Gambling Act 2005

The Gambling Act 2005 gives effect to the Government's proposals for reform of the law on gambling. The Act contains a new regulatory system to govern the provision of all gambling in Great Britain, other than the National Lottery and spread betting.

The Act contains three licensing objectives which underpin the functions of the Act. They 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 Act 2005 provides for three categories of licence:

Operating licences
Personal licences
Premises licences

Premises licences will be granted by licensing authorities and may authorise the provision of facilities on:

Casino premises
Bingo premises
Betting premises, including tracks
Adult gaming centres
Family entertainment centres

In addition, licensing authorities are required to prepare, every three years, a statement of the principles which they propose to apply when exercising their functions, and they must publish the statement. The statement, which may also be referred to as a 'policy', can be reviewed and re-published during the three-year period in which it has effect. In preparing the statement, licensing authorities must follow the procedure set out in the Act, including whom they should consult. The current Statement came into effect on 31 January 2010.

More information on the Gambling Act 2005 can be found on the Gambling Commission web site http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/

Here are the current Schedule of Fees.

If you have any queries, please email community.services@westoxon.gov.uk