Gambling Act 2005
The Gambling Act 2005 received Royal Assent on 7 April
2005. The Gambling Act 2005 introduces a new system of
regulation for gambling in this country, which will replace the
current system or regulation set out in the Betting, Gaming and
Lotteries Act 1963, the Gaming Act 1968 and the Lotteries and
Amusements Act 1976.
There will be 3 key licensing objectives:
-
- preventing gambling from being a source of crime or
disorder,
- ensuring gambling is conducted in a fair and open way, and
- protecting children and other vulnerable persons from
being harmed or exploited by gambling;
There will be a two-tier system of licensing to be administered
by The Gambling Commission (established to replace The Gaming Board
of Great Britain) and Licensing Authorities (established within
local authorities).
The Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission will have responsibility for
overall regulation, for issuing guidance to Licensing Authorities
and for issuing operator's and personal licences to
individuals.
Anyone providing facilties for gambling, including remote
gambling, will require an operating licence from the Gambling
Commission and key indviduals in gambling businesses will also
require a personal licence issued by the Gambling Commission.
The Gambling Commission can be contacted at:
Gambling Commission, Victoria Square House
Victoria Square, Birmingham, B2 4BP
Website: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/
Email: info@gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Telephone: 0121 230 6500
The Licensing Authority
The Licensing Authority for this district will be Harlow
District Council. The Gambling Act gives Licensing
Authorities a number of important regulatory functions in relation
to gambling and in preparation for the new Act, Local
Authorities had to develop, consult on and publish a statement of
its licensing policy. The statement sets out principles which
the authority proposes to apply in exercising its licensing
functions under the Act.
The Statement
of Licensing Policy can by viewed by clicking this
link
The main functions of the Licensing Authority are to:
- Issue Premises Licences to anyone using premises to provide
commercial gambling
- Grant permits for gaming and gaming machines in clubs and
miners' welfare institutes
- Regulate gaming and gaming machines in alcohol licensed
premises
- Grant permits to family entertainment centres for use of lower
stake gaming machines
- Grant permits for prize gaming
- Consider occasional use notices for betting tracks
- Consider notices given for the temporary use of premises for
gambling
- Register small societies' lotteries.
Please see links on the left for further information and
application forms for Gambling Act Premises Licences and
Permits.