Gambling Act 2005
The Gambling Bill received Royal Assent and became an Act of Parliament on 07 April 2005.
There is a draft timetable for implementing of the Gambling Act 2005 and the Council will work to ensure a smooth transition to the new laws. Existing legislation remains in force for the time being.
| 7 April 2005 |
Royal Assent |
| October 2005 |
Gambling Commission draft statement of principles issued |
| 22 November 2005 |
DCMS draft regulations issued |
| 16 December 2005 |
Draft guidance part 1 issued |
| 27 January 2006 |
End of consultation draft statement of principles |
| 24 February 2006 |
End of consultation on draft regulations |
| 10 March 2006 |
Draft regulations to be laid before parliament |
| 17 March 2006 |
End of consultation on draft guidance |
April 2006-
September 2006 |
Development and consultation of Council policy |
| 1 September 2006 |
Permissions expiring after this date renewed to 31 August 2007 |
| 1 January 2007 |
Advance applications may be made to the Gambling Commission |
| 31 January 2007 |
First appointed day |
| 31 January 2007 |
Advance applications may be made to the Licensing Authority |
| 27 April 2007 |
Deadline for accepting advance applications and 'grandfather' rights |
The Act modernises the law on gambling and provides for a unified regulator for gambling, the Gambling Commission (a link to their website is provided at the bottom of this page). This was formed out of the existing Gaming Board for Great Britain.
It introduces three licensing objectives which underpin the functions of the Commission and the Council.
- 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
- Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling
There are three types of licence:
- An Operator Licence, concerned with the management and conduct of gambling, issued and regulated by the Commission
- A Personal Licence, for persons with key operational functions connected with the gambling business, issued and regulated by the Commission
- A Premises Licence, for the property where the gambling takes place, issued and regulated by the Council.
There will also be changes to the law in relation to amusement with prizes machines and lotteries which the Council already administers.
The first stage of the transition process is developing our policy in relation to gambling. The Council is currently out to consultation on the draft policy document. Below you are able to view the document and a small questionnaire for you to complete and make comments. All comments must be received by the 29TH September 2006.
We will also be developing these pages to give you full information on the new licences and permits and how to apply for them.
Further information is available from the Department for Culture,Media and Sport (DCMS) and Gambling Commission website links at the bottom of this page.
Useful links/Information
Downloadable documents
All documents open in a new window.
Contact Information
For more information please contact the Licensing Team on:
Licensing Team, Capswood, Oxford Road, Denham, Bucks, UB9 4LH
Tel: 01895 837373 or 837325 / 837222
E-mail: licensing@southbucks.gov.uk