Gambling Act 2005. Information and Guidance Notes

The Gambling Act 2005 comprehensively modernises the law on gambling to encompass developments, such as on-line gambling and new generation gaming machines. It establishes the Gambling Commission and creates a new licensing regime. In its passage through Parliament, a number of significant changes were made to strengthen safeguards against problem gambling. The Gambling Act 2005 received Royal Assent on 7^th April 2005.

We are currently implementing the Gambling Act 2005, which comprehensively updates existing gambling laws that are several decades old, providing new powers and protections for both new and old forms of gambling. Some 90% of the Act is about new protections.

The Act has three main aims:

Keeping gambling crime free
Making sure that gambling is fair and open
Protecting children and vulnerable adults

Social responsibility remains the top priority – protection of the public, especially children and the vulnerable.
The Act is also underpinned by close, open and consultative working with all stakeholders – the industry; faith, belief and community groups; researchers; those dealing day to day with problem gamblers.

More about responsible gambling

By September 2007 all current gambling law for Great Britain will be replaced by the new Act.

We have supplied guidance notes to applicants which you can download.
For advice on fees payable for licences and permits please contact the Licensing Team.