The Gambling Act 2005

The Gambling Act 2005 covers providing facilities and using a premises for gambling.

The Gambling Act 2005 covers providing facilities and using a premises for gambling.

This Act has three licensing objectives, which 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
  • protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

We are the Licensing Authority under the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005 and are responsible for the administration and enforcement of Premises Licences, Permits, Registrations and Notices under the Act.

We issue premises licences for bingo, betting, adult gaming centres, family entertainment centres, casinos, horse racing and dog tracks as well as issuing permits for prize gaming, gaming machines in alcohol licensed premises, members clubs and unlicensed family entertainment centres. Local authorities are also responsible for the registration of small society lotteries and process occasional and temporary use notices and provisional statements.

Statement of Principles

Under the Gambling Act 2005, we must prepare a written Statement of Principles, and have regard to the guidance issued by the Gambling Commission. This Statement of Principles sets out how we will carry out its licensing functions with a view to promoting the three licensing objectives.

Application forms

Advice and information

The Gambling Commission provides advice about: