Ian Angus, Director of Policy at the UK’s Gambling Commission, is confident that the government’s push to give lower authorities more powers around gambling licensing will become law.

In a speech at the Institute of Licensing Gambling Conference this week, the senior regular commented on amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill made in the House of Lords last month.

If the bill is subsequently approved by the House of Commons, it will make an amendment to the 2005 Gambling Act creating a new tool for local councils, Gambling Impact Assessments.

These can be used by local authorities to gauge the extent of gambling harm and the potential impact a new betting or gaming venue could have on the local community.