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Terrorism: Internet

Volume 486: debated on Thursday 15 January 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government takes to prevent gambling internet sites being used by terrorist organisations to raise funds. (247160)

[holding answer 14 January 2009]: The Government are determined to do all they can to prevent funds from reaching terrorists. Operators located in Great Britain who wish to offer gambling through internet websites must apply for a Remote Operating Licence from the Gambling Commission. The Gambling Commission undertakes a strict examination of an operator's suitability before determining their application.

Furthermore, operators licensed by the Gambling Commission who offer casino games through websites form part of the regulated sector covered by the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. These regulations implement the terms of the Third EU Directive on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, and include a duty to verify the identity of customers. A breach could constitute a criminal offence.

The Gambling Commission is the supervisory authority for casinos and operators must act in accordance with the Gambling Commission's guidance on anti-money laundering, The Prevention of Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism—Guidance for remote and non-remote casinos'. This guidance is available at:

http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/Client/media detail.asp?mediaid=326

and a copy will be placed in the House Library. The operators of all gambling websites should ensure their staff are made aware of their duties under the Terrorism Act 2000 for the reporting of suspicious activity relating to terrorist finance offences.