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The Gambling Act 2005 - overview

What sort of licence will I need?

The Gambling Act 2005 introduced a system of three types of licences, backed up by a system of registrations and permissions for smaller events:

Operating licence

This is issued by the Gambling Commission for the following 10 categories (or combinations):

Casino operator
Bingo operator
General betting operator
Pool betting operator
Betting intermediary operator
Gaming machine general operator (for adult gaming centres)
Gaming machine general operator (for family entertainment centres)
Gaming machine technical operator (for construction and installation)
Gambling software operator
Lottery operator

The Gambling Act enables the Gambling Commission to add conditions to an operating licence where appropriate.

An operating licence lasts indefinitely, subject to:

Gambling Commission powers to limit
Surrender
Lapse
Forfeiture
Review (suspension or revocation)

Personal licence

This is also issued by the Gambling Commission and is required for anyone involved in the management or operation of:

The provision of facilities for gambling
A person who provides facilities for gambling

This includes:

Management (director/partner)
Anyone who influences the outcome of gambling
Anyone who receives or pays out money
Anyone involved in the manufacture, supply, or installation of gaming machines

A personal licence lasts indefinitely subject to the surrender, lapse, forfeiture, review and disqualification.

Premises licence

These are issued by the council, subject to the following:

Applicant must hold (or have applied for) the relevant operating licence
Applicant must have the right to occupy the premises
Receipt of a complete application and the correct fee
Compliance with statutory notices