Gambling licensing

All gambling activities (with the exemption of the National Lottery and spread betting) are regulated by the Gambling Act 2005. Gambling is defined in the Act as either gaming, betting or taking part in a lottery. The type of activities covered by the act includes:

• Betting
• Bingo
• Casino gaming
• Prize gaming
• Use of gaming machines
• Lotteries, raffles

As the Licensing Authority we are responsible for licensing premises where gambling takes place, and provide authorisations to gamble in premises where gambling is not the main activity (for example gaming machines in pubs). The Gambling Commission are responsible for licensing operators and individuals involved in providing gambling and betting facilities.

About permits

Under the Gambling Act 2005 Permits are issued to premises that either offer very low-stakes and prize gaming, or premises whose primary function is not the provision of gambling facilities. We issue the following types of Permit under the Act:

• Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine Permit: A premises providing low state and prize gaming machines that can be played by persons under the age of 18
• Club Gaming and Club Machine Permits: Members clubs wishing to provide gaming machines or high-value gaming in their premises, for the exclusive use of members, can apply for one of two types of permit to allow this
• Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit: Certain premises which are subject to a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 authorising the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises may apply for a permit allowing a stated number of gaming machines to be made available for use within the premises
• Prize Gaming Permit: Allows the playing of games where the organiser puts up the prize in advance. It is not determined by the number of persons playing or the amount paid or raised by the gaming
• Gaming Machine Notification: Certain premises which are subject to a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 authorising the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises are allowed to make one or two gaming machines available for use.

Applying for a permit or notification

Permit and notification applicants and holders are not required to have an Operating Licence issued by the Gambling Commission. All applicants must complete the application form and pay the required fee.

Fees

Details of the fees payable are available on our fees page. In addition to the application fee an annual fee is payable for some permits issued under the Gambling Act in order to keep them active. 

Public Register

The Gambling Commission public register holds the details of all operating licence holders, personal licence holders and premises licences. For details of other licence and permit holders, please contact the Licensing Team.