The Gambling Act 2005 came into effect on 1st September 2007. It has repealed previous betting, gaming and lotteries legislation and brings together all of the legislation regulating gambling into one Act, other than the national lottery.
The objectives of the Gambling Act are -
- to prevent gambling from being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime and disorder or being used to support crime;
- to ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and
- to protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
The Act provides for three categories of licence -
- operating licences;
- personal licences; and
- premises licences.
Operating and personal licences are dealt with by the Gambling Commission which has been established under the Act. Further details can be obtained from their website (please see external link on the right). Premises licences can be obtained from the Council, acting as the licensing authority, for the provision of the following types of gambling -
- casino premises;
- bingo premises;
- betting premises, including tracks;
- adult gaming centres; and
- family entertainment centres.
Further information on the requirement to obtain licences can be found on the single page fact sheets produced by the Commission (please see external link on the right).
Separate arrangements exist for notices to be given to the licensing authority for the temporary and occasional use of premises for the purposes of gambling.
Permits are required from the licensing authority for the provision of gaming machines and gaming in clubs and premises licensed for the sale of alcohol and prize gaming. Small lotteries will continue to have to be registered with the authority.
In carrying out its function under the Act, the authority will act in accordance with advice issued by the Commission and its own statement of gambling principles (please see linked documents) .
Application forms and further details can be obtained from the authority Licensing Section by e-mail (please see link in 'related information') or telephoning 01480 388010.