The Gambling Act (2005) created the Gambling Commission, which will govern nearly all forms of gambling, including casinos, gambling in clubs, remote gambling and other forms. 

It is empowered to levy unlimited fines, withdraw licenses, bring prosecutions and seize and suspend bets. 

Local authorities, via 1500 licensing authorities, will also have the power to enforce the new laws.

 Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: 

“Many people like to gamble, and for the vast majority it's harmless fun. This has and always will be the case. But what has changed is the way people gamble. It used to be that you had to leave the house to place a bet, but advances in technology have changed that - TVs, home computers and mobile phones have become the digital equivalent of a betting slip and casino chip.  

“The Government brought in the Gambling Act because most of our laws were nearly 40 years old and these developments were going unchecked and unregulated. That's why 1 September is so important. The Gambling Act will give the Gambling Commission and local authorities unprecedented powers to ensure gambling is conducted fairly, children and vulnerable people are protected and crime is kept out.”