A gaming control board (GCB), also called by various names including gambling control board, casino control board, gambling board, and gaming commission, is a government agency charged with regulating casino and other types of gaming in a defined geographical area, usually a state, and of enforcing gaming law in general.
Rules and regulations
Gaming control boards are usually responsible for promulgating rules and regulations that dictate how gaming activities are to be conducted within a jurisdiction. The rules and regulations stem from the jurisdiction's enabling act. Generally, the enabling act is passed by the legislature and sets forth the broad policy of the jurisdiction with regard to gaming; while the rules and regulations provide detailed requirements that must be satisfied by a gaming establishment, its owners, employees, and vendors. Typically, rules and regulations cover a broad range of activity, including licensing, accounting systems, rules of casino games, fair play, better security and auditing.
Licensing
Gaming control boards also have complete authority to grant or deny licenses to gaming establishments, their ownership, employees, and vendors. Generally, in order to obtain a license, an applicant must demonstrate that they possess good character, honesty and integrity. License application forms typically require detailed personal information. Based upon the type of license being sought, an applicant may also be required to disclose details regarding previous business relationships, employment history, criminal records, and financial stability.
Generally, the gaming license application process and subsequent investigation is quite burdensome in comparison to the process of obtaining other government-issued licenses. The difficulty of the process is intended to dissuade participation by unsavory people and organized crime.
Recently, in order to simplify the application process, various gaming control boards have collaborated on the design of "multi-jurisdictional" application forms. Persons or vendors who are involved in gaming in multiple jurisdictions may now complete one application form and submit copies to each jurisdiction.
Enforcement
In some cases, Gaming Control Boards are responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations that they create. In other cases, a separate body or a division of the Gaming Control Board carries out the enforcement function. Most Gaming Control Boards have full authority to hear and decide civil cases brought before them by the enforcement body and thus are considered quasi-judicial bodies.
Gaming control boards
Inter-regional associations
Gaming Regulators European Forum (GREF) International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA)
Regional and tribal associations
Asia
Macau: Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau
Singapore: Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore
Europe
Denmark: Spillemyndigheden
France : Autorité Nationale des Jeux
Gibraltar: Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Hungary: Gaming Board of Hungary
Malta: Malta Gaming Authority
Netherlands: Nederlandse Kansspelautoriteit
Norway: Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority - part of Ministry of Culture and Equality Portugal: Inspectorate General on Gaming Slovenia: Office for Gaming Supervision Sweden: National Gaming Board United Kingdom: Gambling Commission Alderney: Alderney Gambling Control Commission Isle of Man: Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
North America
Canada
In Canada, gambling is regulated exclusively by the provinces rather than federal law. But there is also the National Trade Association of Canada - The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA). This works to advance the development of Canada's gaming industry. The association’s mandate is to promote the economic value of games in Canada; Use research, innovation and best practices t. Regulatory agencies include: Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch Kahnawake Gaming Commission Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Quebec Régie des Alcools des Courses et des Jeux
United States
In the United States, gambling is legal under federal law, although there are significant restrictions pertaining to interstate and online gambling.