Licensing objectives

The licensing objectives under the Gambling Act are:

• preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime.
• ensuring that gaming is conducted in a fair and open way, and
• protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling

Statement of Principles

This sets out how we propose to exercise our functions under the Act. It is reviewed every three years. The current document took effect on Monday 31 January 2022.

Gambling Act Statement of Principles

Gambling Commission issue

• personal licence - for persons with key operational functions connected with the gambling business
• operator licence - concerned with the management and conduct of gambling

Gambling Commission Guidance to licensing authorities

Licensing Authority issue

Premises licence - for the property where the gambling takes place:

• betting offices
• race tracks
• bingo clubs
• adult gaming centres
• family entertainment centres

An annual fee is required for these licences.

You can make changes to the licence by way of a variation application and you can also transfer the licence to another organisation or individual. A fee is required for both applications.

Responsible authorities contacts

Fees and charges