enforceability of gambling contracts

The implementation of the Gambling Act 2005 introduced the biggest shake up of gambling law in Britain for over 40 years.  Making gambling contracts enforceable reversed a legal principle that had been in force for over 150 years since the Gaming Act 1845.  This has and will have a profound effect of the gaming and betting industries in particular.  Together with the requirements in the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice regarding the content and fairness of gambling operators' terms and conditions, the nature of the relationship with the customer and the potential liability of the operator has undergone an irreversible change. 

We have advised extensively on the meaning and effect of these legal changes and provided training to organisations such as the Independent Betting Arbitration Service which are specifically impacted by the new laws.  Our paper on the subject reveals some of the important issues that arise now a gambling contract is, in many respects, like any other contract for services.

For more information on our gambling law services, contact Peter Wilson.