Gambling Act 2005
Under the Gambling Act 2005, Bedford Borough
Council is the Licensing Authority for gambling within the
boundaries of its Borough. The Authority will also
maintain a register of small scale society lotteries.
The Council enforces compliance with the
conditions of licences, permits and notices by undertaking
inspections.
Bedford Borough Council is responsible for issuing the following
authorisations:
Premises Licences for:
- Casinos
- Betting offices and race tracks
- Bingo clubs
- Adult gaming centres
- Family entertainment centre
Permits for:
- Gaming machines in alcohol-licensed premises,
such as pubs
- Gaming machines for members clubs
- Gaming in members clubs
- Unlicensed family entertainment centres
(Category D machines only - i.e. those that have the lowest level
of stakes and prizes)
- Prize gaming
More about permits
- Occasional Use Notices
- Temporary Use Notices
- Provisional Statements
Applications
To download
application forms, please click
here
For a list of responsible authorities under to
2005 Act, please use the link below:
List of
Responsible Authorities for GA2005
For details of the fees associated with authorisations under the
Gambling Act use the link below:
Fees Schedule
GA2005
Policy Statement of Gambling
Licensing Principles
Bedford Borough Council adopted its current statement of
gambling licensing principles (its Licensing Policy) on 28
November 2012. The Licensing Policy was published on 24 December
2012 and became effective on 31 January 2013. You can
access this Statement using the following link:
Statement of
Principles
You can also read the Notice advertising the adoption of the
Statement using the following link:
Notice to Advertise
the Statement of Principles
A copy of the Statement of Principles is also available for
inspection at the Authority’s offices at the Customer Engagement
Centre, Horne Lane, Bedford MK40 1RA during normal office
hours.
Gambling Act 2005
The
Gambling Act 2005 (‘the 2005 Act’) defines gambling as: gaming;
betting; or participating in a lottery. Premises that provide
gambling facilities and do not have an operating licence and comply
with its terms and conditions; or fail to satisfy an exception
under the Act, may have committed a criminal offence, and could be
liable on summary conviction to 51 weeks imprisonment; and/or a
fine not exceeding £5,000 (level 5).
The Council aims to grant applications to provide facilities for
gambling if we consider that the application is:
- reasonably consistent with licensing
objectives;
- in accordance with the Council’s Statement of
Gambling Licensing Principles (see above);
- in accordance with the codes of practice;
- and in accordance with the Gambling Commission
Guidance
The licensing objectives of the 2005 Act are wide ranging and
impact across the community and business sectors, including
justice, education, the social sector, tourism, and economic
development.
INTERNET LINKS:
Gambling
Commission
Department for Culture, Media and
Sport
LACORS