The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has said that it intends to amend the UK Gambling Act 2005 to enable the Gambling Commission to share information with the International Olympic Committee as well as other sporting organisations.

At the moment the Gambling Commission can only share information with sports governing bodies as detailed in the Gambling Act. In exceptional situation it may also share some limited information for those not detailed in the act.

The changes are being made prior to the 2012 London Olympic Games. It is expected that various sporting bodies will be added to the list that the Gambling Commission can share information with through a consultation process with the industry.

A spokesperson for the DCMS commented: "The changes will strengthen the ability of the IOC to receive and share information should any threats to betting integrity arise during the course of the Games. It will also ensure a system of best practice in the UK from which others can learn.

"The Government proposes to add both international and national Sports Governing Bodies to parts 2 and 3 of Schedule 6 to better reflect the sports bodies that the Gambling Commission deals with on a regular basis, and to ensure the coverage of the main sports and major sporting events in the UK."