| | |  | Last Updated: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 |  | | | Trouble at UK Gambling Commission
- Thursday, 9 Mar 2006
A number of issues at the UK Gambling Commission have worried both lawmakers and anti-gambling opponents recently. In a widely publicized political dispute, Gambling Commission head Peter Dean came under fire after commenting that the organization did not intend to operate as strictly as Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell had previously stated. An issue concerning Birmingham as the location for the new Commission has also arisen after staff who previously worked at the Gaming Board refused to relocate.
Dean’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from Labour government ministers, who have been at pains to reassure social action groups that new guidelines for gambling will be strictly enforced. Conservative politicians were also vocal, pointing out that the government had billed Dean’s appointment as chair of the Gambling Commission a crucial step in successfully implementing a series of tough regulations on the industry. Dean is thought to have reprimanded for his comments and asked to reconsider making similar ones in the future. A government media liaison expert will be used to advice the Gambling Commission head on future media matters.
The UK government has now introduced a new member to the Gambling Commission who has a specific task toward social responsibility. A number of further appointments are expected to replace those ex-Gaming Board employees who have declined to move to the Gambling Commission’s new premises.
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