§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place the green seal service on a statutory basis. [30829]
§ Mr. KirkhopeNo.The Sporting Life green seal service is a useful independent arbitrator on disputed bets. We consider that these should continue to be dealt with by voluntary regulation.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve the regulatory framework for gambling. [30279]
§ Mr. KirkhopeThe present framework has kept gambling well-ordered and crime free but we believe there is scope to reduce unnecessary regulation. We have proposed changes for casinos, bingo clubs and advertising of commercial gambling; and we are considering the position of the pools.