Section 89: Remote operating licence
270.This section sets out particular rules applying to a remote operating licence.
271.It is a presumption of a remote operating licence that remote gambling equipment used by the operator in providing facilities for gambling must be located in Great Britain. This is set out in subsection (1). Part 3 contains the definition of remote gambling equipment.
272.Subsection (2) empowers the Commission to depart from this general presumption, in certain circumstances. The Commission may allow an operator to site particular pieces of specified remote gambling equipment off-shore, provided the Commission is satisfied that to do so is consistent with the licensing objectives in section 1. For example, the power could be used in relation to equipment facilitating player to player games which can involve individuals in different jurisdictions being pooled by operators. The matter is one of discretion, for the Commission.
273.Without prejudice to its other condition-making powers, the Commission may establish, or authorise others to establish on its behalf, standards in respect of systems and processes used for remote gambling. These standards will be relevant to the consideration of applications for remote operating licences, made under section 69. The Commission can enforce these standards through licence conditions, including the testing of the operator’s systems, on application and from time to time.