The Gambling Act 2005 - overview

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

More on premises licences

Last updated:‎ ‎09‎/‎10‎/‎2024‎ ‎16‎:‎30‎