This Order is made under section 1 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. It reduces restrictions on business by allowing the retailing of additional football pools competitions through premises. At present, under section 1 of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 (the 1963 Act), pools competitions may only be retailed through premises where each entry in the competition consists of a forecast as to four or more games of association football to be played on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday. This Order removes the requirement for the games to be played on particular days.

Under section 21(3) of the 1963 Act, the minimum age for participation in betting transactions is reduced from 18 to 16 in the case of pools competitions that may be retailed through premises; accordingly this Order has the effect of extending the pools competitions in which 16 and 17 year olds may participate.

Article 1 of the Order makes provision for its citation, commencement and extent.

Article 2 of the Order amends section 1(4D) of the 1963 Act, with the effect explained above.