New UK framework given October start date
Laying of statutory instrument sees UK regulator open licensing window despite GBGA legal threat
The UK Gambling Commission has kicked off the licensing process for its new Point of Consumption (PoC) regulatory regime with the new framework due to come into force on 1 October.
The move comes after parliament laid down the necessary statutory instrument related to the recently passed Gambling Bill with the licensing window due to close at midnight GMT on 16 September.
The closing of the window will be followed by a two-week dead period in which the Commission hopes to finalise licence applications before the Act comes into force.
Operators currently licensed in and EEA or white-listed jurisdictions have been encouraged to apply for a continuation licence in order to continue operations should their full licence application not be determined by 1 October.
The setting of the timetable comes just one week after the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association wrote to both the Government and the Commission in order to request a review of the Gambling Bill.
The GBGA had given the two parties 14 days to respond to its request before enacting legal proceedings, however, eGR understands the Government has since requested a two-week extension in which to reply.
The new PoC framework is to be coupled with a 15% tax on UK-derived profits from 1 December 2014.