to the list. DCMS will also host consultations to research further sports organizations that should be added to the Gambling Act list.

DCMS spokesperson told online gambling news in United Kingdom: “The changes will strengthen the ability of the IOC to receive and share information should any threats to betting integrity arise during the course of the Games. It will also ensure a system of best practice in the UK from which others can learn.”

The representative went on to add: “The Government proposes to add both international and national Sports Governing Bodies to parts 2 and 3 of Schedule 6 to better reflect the sports bodies that the Gambling Commission deals with on a regular basis, and to ensure the coverage of the main sports and major sporting events in the UK.”