The Gambling Act 2005 is the new legislation controlling a range of gambling activities. On the 7 April 2005 the Gambling Act received Royal Assent and became an Act of Parliament.

Key dates for the new Act have been outlined by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport. The 1 September 2007 is the target date for the full implementation of the Act.

The period between April 2005 and September 2007 will allow for the formation of the Gambling Commission and the transition of licensing arrangements to Unitary and Local Authorities.

In the meantime, the existing arrangements for the licensing of betting and gaming under the following Acts of Parliament will continue:

• Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963
• Gaming Act 1968
• Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976

The Gambling Act 2005 will repeal these three Acts on the appointed date, sometime around September 2007 (subject to confirmation from government).

For further information visit the Gambling Commission website.

Licensing objectives

There are three licensing objectives underpinning the whole Act:

1. Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime.
2. Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
3. Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

Gambling Act 2005 - Statement of Licensing Policy

You can download our statement of licensing policy on the right hand side of this page