This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6100012.stm

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
UK backs internet gambling rules UK gaming to be 'mark of quality'
(about 2 hours later)
The UK is hoping to promote plans for regulation of internet gambling at an international conference on the issue. Online gambling sites registered in the UK would offer a "hallmark of quality" to players around the world, culture secretary Tessa Jowell claims.
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell will lead a debate on the rise of unregulated online casinos at the meeting in Ascot, Berkshire. The UK hopes to take advantage of the ban on internet gambling in the US by setting up its own registration scheme.
Ms Jowell advocates regulation of the industry, rather than outlawing it. Signing up to the UK's regulatory code would enhance the sites' reputation and protect players, argued Ms Jowell.
Last week she criticised the US, which has banned firms from taking internet bets, for creating a "new Prohibition", which could fuel an increase in crime. Ms Jowell will later promote the plan at an international conference in Ascot, Berkshire.
"We are creating a regime which for the first time will make it possible for online gambling sites to be registered in the UK.
"That's not possible at the moment, but we do hope it will become a hallmark of quality for those companies that do register in the UK," she told BBC News 24.
'Prohibition'
She added: "By being licensed, we have signed up to the very tough regulatory codes to protect the public and that that in time will be very good for their reputation."
I think it's a complicated and ambitious project the government has started on but I think well worth doing Adrian Scarfe, Gamcare
Banning internet gambling would only drive it "underground" and fuel crime, she argues.
She told BBC Radio 4 Today programme that the American approach was "the new prohibition" - referring to US efforts to ban alcohol in the early 20th century.
"Our concern is that if internet gambling were to be prohibited, it would be driven underground and precisely the kind of protections that we want to extend to people would be impossible."
'Ambitious'
Ms Jowell said she believed that Britain's regulatory approach had won a "consensus" of support from organisations working with gambling addicts as well as the industry.
"I think the industry realises that, if they want to be accepted in this country, they are going to have to live by very high standards of social responsibility that we are going to require as conditions of licences," she said.
Adrian Scarfe from Gamcare, an organisation which offers advice to gamblers, said he welcomed the moves.
"I think it's a complicated and ambitious project the government has started on but I think well worth doing," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Basically it's much, much better to have regulated gambling than unregulated gambling - that goes without saying.
"We would much prefer people, if they are going to bet online, or gamble online, to do on sites that are well-regulated and socially responsible."
Worldwide standardsWorldwide standards
The summit at Ascot racecourse will focus on the challenges posed by remote gambling, including the protection of children and vulnerable people.The summit at Ascot racecourse will focus on the challenges posed by remote gambling, including the protection of children and vulnerable people.
The possibility of internationally agreed minimum standards is also on the agenda.The possibility of internationally agreed minimum standards is also on the agenda.
Under UK government plans, a Gambling Commission would vet sites, giving official approval to those with the best working practices.Under UK government plans, a Gambling Commission would vet sites, giving official approval to those with the best working practices.
Operators would not be allowed to target children and would have to keep customers informed about how much money they had spent.Operators would not be allowed to target children and would have to keep customers informed about how much money they had spent.
Key staff, such as managing directors and finance managers, would also be checked for links to organised crime.Key staff, such as managing directors and finance managers, would also be checked for links to organised crime.
Politicians from 30 countries will attend the conference.Politicians from 30 countries will attend the conference.