Gambling Policy

The Gambling Act 2005 states that a licensing authority may "prepare a statement of principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under this Schedule" which "may, in particular, specify matters that the licensing authority proposes to consider in determining the suitability of the applicant for a permit".

Statement of Principles

This licensing authority has prepared a Statement of Principles which is that the applicant should set out the types of gaming that he or she is intending to offer and that the applicant should be able to demonstrate:

• that they understand the limits to stakes and prizes that are set out in Regulations
• that the gaming offered is within the law
• clear policies that outline the steps to be taken to protect children from harm

The licensing authority shall also require (where the applicant is an individual) a 'basic' Criminal Records disclosure dated no earlier than one calendar month on the day the application is received by the Licensing Authority. Holders of operating licences issued by the Gambling Commission are exempt from this requirement.

In making its decision on an application for this permit the licensing authority does not need to (but may) have regard to the licensing objectives but must have regard to any Gambling Commission guidance (Gambling Act 2005, Schedule 14 paragraph 8(3)).

It should be noted that there are conditions in the Gambling Act 2005 by which the permit holder must comply, but that the licensing authority cannot attach conditions. The conditions in the Act are:

• the limits on participation fees, as set out in regulations, must be complied with
• all chances to participate in the gaming must be allocated on the premises on which the gaming is taking place and on one day; the game must be played and completed on the day the chances are allocated; and the result of the game must be made public in the premises on the day that it is played
• the prize for which the game is played must not exceed the amount set out in regulations (if a money prize), or the prescribed value (if non-monetary prize)
• participation in the gaming must not entitle the player to take part in any other gambling