Gambling premises licence
A gambling premises licence is required for the following activities:
- casinos
- betting offices and race tracks
- bingo clubs
- adult gaming centres
- family entertainment centres
How to apply
There are five different applications related to a gambling premises licence. Please choose and complete the correct application form below:
Application form for gambling premises licence (PDF 33KB)
Application form to vary a gambling premises licence (PDF 33KB)
Application form to transfer a gambling premises licence (PDF 32KB)
Application form for the reinstatement of a gambling premises licence (PDF 30KB)
Application form for a provisional statement (PDF 33KB)
Send completed applications to us at [email protected].
Permits/notices
A permit or notice is required for the following activities:
- gaming machines in alcohol-licensed premises and members clubs
- gaming in members clubs
- unlicensed family entertainment centres
- prize gaming
How to apply
Complete the relevant application form below and pay the fee.
Application form for a gaming machine permit for an alcohol licensed premises (PDF 111KB)
Application form for a club gaming machine permit (PDF 47KB)
Send completed applications to us at [email protected].
How much does it cost?
Fees for all types of licence and permit are included in our schedule of gambling fees (PDF 32KB).
Small Society Lotteries
A non-commercial society that wishes to operate lotteries, in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005, is required to register with the Licensing Authority for the area in which their principal office is located. Registrations run for an unlimited period, unless the registration is cancelled by the Society or the Licensing Authority.
Definition of a non-commercial society
In order for the exemption of a premises licence to apply, the society promoting the lottery must be a non-commercial society. A non-commercial society is one established and conducted for:
- charitable purposes
- the purpose of enabling participating in, or supporting of, sport, athletics or cultural activity
- any other non-commercial purpose, other than private gain
Definition of a small lottery
A small lottery is defined by the Gambling Act 2005 as:
- the proceeds of a single lottery does not exceed £20,000
- the total proceeds of all lotteries held in a calendar year, counted from 1st January to 31 December of the same year, may not exceed £250,000
- during the promotion of a lottery, the total proceeds for the calendar year may not exceed £250,000
- it may not be promoted within the three calendar years after a lottery that exceeds the restrictions set out above.
How to register
Before you register a small lottery licence read our registration guidance for small lottery to help you complete your application.
The application fee for a new registration under the Gambling Act 2005 is £40 and the annual fee is £20.
Fees for all other types of licence and permit are included in our schedule of licensing fees.
Apply and make a payment
Please complete the Application form to register a small lottery
Or to renew, complete the Renewal Application form providing as much detail as possible.
You'll need to submit your application by email to us at [email protected].
You can make a payment for a new application or a renewal here.
The Gambling Act 2005
The Act has three main objectives and it is our duty, as the Licensing Authority granting the licences, to ensure they are met. The objectives are:
- preventing gambling from being a source, associated with or used to support crime or disorder
- ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
- protecting children and other vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation by gambling.
We must aim to permit the use of premises for gambling in so far as we believe it is:
- in accordance with any relevant codes of practice
- in accordance with any relevant Guidance issued by the Gambling Commission
- reasonably consistent with the Licensing Objectives
- in accordance with the Licensing Authority's Statement of Licensing Principles.
Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission is now responsible for issuing operating licences and personal licences for commercial gambling over £250,000 and people working in the industry.
Our gambling policy
Camden’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2023 to 2026(PDF)
Camden’s Local Area Profile (Gambling Act 2005) (PDF)
Camden’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2023 to 2026
The Council is the licensing authority in Camden for the purposes of licensing activity under the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act). Every three years we must publish a statement of licensing policy setting out the principles we will apply when exercising our licensing functions under the Act.
On 17 July 2023, the Council approved the current Statement of Licensing Policy 2023 to 2026. This statement will expire on 16 July 2026.
Enforcement
We will visit your premises to check you are running your business in accordance with the terms of your licence. If you fail to act in accordance with the relevant codes of practice and guidance issued by the Gambling Commission, you are liable to a review of your premises licence or prosecution.