Gambling Act 2005

The Gambling Act 2005 creates a new system of licensing and regulation for commercial gambling in the UK.

It gives to local authorities new and extended responsibilities for licensing premises for gambling. Some build upon existing responsibilities e.g. gaming machine arcades.  However new responsibilities have been introduced including the licensing of betting, casino gaming and bingo. These were the responsibility of the local licensing Justices.

The overall regulation of gambling in the UK will be the responsibility of the newly created Gambling Commission. 

The Gambling Commission replaces the Gaming Board of Great Britain and will carry out the Board’s former functions in relation to regulating gaming and certain lotteries.  From 2007 the Commission was made responsible for granting operating and personal licences for commercial gambling operators and personnel working in the industry.