Changes in gambling law
Note: This is our original regulation update text, published on 25 July 2007. Unlike the rest of our site, this archived material is not updated if the law changes.
Relevant to
Those who run a business in the gambling sector in Great Britain and also those who run businesses in other sectors which provide gambling facilities as an ancillary activity
Took effect on
1 September 2007
From 1 September 2007, a new regime will replace all existing legislation regulating gambling. It introduces new licences and permits as well as new rules for gambling operators and premises.
For specific information on how the changes will affect your business, contact your local licensing authority or the Gambling Commission.
You will be required to hold one or more new licence or permit if you provide gambling either:
- at a premises
- over the Internet
- on-course
- via the telephone
You and/or your business may need all three categories of licence - operating, personal and premises. There are also several types of permits, typically for low stakes and prize gambling businesses, or those whose primary function is not gambling - eg pubs and clubs.
You must apply to the Gambling Commission for operating and personal licences.
You must apply to your local licensing authority for premises licences and/or permits. However, you can only do so after you have applied to the Commission for an operating licence.
Key dates
To continue uninterrupted operations after 1 September 2007, you must meet specific requirements and key application dates. They include:
- 30 July 2007 for premises licences and certain permits to obtain continuation rights
- 31 August 2007 for premises licences and certain permits to obtain grandfather rights
- 1 October 2007 - pay your first annual fee if your licence was issued before or on 1 September 2007
If you do not meet the deadlines and your applications remain outstanding at 1 September 2007, you will need to stop operating until the applications are determined.
Exceptions
You may not require an operating licence to offer certain gambling and gaming activities that are considered exempt entertainment.
You could qualify for a small-scale operator exemption in relation to personal licences - conditions apply.
- Find information on licences on the Gambling Commission website - Opens in a new window
- Browse the index of leaflets for individual business types on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport website - Opens in a new window
- Find the licence conditions and Code of Practice that apply to your business sector on the Gambling Commission website - Opens in a new window
Full title of regulation
The Gambling Act 2005 and secondary legislation under the Act
From
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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