Overview of the Act
8.The Act contains 17 sections almost all of which amend certain provisions of the 1985 Order in relation to: - the opening days of licensed bookmakers’ offices and bingo clubs; the requirements around membership of commercial bingo clubs; the regulation of gaming machine charges and prize limits at different premises; the rules for societies’ lotteries; qualifications and other requirements for the grant of certain licences, certificates and permits; the operation of promotional prize competitions; the definition of ‘cheating’; and the enforceability of gambling contracts.
9.In addition, the Act is designed to put the operation of pool betting in licensed bookmakers’ offices on a firm legislative footing and create a new offence to discourage persons under 18 from being allowed to play high stakes gaming machines. A further intention is to enable the Department both to impose a financial levy on the gambling industry and to issue mandatory codes of practice in relation to the manner in which facilities for gambling are provided.
10.The Act also contains a Schedule which makes provision for the circumstances in which a prize competition is and is not to be treated as constituting payment to participate.