Exemptions from Gambling Licences and Permits

The Gambling Act 2005 provides a number of exemptions for certain betting and gaming activities which do not need a licence or permit.

Private Gaming

Gaming is private gaming when:

• It is equal chance gaming

• No charge is made for participation, and

• The gaming is conducted in private, in a place to which the public do not have access

Private Betting

The Act provides for two types of private betting:

• Domestic betting, in a person’s own home

• Workers betting, between persons who all work for the same employer – this included workers sweepstakes

Non-Commercial Gaming

Generally, gaming where the proceeds of the event are not used for private gain (for example for a charity or other good cause) will not require a licence.

Non-commercial gaming is subject to the following conditions:

• All players must be informed that the purpose of the gaming is to raise money for a purpose other than private gain

• Profits from the gaming must be applied for a purpose other than private gain

• The event must not take place on a premises which has a Premises Licence or is being used under a Temporary Use Notice, and

• The gaming must not be remote gaming

Non-Commercial Betting

The Act allows alcohol licensed premises (pubs and clubs) to provide certain forms of low level gaming without the requirement for a licence or permit.

Only premises which have a bar at which alcohol is served for consumption on the premises without a requirement for it to be served only with food will be eligible for this exemption. This will exclude places like restaurants and off licences.

Bingo in Pubs and Clubs

Pubs and clubs are permitted to conduct low turnover bingo without the need for a prize gaming permit. To qualify a slow turnover bingo, the total value of the stakes or prizes must not exceed £2,000 in any seven day period.

Above this limit, bingo becomes high turnover bingo and requires an operating licence and from the Gambling Commission plus a premises licence form the licensing authority.

Gaming in Pubs and Clubs

Gaming facilities may be provided in pubs and clubs subject to the following conditions:

• Facilities must be for equal chance gaming only

• Stakes and prizes must not exceed any limits set by regulations

• No amount may be deducted from amounts staked or won

• No fees may be charged to participate

• Gaming must not take place on more than one set of premises

• Children under 18 must not participate