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16 December 2005				Draft guidance part 1 issued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17 March 2006				End of consultation on draft guidance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 Janaury 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