Gaming machines

The Gambling Act 2005 provides that:

• only those alcohol licensed premises with a bar authorised to serve drinks without food are permitted to make gaming machines available for use
• any club or premise that does not hold a registration or permit should apply to their local authority with immediate effect
• any club registered under Part II of the Gaming Act 1968 will be treated as if it holds a club gaming permit under the 2005 Act, until the registration expires
• any club registered under Part III of the Gaming Act 1968 will be treated as if it holds a club machine permit under the 2005 Act, until the registration expires
• both clubs and premises with a current registration or permit will be required to apply to the local authority for a permit at least two months before the expiry dates, and abide by the Codes of Practice issued by the Gambling Commission.

Takeaway food shops, taxi offices and other non-gambling premises

If your premises does not have an alcohol licence under the Licensing Act 2003 or has an alcohol licence but does not have a bar authorised to serve drinks without food, you are not able to make gaming machines available for use.

Further guidance notes and application forms for gaming machines for clubs and premises licensed under the Licensing Act 2003 can be downloaded below.