The Gambling Act 2005 gives licensing authorities a number if important regulatory functions in relation to gambling. These include issuing premises licences for casinos, bingo halls, betting offices, adult gaming centres and licensed family entertainment centres; and granting permits for gaming and gaming machines in clubs, unlicensed family entertainment centres, and gaming machines in pubs and other alcohol licensed premises.

The Gambling Act 2005 gives licensing authorities a range of new powers to licence gambling premises in their communities. To assist authorities in this task, and to provide transparency for those wishing to apply to an authority for a permission under the Act, all authorities are required to prepare and publish a licensing policy statement.

Implementation of the Gambling Act -

Key Target Dates

• April 2007 Licensing authorities will accept applications for all licences and permits.
• September 2007 - Old legislation repealed. Operating, personal and premises licences and permits come into effect. Commencement of remaining provisions of the Act, as required.

For further information on the Gambling Act a link is provided to the Department of Culture Media & Sport Website.

New Gambling Act Explained

Councillors: http://www.lacors.gov.uk/lacors/upload/10851.pdf

Residents: http://www.lacors.gov.uk/lacors/upload/10852.pdf

The Gambling Act 2005 will come into force in September 2007. In preparation each licensing authority is required to develop, consult and publish a statement of principles. This statement sets out the principles that the authority proposes to apply in exercising its licensing functions under the Act. The Statement of Principles will last a maximum of 3 years, but can be reviewed and revised by the licensing authority at any time. The Gambling Act aims to promote 3 key objectives to enable more freedom for business operators and customers, whilst clamping down on crime and disorder and protecting children and the vulnerable. The 3 key objectives are:

• Preventing gambling 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