South Gloucestershire Council

The Gambling Act 2005 regulates the way in which amusements with prizes machines are used.

A permit is required from the licensing authority  to use a gaming machine.

Gaming machines are supplied in different categories, with different amounts for stakes and prizes.  The use is authorised by obtaining a permit from the local authority, as required by the Gambling Act 2005 . Premises eligible to apply to licensing authorities for permits are:

• alcohol licensed premises (under the Licensing Act 2003)
• clubs (commercial and non commercial)
• premises offering commercial prize gambling
• unlicensed family entertainment centres

For information on various types of permits issued under the Gambling Act 2005, please refer to:

• licensed premises gaming machine permits
• club gaming and club machine permits
• prize gaming permits
• unlicensed family entertainment centre gaming machine permits

The exception to obtaining a permit is that in alcohol licensed premises, the holder of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003, is eligible for automatic entitlement to allow the use of up to two Category C machines, by submission of a valid form of notification to the licensing authority.

Automatic entitlement for the use of up to two Category machines is permitted without the need for a permit, provided the premises licence holder (Licensing Act 2003), submits a notification to the licensing authority.

Applicants for gaming machine permits must be aged 18 or over.

Fees

Where applicable, the relevant fee must be submitted with the application.

Further information

Additional information on matters relating to the Gambling Act and its functions can be found on the website for the Gambling Commission or alternatively, please contact the licensing team.