General information
The Gambling Act
2005 (external link), which came into effect from 31 January
2007, repealed most of the existing laws relating to gambling in
Great Britain and replaced them with an improved, more
comprehensive structure of gambling regulation. It transferred the
responsibility for the licensing of gaming premises from the
Magistrates to Licensing Authorities and introduced for the first
time, a unified regulator for gambling, the Gambling Commission
(external link). This body replaces the Gaming Board for Great
Britain.
Under the Act the Council is responsible for issuing premises
licences for premises such as casinos, bingo halls, betting
offices, adult gaming centres and licensed family entertainment
centres as well as permits for gaming machines in pubs, clubs and
other alcohol licensed premises.
Licensing Objectives
The Act contains three licensing objectives, which underpin the
functions that the Gambling Commission and the Council, acting as
Licensing Authority, perform. These objectives are central to the
regulatory regime and all the decisions made under it. The
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
Licences
Three types of licence are required by the new Act:
- An operator licence 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.
Operator's licences and personal licences are issued and
regulated by the Gambling Commission, whereas responsibility for
the issue and regulation of premises licences lies with the
Council.
Legislative Repeals
Some functions of Local Authorities and licensing Magistrates were
abolished and reintroduced as functions of Licensing Authorities
under the Act, these are:
- Betting and Gaming Act 1963
- Gaming Act 1968
- Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976
More information
Information from the Government on the regulation of the gambling
industry can be obtained from the Department
for Culture, Media and Sport (external link).