The UK government is planning to hold an international summit on online gambling before the year is out.

The goal will be to devise a set of international standards that can be applied to the industry to promote business while at the same time protecting consumers. Britain was one of the first countries in the world to legalise online gambling.

"The key reason for the 2005 Gambling Act was to regulate new forms of gambling, providing tougher protections for children and the vulnerable," said Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

"But we can only go so far alone. This is a global issue that requires a global solution."

A Culture, Media and Sport spokesman explained that the conference would bring together governments, regulatory agencies and legitimate gambling operators to ensure that consumers are protected and that the market for reputable services can flourish.

Controls are also needed to ensure that organised crime does not move into the online gambling field, that advertising is legal, decent, honest and truthful and that the vulnerable are protected from the consequences of gambling addiction.