Licence - gaming machines
Summary
The
Gambling Act came into force on 1st September 2007 and creates a new regulatory system to govern the provision of all gambling
in Great Britain, other than the National Lottery and spread betting.
The Act removes from the licensing justices all responsibility for granting gaming and betting permissions and introduces for the first time a unified independent regulatory body for the gambling industry, the Gambling Commission. The Gambling Commission regulate the gambling industry and local authorities are responsible for issuing Gambling Premises Licences, Gambling Permits, and other required authorisations.
To operate a gaming machine you may require a licence, permit or give notice to the Licensing Authority.
How to apply for a licence
- Complete the appropriate application form
- Attach any supporting documents as required
- Attach the application fee
Printable forms
Club Permits
Notification and Permits
Further information
Permits are issued to a premise that either offer very low-stakes and prize gambling or a premise whose primary function is not the provision of gambling facilities. Premise eligible to apply to licensing authorities for permits are:
- Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres
- Alcohol Licensed Premises (issued with licences under the Licensing Act 2003)
- Clubs (commercial and non commercial)
- Premises offering commercial prize gambling
Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres
In accordance with the Gambling Act 2005 a premise which is mainly used for people to play on gaming machines, such as small arcades in holiday parks, theme parks and seaside resorts are required to hold a Family Entertainment Centre (FEC) gaming machine permit.
Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres provide category D machines for use by families and unaccompanied children.
These permits will have effect for 10 years, then they should be renewed and there is no annual fee to be paid.
If the operator of a Family Entertainment Centre wants to make Category C machines available, in addition to category D machines, then they need to apply for an Operating Licence from the Gambling Commission and then a Premises Licence from the Licensing Authority. This means that holders of Premises Licences issued under the Gambling Act may not apply for Family Entertainment Centre gaming machine permits.
Alcohol Licensed Premises
These apply to a premise with a Licensing Act 2003 on-premises alcohol licence where alcohol can be sold without food. There is no prescribed limit on the number of machines, but applicants must specify the number they are applying for.
Permits are of unlimited duration unless the holder of the on-premises alcohol licence changes. There is an annual fee of £50.
Two machines or less:
An alcohol licensed premise has an automatic entitlement to make up to 2 category C or D machines available for use without requiring a permit. Any premises wishing to take up this entitlement must complete a Notification form.
Three or more machines:
For a licensed premise wishing to make available more than 2 category C or D machines, the person or organisation who holds the ‘on-premises’ alcohol licence must apply for an alcohol licensed premises gaming machine permit. However, an application may not be made if a premises licence, issued under the Gambling Act, is already in effect at the premises.
Where a Permit authorises the making available of a specified number of gaming machines in particular premises, this will effectively replace, and not be in addition to, any automatic entitlement to two machines as described above.
If you currently hold a permit under Section 34 of the Gaming Act 1968 for 3 or more machines you must apply for a permit under the Gambling Act 2005 before the expiry date of your current permit. If you have 2 or less machines and wish to continue to have the same amount when your current permit expires you must complete the Notification form.
Premises offering commercial prize gambling
Prize gaming is normally applicable to a form of low stake and prize gambling in which neither the nature nor the size of the prize is determined by
- the number of persons playing
- the amount paid for or raised by the gaming.
The prize can be a cash or non-cash prize.
Holders of premise licences under the Act and holders of club gaming permits may not apply for prize gaming permits. Prize gaming permits do not permit the provision of gaming machines.
The permit will have effect for 10 years. There is no annual fee to be paid.
Various forms of prize gaming are permitted as part of many of the other permits and premise licences issued under the Gambling Act 2005. The following premises are authorised by the Act to offer prize gaming, subject to certain conditions, and do not require a separate Prize Gaming Permit:
- Holders of Adult Gaming Centre Premises Licences
- Holders of Family Entertainment Centre Premises Licences
- Holders of Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine Permits
- Travelling Fairs
- Bingo Halls
Clubs (commercial and non commercial)
This information is applicable to holders of Part 2 and Part 3 registration under the Gaming Act 1968, holders of Club Premises Certificates under the Licensing Act 2003 and persons who are considering setting up a club and also offering gaming or gaming machines to members of that club.
There are two kinds of club permit whish can be issued under the Gambling Act 2005, namely a Club Gaming Permit and a Club Machine Permit.
Club Gaming Permit
Club gaming permits may be granted to members’ clubs and miners’ welfare institutes (but not commercial clubs), to authorise the use of up to 3 category B3A, B4, C or D gaming machines (3 machines in total), as well as equal chance gaming and games of chance as prescribed in the regulations.
Holders of a Part II registration under the Gaming Act 1968 will be treated as if they hold a Club Gaming Permit under the Gambling Act 2005. Permit holders will need to apply for a permit under the Gambling Act 2005 before their existing registration under the 1968 Act expires.
The permit will have effect for 10 years and may then be renewed. There is an annual fee of £50.
Club Machine Permit
A Club Machine Permit is for clubs who do not wish to have a Club Gaming Permit. Alternatively, if they are a commercial club not permitted to provide non-machine gaming they may apply for a Club Machine Permit. This permit authorises the use of up to three category B4, C or D gaming machines (3 machines in total).
Holders of a Part III registration under the Gaming Act 1968 will be treated as if they hold a Club Machine Permit under the Gambling Act 2005. Permit holders will need to apply for a permit under the Gambling Act 2005 before their existing registration under the Gaming Act 1968 expires.
The permit will have effect for 10 years and may then be renewed. There is an annual fee of £50.
Holders of Club Gaming Permits or Club Machine Permits should have regard to the Code of Practice issued by the Gambling Commission. The Code of Practice makes reference to conditions for the location and operation of machines and also best practice for self exclusion and for access to gambling by children and young persons.
Annual Fees
A number of registrations and permits require the payment of an annual fee (most due within 30 days of receipt of the licence/permit and annually thereafter). You will be advised in writing of this fee (if applicable).
Related pages on this website
External websites
- The Gambling Commission (external link)
- The Department of Culture, Media & Sport (external link)
- The Charity Commission (external link)
Advice and Support
Contact us
| Officer / Team | Licensing Section |
|---|---|
| Postal address | Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough Leicester LE19 2EP |
| E-mail address | licensing@blaby.gov.uk |
| Telephone | 0116 272 7783 |
| Fax | 0116 272 7596 |
If you need this information in other languages or formats (large print, Braille or audio), please let us know when you contact us.
This page was last updated on 30th December 2009
How do you rate this information / service?