The Gambling Act 2005

Implementation of The Gambling Act 2005

The Act created the Gambling Commission, which is the national regulator for commercial gambling in Great Britain.

The Act sets out three licensing objectives which underpin the functions that the Commission and Licensing authorities perform. These objectives are:

• Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or  disorder,  or being used to support crime;
• Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and
• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

The Gambling Commission Website

It must be noted that public nuisance and public safety are not included in these objectives and the Council cannot take these into account in any representations that may be received when licences are applied for.

Gambling Premises and Permits

The Act created a role for local authorities in licensing gambling premises in their area. The Council is responsible for the following:

• Issuing premises licences for casinos, betting offices and race tracks, bingo clubs, adult gaming centres, family entertainment centres and provisional statements.  
• Issuing permits for gaming machines in members' clubs and licensed premises (fruit machines or amusement with prizes - AWPs), gaming in members' clubs, prize gaming and unlicensed family entertainment centres.  
• The registration of Small Society Lotteries, promoted on behalf of non-commercial societies.  
• Endorses Temporary and Occasional Use Notices.

Gambling Act 2005 Fees

Contact the Licensing team for information on the fees for all Gambling Act 2005 applications.