Campaigning law firm MFG Solicitors has welcomed confirmation from the Gambling Commission that hundreds of UK charities will not be breaking the law if they permit live betting at charity race days events run in tandem with occasions such as Royal Ascot.

In June last year MFG Solicitors’ lawyer Alexander Hall leapt into action when a Royal Ascot themed charity race day to be held at Worcester Rugby Club was threatened when Wychavon District Council ruled that it could not allow the event as the Sixways stadium did not qualify as a suitable venue for the use of an Occasional Use Notice (OUN) under the Gambling Act.

Now the Gambling Commission has issued guidance designed to help people understand the complex rules governing non-commercial and private gaming and betting. It is also intended to help commercial organisations who wish to run, for example, work-based lotteries.

The 11-page guidance, Advice on Non-Commercial and Private Gaming and Betting, was released in January and is available on the Gambling Commission website, just in time for the forthcoming race day season, preparations for which are already under way.

Alexander Hall said: “We are delighted that the Gambling Commission has concurred with the views we formed at MFG Solicitors at the time.

“As specialists in regulatory and licensing law we made an urgent request for guidance on the interpretation of the Gambling Act 2005 to the Gambling Commission and it was this action that enabled a major Worcestershire charity day to go ahead as planned.”

But he stressed that organisers of similar events should consider obtaining professional advice and that licensed bookmakers due to assist at such events should also check to ensure they will be operating within the conditions of their licence.

Guests of the national rugby charity Wooden Spoon, St Richard’s Hospice and Worcestershire Ambassadors and Worcester Warriors were able to enjoy a traditional Royal Ascot day out at Sixways, raising thousands of pounds for charities.