Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is the Licensing Authority pursuant to the Gambling Act 2005 and is responsible for considering a range of licence and permit applications and variations to licences for premises where gambling activities take place. Licensed premises include betting shops, bingo premises, family entertainment centres, adult gaming centres, track betting premises and premises that provide gaming machines.
The council’s aim is to ensure gambling is conducted in a fair and open way whilst ensuring the protection of vulnerable people. The Act has three policy objectives which the council will do its duty to uphold. Each is given equal weight:
Social responsibility remains the top priority - protection of the public, especially children and the vulnerable.
The Act is also supported 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 council has a Gambling Licensing Policy called a Statement of Principles which sets out this authority’s approach to the licensing and administration of gambling licences under the Gambling Act 2005. A copy can be viewed and downloaded below. We recommend that all applicants read this policy before submitting an application.
New applicants are required to undertake and provide risk assessments in respect of the premises licence applications. Guidance on the relevant Local Area Profile for Basingstoke and Deane and producing risk assessments can be found at Appendix E of the Statements of Principles.
The Act introduces a number of safeguards against problem and child gambling such as:
There may be occasions when a customer or local resident is concerned that the policy objectives are not being met by a licensed premises and/or licensees and wishes to report this to the council.
The Licensing Team will investigate and take appropriate action.
View current fees for Gambling Act 2005 licences. Most fees can be paid online through our secure online payments method, please see the relevant licence webpage for further information.
We aim to protect the safety and welfare of people, who may be exposed to risks from the way that licensable activities are carried out, and to protect the interests of those that could be adversely affected by such activities when carried out by unlicensed individuals/companies/organisations.
Occasionally it is necessary for us to take enforcement action where informal approaches do not result in improved standards. The Council has adopted the principles of the Central and Local Government Concordat on Good Enforcement and due regard, where appropriate, will be given to guidance issued by the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulators Services and Department of Culture, Media and Sports.
A copy of the Licensing Enforcement Policy is available by clicking on the link below.
Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 (2024 to 2027)(PDF) [447 kb]
Licensing Team
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