Gambling Act 2005 - information and guidance

The Gambling Act 2005 changed the law on gambling to cover online gambling and new generation gaming machines. The Gambling Commission was established and a new licensing regime created. In its passage through Parliament, a number of significant changes were made to strengthen safeguards against problem gambling.

The Gambling Act 2005 came into operation on 1 September 2007 and introduced a change to the way gambling is enforced in the UK. 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.

Statement of Principles

We have responsibility to undertake a number of licensing and regulatory functions in relation to gambling premises. In all our activities we will be guided by the licensing objectives, which are:

Our responsibilities under the Act have been set out in a document called the ‘Statement of Principles, which sets out the general approach to making licensing decisions whilst promoting the three licensing objectives. The Statement of Principles can be viewed below.

The Act is also supported by close, open and consultative working with all stakeholders - the industry; faith, belief and community groups; researchers and those dealing day to day with problem gamblers.

Consultation on the revised Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council are the licensing authority under the Gambling Act 2005.

The Act requires licensing authorities to prepare, every three years, a Statement of Principles which they propose to apply when exercising their functions under the Gambling Act.

The council consulted widely on its revised policy, the consultation is now closed.

The Gambling Commission

The Act provides for the abolition of the Gaming Board and establishing a Gambling Commission to regulate the industry. Specifically, it will:

• regulate and issue licensing for gambling and monitor licence holders
• issue codes of practice for gambling
• investigate and prosecute offences under the Act
• issue guidance to Local Authorities on their role under the Act
• advise the Secretary of State on gambling.

Responsible authorities

We must consult with the responsible authorities on most applications. They can also provide advice to applicants and make representations about applications. Their contact details are as follows:

Licensing Authority
Licensing Team, Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Rd, Basingstoke RG21 4AH
Email: licensing@basingstoke.gov.uk

Planning Authority
Development Control Department, Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, London Road, Basingstoke RG21 4AH
Email: development.control@basingstoke.gov.uk

Public Nuisance and Public Safety
Environmental Health Department, Basingstoke, and Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke RG21 4AH
Email: pollution@basingstoke.gov.uk

Police
Hampshire Constabulary, Licensing Unit, Basingstoke Police Station, Viables Business Park, jays Close, Basingstoke RG22 4BS
Email: force.licensing@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Fire Service
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Service Delivery (Community Safety Delivery), Protection Department, Southsea Fire Station, Somers Road, Southsea PO5 4LU
Email: csprotection.admin@hantsfire.gov.uk Web: Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service website

Gambling Commission
Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B2 4BP
Email: info@gamblingcommission.gov.uk

Child Protection Services
Children's Safeguarding and Reviewing Service, HCC CSD Safeguarding Unit, Falcon House, Monarch Way, Winchester, SO22 5PL
Telephone: 01962 876222
Email: child.protection@hants.gov.uk

Revenue and Customs
Customs and Excise, National Registration Unit, Portcullis House, 21 India Street, Glasgow G2 4PZ. Email: nrubetting&gaming@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

Licensing of gaming machines

There are rules about the licensing of gaming machines in licensed and unlicensed premises.  Please contact the Licensing Team if you have any questions.

Guidance notes and information on fees are supplied for applicants which you can download below.