Scotland: West Lothian opens gambling consultation

West Lothian’s consultation on gambling policy will run until June.

UK.- West Lothian, one of 32 local council areas of Scotland, has launched a consultation on gambling policy.

The West Lothian Licensing Board is required by law to review gambling policy every three years. The consultation period will last until June 12.

After the consultation period, the West Lothian Licensing Board will publish revised gambling regulation that will run for three years from January 31, 2022.

The board is responsible for overseeing bingo, betting shops, dog tracks, gaming centres and fairs, but cannot regulate operators.

Convener of West Lothian Licensing Board, Councillor Dom McGuire, said: “We would like to hear the views of local residents and those with an interest in how gambling is regulated in West Lothian to help us update the policy for 2022-2025.

“West Lothian Licensing Board’s gambling policy aims to ensure that any gambling taking place locally is not associated with crime or disorder, is conducted in a fair and open way, and is conducted in a manner which protects children or vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited.”

“The consultation has three parts and has been designed for a wide range of people, bodies and organisations. Responses are welcomed from everyone with an interest, whether they wish to answer just some or all of the questions.”