Laws on gambling have three objectives. These are:
- keeping gambling crime free
- making sure that gambling is fair and open
- protecting children and vulnerable adults
Apart from the National Lottery and spread betting, gaming and betting is regulated by the Gambling Commission, whose duties include licensing the operators and individuals involved in providing gaming and betting facilities.
We are a licensing authority under the Gambling Act and have a duty to:
- licence premises where gambling is to take place
- licence certain other activities (such as registering small society lotteries)
We issue premises licences for:
- betting offices and race tracks
- bingo clubs
- adult gaming centres (AGC)
- family entertainment centre (FEC)
We issue permits for:
- gaming machines in alcohol-licensed premises, such as pubs
- gaming machines for members clubs
- gaming in members clubs
- unlicensed family entertainment centres
- prize gaming
Temporary and occasional use notices
Temporary and occasional use notices authorise premises that are not licensed generally for gambling purposes. It can be used for certain types of gambling for limited periods.
We also issue provisional statements.
Apply for a gambling licence
Contact our licensing department for more information and application forms.
Telephone: 0300 373 3730
Existing Gambling Policy - Statement of Principles
The Gambling Act requires all Licensing Authorities to prepare, consult on and publish a Statement of Gambling Policy every three years. It sets out how the authority will manage the licensing of gambling premises.