Prepare For Brexit Goverment Tells Gambling Companies

The UK government has issued guidance to gambling companies to help them prepare for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. With the 31st October deadline rapidly looming and no sign of an imminent deal, the government have provided an eight-point checklist to prevent major disruption in the industry.

If a no-deal Brexit goes ahead, the gambling sector has been warned there may be problems with not just employees and worker rights, but also data processing and hardware. Although Boris Johnson’s government is still hoping that a deal can be agreed, ministers are strongly advising companies to get everything in order in case the worst happens.

The impact on staff 

Once Brexit takes place, some staff may need either a work permit or a visa to be able to continue working. Employers in the industry are being urged to check the status of their staff in advance and check whether they need to make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme.

The physical movement of workers will also be barred, and some may find they are not permitted to travel freely into the EU unless they meet tough immigration criteria. This includes individuals in Gibraltar who normally cross into Spain for work.

Accounting and reporting

UK-based betting firms will need to appoint a UK-registered audit company, with any reports given a final sign-off by a UK-registered auditor. Businesses in the UK that provide digital services to the EU will need a named EU representative in order to avoid a hefty fine.

The accounting gets more complex, depending on where the company is registered. However, both EEA regulations for the country of origin and the British UK Companies Act 2006 will need to be complied with.

The fine print of data protection 

The government has indicated that it wishes to continue with GDPR and has told small and medium-sizes businesses that it expects to keep “most” of the present rules. Following Brexit GDPR will be enshrined into UK law to ensure continuity of the same standards.

However, the way in which data is accessed from the EU may need to change in order to comply with the new structure. Companies will need to check their own contracts to make sure Brexit doesn’t make their operation illegal.

Licensed content may present a new problem when being provided outside the UK. Although the government has protected the existing copyright laws to work alongside existing international treaties, changes may be needed to commercial contracts to supply additional permissions.

The full details of advice being provided to gambling companies can be found on the government’s website.