Gambling Premises Licence

The majority of casinos in Great Britain were established under the previous legislation. There were over 140 casinos, when the Gambling Act 2005 came into operation on 1 September 2007.

The new Act allows for an additional 16 casinos: eight large and eight small. There were over 15 million visits to casinos in Great Britain in 2006/07. The 'drop' (money exchanged for gaming chips) amounted to £4,314 million in the same year.

Casinos offer a variety of approved casino games, such as American roulette and black-jack, as well as games of equal chance, such as poker, in addition to gaming machines.

When introduced, depending upon their classification, the new casinos will be permitted to provide a specified level of betting and bingo facilities.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, casino operators need an operating licence from the Gambling Commission, and the majority of senior management and staff directly involved in the outcome of the gambling will need personal licences.

Non-remote casino operators also need to have been granted a premises licence by the Licensing Authority.

• Gambling Premises Licence Application Form