Local licensing authorities and the Gambling Commission are responsible for the licensing of gambling operators and premises.
The new legislation introduced new functions for St Edmundsbury Borough Council, and also replaced some existing functions already carried out by the licensing authorities in England and Wales under the Gaming Act 1968 and Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976. The Gambling Act 2005 took full effect in September 2007.
The Gambling Act 2005 received Royal Assent in April 2005 and the Government believes that the new legislation will both modernise and consolidate the regulation of gambling premises. It replaced three existing Acts of Parliament and sub-ordinate legislation including the Gaming Act 1968, Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 and Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963. It has not incorporated the National Lottery which is subject to separate legislation, but includes regulation of such activities as internet gambling, casinos and bingo.
The Gambling Commission is responsible for the licensing of operators and individuals, whilst local licensing authorities assumed responsibility for the licensing of gambling premises and also issuing of various other registrations, permits and temporary use authorisations.
There are three licensing objectives which underpin the legislation. The licensing objectives are:
- preventing gambling from 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 adults from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
Our Gambling Act 2005 statement of licensing principles is available via the link below.
Useful links:
If you have any queries please contact
Licensing Services
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
West Suffolk House
Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3YU
Phone:01284 757103
Email: licensing@stedsbc.gov.uk
