The Gambling Act 2005 comprehensively modernised the law on gambling to encompass developments, such as on-line gambling and new generation gaming machines. It established the Gambling Commission and created 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 7th April 2005.
We have been implementing the Gambling Act 2005 since September 2007. The new Act comprehensively updates existing gambling laws that are several decades old, providing new powers and protections for both new and old forms of gambling. Around 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.
The licensing authority must produce a written statement every three years detailing how it proposes to deal with gambling licensing matters within the borough. A copy of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 can be found by clicking on the document below.
More about responsible gambling
There are also changes to the way that gaming machines are licensed. Please contact the Licensing Team if you have any questions
We have supplied guidance notes to applicants which you can download.
For information on all the fees payable under the Gambling Act 2005 applications please see the attached document below.