The Gambling Act 2005 received Royal Assent on 7 April 2005 and came into effect on 1 September 2007. The Act repealed the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, the Gaming Act 1968 and the Lotteries and Amusement Act 1976. Gambling is unlawful in Great Britain unless permitted by the measures contained in the Act or the measures contained in the National Lotteries etc. Act 1993 or the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The Act covers all of Great Britain (and where it amends the National Lottery Act, Northern Ireland too).
The Gambling Commission
The Act created a unified regulation for gambling in Great Britain, the Gambling Commission and a new licensing regime for commercial gambling. The Gambling Commission regulates all commercial gambling in Great Britain, except the National Lottery and spread Betting, which is the responsibility of the National Lottery Commission and the Financial Services Authority respectively.
The licensing objectives
There are three licensing objectives which underpin the entire legislation:-
•Preventing Gambling from being 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 people from being harmed or exploited by gambling
Types of licences
There are three types of licence:
•Operating Licences - Issued to gambling premises
•Personal Licences - Issued to those who are either in a senior managerial position e.g. Directors or those who have an ability to affect the outcome of the gambling. eg. Croupiers.
•Premises Licences – Issued for gambling establishments.
Local Authorities
South Hams District Council, as the Licensing Authority, is responsible for determining applications in its area, for premises licences in respect of betting offices, race tracks, bingo clubs, adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres. In addition to licences, there are other forms of authorisation that may allow gambling facilities to be provided on particular premises, for example, temporary and occasional use notices and a number of different permits. Licensing authorities are responsible for these additional authorisations and permissions.
South Hams District Council's Licensing Policy can be viewed or downloaded by clicking below:
Statement of Principles
Gambling Act 2005 explained for local Residents
Fruit Machine Fact Sheet
For further information please contact:
The Licensing Department
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
TQ9 5NE
Telephone: 01803 861234
Email: licensing@southhams.gov.uk
OR
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport
OR
The Gambling Commission
