Gambling Act 2005
All gambling activities (with the exception of the National Lottery) in the UK are now regulated under the Gambling Act 2005, including:
- Betting
- Bingo
- Casino gaming
- Prize gaming
- Use of gaming machines
- Lotteries and raffles
Licensing Authorities (who are local Councils) are responsible for determining applications for premises licences for betting offices, race tracks, casinos, bingo clubs and amusement arcades.
Permits for prize gaming and gaming machines in members clubs and licensed premises, as well as registrations of societies promoting small lotteries, will also be issued by the Council.
The Gambling Commission will be responsible for the issue of personal and operating licences, codes of practice and guidance.
The Gambling Act 2005 has three licensing objectives:
- Preventing gambling from becoming a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime.
- Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
- Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
As a Licensing Authority, Lambeth Council is required to permit the use of premises for gambling in so far as it thinks that the use is:
- In accordance with any relevant codes of practice.
- In accordance with any relevant guidance issued by the Gambling Commission.
- Reasonably consistent with the Licensing Objectives.
- In accordance with the Licensing Authority’s Statement of Principles.
The Licensing Authority will not become involved in the moral issues relating to Gambling.
A Premises Licence must be held for any premises where gambling is the primary activity, such as bingo halls, betting shops or amusement arcades. This page contains application forms for Premises Licences under the Gambling Act 2005, and details of the fees involved.
A list of pending applications for Premises Licences made under the Gambling Act 2005.
Details of the different types of permits and notices which can be obtained under the Gambling Act 2005, for premises where gambling facilities would be an ancillary usage.
Societies wishing to promote lotteries or raffles must be registered with the local authority. This page also gives brief details of the other types of lotteries regulated under the Gambling Act 2005.
This page gives advice for local residents and businesses on the range of powers available to them under the Act, including the ability to comment on applications and request reviews of licences.
Statement of principles
Licensing Authorities must publish a statement of principles that sets out the principles that it will apply in exercising its licensing functions under the Gambling Act 2005.
You can download our Statement of Principles here, or request a paper copy by contacting the Licensing Section on 020 7926 6108 or by emailing licensing@lambeth.gov.uk
Our Statement of Principles was approved at the meeting of the Council on 22 November 2006, and public notice of the approval was given following this meeting.