Thursday August 18,2011 : Changes will enable enhanced information sharing between IOC and other sports bodies
The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced its intention to amend the UK Gambling Act 2005.
The amendments are being undertaken with a view to enabling the Gambling Commission to share information on suspicious betting related activity with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other sports bodies.
Currently, the Gambling Commission may only share information to sports governing bodies listed in the Gambling Act, and in exceptional cases – limited information to those that are not.
In anticipation of the 2012 London Olympic Games, the DCMS will add the IOC to the existing list as well as embark on a consultation process to identify other sports bodies that should also be included.
A DCMS spokesperson said: "The changes will strengthen the ability of the IOC to receive and share information should any threats to betting integrity arise during the course of the Games. It will also ensure a system of best practice in the UK from which others can learn.
"The Government proposes to add both international and national Sports Governing Bodies to parts 2 and 3 of Schedule 6 to better reflect the sports bodies that the Gambling Commission deals with on a regular basis, and to ensure the coverage of the main sports and major sporting events in the UK."