Local licensing authorities and a newly formed independent body, the Gambling Commission, will be responsible for the licensing of gambling operators and premises from January 2007 onwards following the transitional arrangements and implementation of the Gambling Act 2005.
The new legislation will introduce new functions for St Edmundsbury Borough Council, and will also replace 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 is expected to take full effect from 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 will replace 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 will not incorporate the National Lottery which is subject to separate legislation, but will include regulation of such activities as internet gambling, casinos and bingo.
The newly formed Gambling Commission will be responsible for the licensing of operators and individuals, whilst local licensing authorities will assume 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 new legislation. The licensing objectives are:
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preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime;
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ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and
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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.
For guidance on different application types visit: Gambling Commission website
Application forms are available from Department for Culture Media & Sport website
Notification of 2 or less Gaming Machines or Gaming Machine Permit Applications (PDF 95.0Kb)
for Conversion/New/Variation/Transfer
Gambling Act 2005 - Fees Table (PDF 12.6Kb)
Useful links:
If you have any queries please contact
Licensing Services
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
Borough Offices
Angel Hill
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 1XB
Phone: 01284 757103
Email: licensing@stedsbc.gov.uk
