The Gambling Act 2005 introduces wholesale changes in how gambling will be licensed in Great Britain. It transfers the responsibility for the licensing of gaming premises from the Magistrates to local authorities, and introduces for the first time, a unified regulator for gambling, the Gambling Commission.
The Licensing Authority will be responsible for issuing Premises Licences and the Gambling Commission for issuing Operating and Personal Licences. Licensing remote gambling falls to the Gambling Commission, via an Operator's Licence.
Gambling Commission:
Victoria Square House
Victoria Square
Birmingham
B2 4BP
www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Tel: 0121 230 6500
Licences:
Under the new Gambling Act 2005 there are three types of licences required. These are:
- An operator licence, which is concerned with the management and conduct of gambling;
- A personal licence, for persons with key operational functions connected with the gambling business;
- A premises licence, for the property where the gambling takes place.
Local Authorities will be responsible for issuing premises licences for casinos, bingo halls, betting offices, adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres. They will also issue permits for gaming machines in pubs, clubs and other alcohol licensed premises.
A premises licence gives permission for a building or part of a building to be used for gambling activities. Particular conditions maybe attached to a premises licence, for instance opening hours and security measures.
The Gambling Commission will be in charge of issuing and regulating operator's licences and personal licences and the licensing of on-line gambling.
Licensing Objectives:
Any decisions, relating to the licensing of Premises for Gambling will be made in accordance with the three licensing objectives set out by the Act, which are:
- Preventing gambling being a source of crime and disorder;
- Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way;
- Protecting children and the vulnerable from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
Statement of Licensing Policy:
The Local Authority has produced a Statement of Licensing Policy that sets out how they intend to exercise their functions under the Gambling Act 2005.
The Statement contains details on how applicants will be expected to meet the licensing objectives, who and how comments can be made about applications (known as representations) and applying for the review of an existing licence.
A copy is also available to read at the Civic Centre and Central Library.
GAMCARE:
(National Association for Gambling Care, Educational Resources and Training)
GamCare provides confidential counselling, advice and information for those affected by a gambling problem.
HELPLINE: Speak to an adviser on Freephone 0808 8020 133, 8am to midnight, 7 days a week.
WEBSITE: www.gamcare.org.uk
Review of Licence:
Notices relating to premises being reviewed will be displayed at the premises and below: