Gambling Act Policy 2025-2028
The Gambling Act 2005, introduced throughout England and Wales on September 1, 2007, provided a new regime for the regulation of gambling and betting.
Gambling and betting is regulated by the Gambling Commission, whose duties include licensing the operators and individuals involved in the provision of gambling and betting, while Licensing Authorities issue licences for the premises where gambling takes place.
The Council is also required to licence other activities, including the registration of small society lotteries and this document sets out how we intend to approach this task.
Under Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 the Licensing Authority is required to prepare a Statement of Principles that it proposes to apply in determining licences, permits and registrations under this Act. This Statement must be published at least every three years, starting from 31 January 2007.
Any decision taken by the Council in regard to determination of licences, permits and registrations should aim to permit the use of premises for gambling in so far as it is reasonably consistent with the licensing objectives.
The principles to be applied specifically to the determination of premises licence applications include definition of premises, location, duplication with other regulatory regimes, promotion of the licensing objectives, conditions, door supervision, layout of the premises and supervision of gaming facilities.
As well as betting premises licences, the council has the ability to issue permits for prize gaming, unlicensed family entertainment centres, temporary use notices, occasional use notices and small society lotteries.
The Council is able to specify the information it requires as part of the application process to aid determination and this is described in the statement.
Enforcement of the legislation is a requirement of the Act that is undertaken by the Council in conjunction with the Gambling Commission.
The policy describes the Council’s enforcement principles and the principles underpinning the right of review.
It should be noted that this statement does not override the right of any person to make an application, make representations about an application, or apply for a review of a licence, as each will be considered on its own merits and according to the statutory requirements of the Gambling Act 2005.
In January 2025 , following a period of consultation, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council approved a Licensing Policy under the Gambling Act 2005 in the form of a Statement of Principles.
The Statement of Principles must be reviewed every three years. Acting as the Licensing Authority, we are responsible for the implementation and administration of certain parts of the Gambling Act 2005. Part of this responsibility is to adopt a 'Policy and Statement of Principles' which must be reviewed every three years.