In our blog on 3 February 2020 we outlined the Gambling Commission’s proposed changes to the variation application and notification requirements in relation to key equipment, removing the requirements in licence conditions 2.1.1 and 15.2(17). 

In response to the consultation, which closed on 26 March 2020, the Gambling Commission received 35 responses, including 30 operators and one law firm (Harris Hagan!).  Unsurprisingly, for the reasons previously explained, there was significant support for the Gambling Commission’s proposals. 

Outcome of the consultation:

• Licence condition 2.1.1 will be removed, meaning licensees will no longer need to complete an application to vary their licence when adding new or moving key equipment.  As set out in our earlier blog, licence condition 2.1.2 will remain in place.

• Licensees will no longer be required to submit a key event, under licence condition 15.2.1(7), where changes are made to the location of key equipment within a jurisdiction.  The key event will be retained as there are other matters that need to be reported under this requirement.

The changes take effect at the end of July 2020. 

We very much welcome these changes and the Gambling Commission’s long overdue pragmatic approach to the present burdensome and clunky requirements.