Gambling and betting - guidance

The Gambling Commission has responsibility for operator licences and personal licences for gambling and betting and regulates the National Lottery. 

We issue premises licences and licences for temporary or occasional uses for casinos, bingo and gaming machines. Gambling operators must obtain an operating licence and any relevant personal licences from the Gambling Commission before applying to the council for a gambling premises licence.

Under the Gambling Act 2005. There are three key licensing objectives:

• keeping gambling crime free
• making sure that gambling is fair and open
• protecting children and vulnerable adults.

Our revised gambling policy was published on 30 December 2024 and will come into effect on 31 January 2025 . The policy sets out the principles that the council will apply to promote the licensing objectives when making decisions on the Gambling Act 2005 (GOV.UK) . 

Apply for a gambling and betting licence

The links give you more information if you need it.