Gambling premises
Under the Gambling Act 2005, we are responsible for licensing premises to provide facilities for gambling.
Types of premises that require a licence from us to provide facilities for gambling include:
- betting offices
- race tracks
- casinos
- bingo halls
- adult gaming centres
- family entertainment centres
In addition, we process temporary use notices and occasional use notices.
A permit is needed to make gaming machines available in licensed premises, make gaming machines available in a member's club or provide facilities for gaming in a member’s club.
Statement of gambling licensing policy
The Licensing Authority is required to prepare and publish a statement of the principles that it proposes to apply when exercising its functions under the Act. The licensing policy statement will last for a maximum of three years but can be reviewed and revised by the Licensing Authority at any time, for instance in the light of feedback from the local community on whether the statutory objectives are being met.
Before determining its policy for any three year period, the Licensing Authority must consult:
- the chief officer of police for the area
- one or more persons who appear to the authority to represent the interests of persons carrying on gambling businesses in the authority’s area
- one or more persons who appear to the authority to represent the interests of persons who are likely to be affected by the exercise of the authority’s functions under this Act
The list of persons to be consulted when preparing the licensing policy statement is deliberately wide to allow Licensing Authorities to undertake a comprehensive consultation exercise with anyone who may be affected by or otherwise have an interest in the licensing policy statement.
Guidance issued by the Gambling Commission suggests that Licensing Authorities might consider consultation with a range of organisations including:
- faith groups
- voluntary and community organisations working with children and young people
- organisations working with people who are problem gamblers
- medical practices or primary care trusts
- advocacy organisations (such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and trade unions)
Other gambling licences
Most types of premises licence under the Gambling Act 2005 will require you to hold an operating licence. Certain members of staff may need to hold personal licences. Operating and personal licences are issued by the Gambling Commission.