Betting, Gambling and Lotteries - The Gambling Act 2005
A New Licensing Regime for Gambling
The Gambling Act 2005 came in to effect on 1 September 2007 and changed the way in which gambling is licensed in this country. East Devon District Council is the Licensing Authority for the East Devon area and works with the new national gambling regulator, the Gambling Commission.
The Gambling Commission issues personal licences, operating licences, statutory guidance and codes of practice and investigates illegal gambling and has prosecution powers. More information about these processes can be found on the Gambling Commission's web site.
The Council, as Licensing Authority, is responsible for determining applications for premises licences in respect of betting offices, race tracks, bingo clubs, adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres. The Council also issue permits for gaming machines in members’ clubs, licensed premises and unlicensed family entertainment centres.
Additionally, the Council is responsible for administering ‘Temporary Use Notices’ and ‘Occasional Use Notices’ and registering Small Society Lotteries (under £20,000 ticket sales).
The new regulatory regime has three licensing objectives:
- 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
The Licensing Authority cannot become involved in the moral issues relating to gambling and must aim to permit the use of premises for gambling in so far as they think it is
- in accordance with any relevant codes of practice;
- in accordance with any relevant Guidance issued by the Gambling Commission;
- reasonably consistent with the Licensing Objectives; and
- in accordance with the Licensing Authority’s Statement of Licensing Policy.
To
enable existing and new operators of gambling businesses to be able to apply for the relevant Premises
Licence and Permits, East Devon District Council has written the “Guide to applying for Premises Licences
and Permits - Gambling Act 2005”. You can 
use this link to download the EDDC Gambling
Act Guidance (172KB - PDF Help).
Further information about the transition arrangements for existing businesses can be found on the Department for Culture Media and Sport web site.
