The Gambling Act 2005 - overview
What sort of licence will I need?
The Gambling Act 2005 introduced a system of three types of licences, backed up by a system of registrations and permissions for smaller events:
Operating licence
This is issued by the Gambling Commission for the following 10 categories (or combinations):
- Casino operator
- Bingo operator
- General betting operator
- Pool betting operator
- Betting intermediary operator
- Gaming machine general operator (for adult gaming centres)
- Gaming machine general operator (for family entertainment centres)
- Gaming machine technical operator (for construction and installation)
- Gambling software operator
- Lottery operator
The Gambling Act enables the Gambling Commission to add conditions to an operating licence where appropriate.
An operating licence lasts indefinitely, subject to:
- Gambling Commission powers to limit
- Surrender
- Lapse
- Forfeiture
- Review (suspension or revocation)
Personal licence
This is also issued by the Gambling Commission and is required for anyone involved in the management or operation of:
- The provision of facilities for gambling
- A person who provides facilities for gambling
This includes:
- Management (director/partner)
- Anyone who influences the outcome of gambling
- Anyone who receives or pays out money
- Anyone involved in the manufacture, supply, or installation of gaming machines
A personal licence lasts indefinitely subject to the surrender, lapse, forfeiture, review and disqualification.
Premises licence
These are issued by the council, subject to the following:
- Applicant must hold (or have applied for) the relevant operating licence
- Applicant must have the right to occupy the premises
- Receipt of a complete application and the correct fee
- Compliance with statutory notices
More on premises licences
Last updated: 09/10/2024 16:30
