World News

Gambling Permits in the U.K.

 

U.K. gambling permits haven’t changed significantly in recent years but it’s probably a good idea to refresh our memories occasionally. According to information from the Gambling Commission, there are four distinct permit types issued. These include:
          * Gaming machine permits for alcohol-licensed premises
          * Gaming machine permits for unlicensed family entertainment centres
          * Prize gaming
          * Club gaming permits and club machine permits
Licenses are issued by regional and local gaming agencies that report activity to the Gaming Commission on a quarterly basis.
The first category – alcohol-licensed premises – applies to the general group of pubs that can offer “two category C or D gaming machines.” However, this number may be altered under certain circumstances.
Category two applies to “family entertainment centres” at resorts, airports and “motorway service centres.” These locations can offer category D machines after being licensed by a local authority.
Prize-gaming permits apply to “gaming where the nature and size of the prize available is not determined by either the number of people playing or the amount paid for, or raised, by the gaming. These are generally not available to venues that have an existing license from another category.
Club-gaming permits allow no more than three gaming machines. Poker and games of chance can be offered with certain restrictions. Club-machine permits allow only machine gaming.
The Gaming Commission does not approve permits for vehicles such as trains. Ocean and river vessels may require a premises licence.