The law on gambling has changed. On the 1 September 2007, the Gambling Act 2005 superseded the following Acts.

• Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963
• Gaming Act 1968
• Lotteries and Amusement Act 1976

Existing licences, registrations, certificates and permits under these pieces of legislation are gradually replaced by Premises Licence and Permits. Most types of gambling or the provision of gaming machines will require a Premises Licence or Permit. However some limited gaming in alcohol licensed premises and club premises, licensed under the Licensing Act 2003 is allowed. Additionally race and casino nights are allowed with some limited controls.

Every premises that requires a Premises Licence will also need an Operators Licence. Many will also require Personal Licences, though there are some exemptions for small operators. Applications for operator and personal licences will need to be made to the Gambling Commission for these licences.

At Torbay Council, as the Licensing Authority we are responsible for Premises Licences and Permits. Those premises that require Premises Licences will have to apply for a new licence. However, there are still ‘grandfather rights’, to convert your existing club registration and some permits.

A document has been produced as an over view to applying for Premises licences and Permits, which explains the remaining transitional period, for conversion applications for some permits and registrations as well as new and variation applications for Premises Licence and Permits. See below. If you only want information on a particular type of application then see that webpage.

The Act also introduces Temporary Use Notices and Lotteries. Lotteries are covered on the Lottery page.

For more information, including individual types of applications, visit the webpages (top left navigation) and view the documents in those sections.

Gambling Premises Licence Guide A guide to applying for a gambling premises licence or permit in Torbay. Last updated: 22/02/2008 (184 KB)

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