The Gambling Act 2005 repeals the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, the Gaming Act 1968 and the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976.
The Act contains three licensing objectives that underpin the functions that the Gambling Commission and licensing authorities will perform:
- 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 Gambling Commission has the responsibility for granting operating and personal licences to commercial gambling operators and personnel working in the industry.
Licensing Boards have new powers to license gambling premises within their area, as well as undertaking functions in relation to lower-stake gaming machines and clubs and miners' welfare institutes.
The Act also provides for a new system of temporary and occasional use notices. These will authorise premises that are not licensed generally for gambling purposes to be used for certain types of gambling, for limited periods.
This section contains information on each different type of licence and how to apply.
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